An underride accident is a type of car accident where one vehicle ends up getting pinned below the other. There’s often a large discrepancy in size between the two vehicles, with one of them being much taller than the other. This traps the smaller vehicle – and the people within it – which can lead to severe injuries and can delay the medical care they get from emergency responders.
There are many different ways underrides happen. Often, it’s when a large vehicle cuts in front of a smaller vehicle. These accidents can also happen when a smaller vehicle rear-ends a larger one, or when the smaller car gets hit from behind at a stoplight.
For example, a convertible may be driving down a city street when a semi-truck driver, not seeing the convertible, makes a left turn in front of that vehicle. The convertible then strikes the trailer and gets pinned underneath the steel frame. Additionally, this type of accident could happen if the semi-truck doesn’t stop in time and rear-ends the convertible, as the cab may be tall enough to cause an underride accident.
Severe medical costs
Underride accidents often lead to neck injuries, head injuries, brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. These are all very serious and can lead to severe medical costs. Many people involved in underride accidents pass away. Even those who survive may need extensive medical care for months or years to come. On top of that, the injuries could lead to a loss of earning capacity and significantly change their future income.
For all of these reasons and more, those who have been injured in underride accidents caused by other drivers need to be well aware of the legal options they have to seek financial compensation.
