Large commercial trucks play a vital role in the economy, but they also pose serious risks to drivers in smaller vehicles. One of the most devastating and often overlooked types of truck crashes is the underride accident. These collisions are a hidden danger that can lead to catastrophic injuries or loss of life.
At my practice, the Law Office of Jack M Shapiro, PC, I’ve seen how quickly a routine drive can turn tragic when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a large truck.
As a Buffalo Grove, IL truck accident lawyer, I work with clients and their families who are left to cope with the aftermath of these preventable incidents. Understanding what causes underride crashes—and how victims can pursue compensation—is essential to improving road safety and securing justice.
What Is an Underride Accident?
An underride accident happens when a smaller vehicle collides with a large truck and becomes trapped beneath the trailer. Because the trailer’s underside sits higher than the hood of most cars, the top of the smaller vehicle can be sheared away, causing devastating injuries to anyone inside.
Underride accidents are typically divided into two categories:
Rear underride collisions: These occur when a car crashes into the back of a truck or trailer, often because the truck stops suddenly or lacks adequate rear-impact protection.
Side underride collisions: These happen when a car slides underneath the side of a moving or turning truck, which can occur at intersections or during lane changes.
Both types can result in fatal injuries. Survivors often face head trauma, spinal damage, or long-term disability.
Why Underride Accidents Are So Dangerous
Unlike most passenger-vehicle collisions, underride accidents bypass many of the safety features designed to protect occupants. Airbags and crumple zones are ineffective when the point of impact is above the vehicle’s reinforced frame.
When a car becomes lodged under a trailer, the roof can collapse and the windshield area may be crushed instantly. Even at lower speeds, the results are often catastrophic. As a truck accident lawyer, I’ve worked with victims who experienced lifelong consequences—medical complications, paralysis, or the loss of a loved one—because of this structural vulnerability.
Contributing Factors to Underride Crashes
Underride collisions are rarely caused by a single mistake. Instead, they often involve multiple factors, such as:
Poor visibility: Trucks without reflective tape or properly functioning lights are difficult to see at night or in bad weather.
Sudden stops or slow speeds: Drivers approaching too quickly may not realize the truck ahead is moving slowly or stopped until it’s too late.
Improperly parked trucks: A tractor-trailer stopped on the shoulder without warning lights or reflective markings creates a severe hazard.
Unsafe turns or lane changes: When a truck moves across traffic without adequate signaling, smaller vehicles can strike the side of the trailer.
Inadequate underride guards: Weak or missing guards fail to prevent cars from sliding underneath.
Any of these issues can create a dangerous situation. Investigating them thoroughly is essential to determining who is at fault.
Federal Safety Regulations
The federal government, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), requires most large trucks to have rear underride guards. These are steel bars mounted beneath the trailer’s rear edge, designed to block smaller vehicles from sliding underneath.
However, side underride guards are not universally required in the United States, despite research showing their potential to prevent serious injuries. Some trucking companies install them voluntarily, but many do not.
At my practice, I often review whether a truck involved in a crash met all federal and state safety standards. If a missing or defective underride guard contributed to the accident, that failure can become a critical point in a personal-injury or wrongful-death case.
Determining Liability in Underride Accidents
Establishing liability in an underride crash can be intricate because multiple parties may share responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following may be liable:
The truck driver: For unsafe driving, abrupt stops, or failing to use proper lighting or reflective markings.
The trucking company: For poor maintenance, improper loading, or failure to install underride guards.
Manufacturers: For defective guards, lighting systems, or other components.
Cargo loaders or contractors: For overloading or improper weight distribution that affects braking or visibility.
A skilled truck accident lawyer investigates every possible factor, including maintenance records, driver logs, and surveillance footage, to identify all responsible parties.
Common Injuries in Underride Collisions
The injuries from an underride crash are often catastrophic due to the impact’s severity and the way the vehicle is crushed. Victims may experience:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage or paralysis
Crushed or amputated limbs
Internal bleeding and organ trauma
Severe lacerations and fractures
Psychological trauma or post-traumatic stress
These injuries require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Victims may also face lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and emotional suffering.
How Evidence Is Gathered
Proving fault in an underride accident requires careful investigation and documentation. At the Law Office of Jack M Shapiro, PC, I take a detailed approach to evidence collection. Examples include:
Police and accident reports: Official documentation of the crash scene and any citations issued.
Photographs and videos: Images showing vehicle damage, skid marks, and the trailer’s condition.
Black box data: Information from the truck’s electronic logging device (ELD) revealing speed, braking, and driver hours.
Maintenance records: Evidence of how well the truck and trailer were serviced.
Witness statements: Testimonies from bystanders, other drivers, or first responders.
Collecting and analyzing this evidence is often key to proving negligence and obtaining fair compensation.
Preventing Underride Crashes
While some underride collisions are unavoidable, many can be prevented through stronger safety measures and more responsible driving. Both trucking companies and motorists can take important steps.
For trucking companies:
Maintain reflective tape, lights, and warning triangles.
Install and regularly inspect underride guards.
Provide driver training focused on defensive driving and visibility awareness.
For passenger-vehicle drivers:
Keep a safe distance from large trucks.
Avoid driving in a truck’s blind spots.
Use extra caution at night or in low-light conditions.
Never cut in front of a truck or stop suddenly after passing.
By following these guidelines, everyone can reduce the risk of an underride collision on Illinois roads.
The Impact of Insurance Companies
After a serious truck accident, insurance companies often become involved quickly. Adjusters may contact victims soon after the crash, offering quick settlements that fail to cover long-term needs.
It’s important not to accept any offer or sign documents before speaking with a qualified truck accident lawyer. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts, and their initial offers rarely reflect the true cost of medical bills, rehabilitation, and future care.
My office handles all communication with insurers, making sure that clients’ statements aren’t misused and that negotiations remain fair.
The Legal Process After an Underride Accident
When someone is injured in an underride crash, the legal process typically follows several steps:
Initial consultation: I review the facts, explain your legal rights, and outline possible options.
Investigation: Evidence is gathered, witnesses are interviewed, and liability is assessed.
Filing the claim: A demand is submitted to the insurance company or responsible parties.
Negotiation: I work to achieve a fair settlement that covers medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
Litigation (if necessary): If settlement negotiations fail, I prepare the case for trial to pursue full compensation.
Throughout the process, my goal is to make sure that clients are informed and empowered every step of the way.
Compensation for Victims
Victims of underride accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Medical expenses and hospital costs
Lost wages and future earning potential
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Vehicle repair or replacement
Wrongful-death damages for surviving family members
As a truck accident lawyer, I focus on building comprehensive claims that account for both immediate and long-term damages.
Reach Out Today
At my practice, the Law Office of Jack M Shapiro, PC, I represent people in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and throughout the surrounding areas. As a dedicated personal injury lawyer, I help clients understand their rights, uncover the causes of underride accidents, and pursue compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. No one should face the consequences of a trucking company’s negligence alone, and I’m committed to standing beside every client from start to finish.
