Underride truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions. So much so that the federal government put together a committee and a pamphlet about these accidents. These catastrophic events occur when a smaller vehicle collides with a large truck or trailer and slides underneath, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. In College Station and Bryan, Texas, where vast networks of highways and a booming trucking industry intersect, the risk of these accidents is a growing concern.

An underride accident can happen in seconds, but its consequences can last a lifetime. The passenger compartment of the smaller vehicle may be crushed or sheared off, rendering standard safety features like airbags and crumple zones ineffective. Victims of these accidents often face life-altering injuries, and many do not survive the impact.

As experienced personal injury attorneys, The Payne Law Group has seen firsthand the tragic outcomes of underride collisions. These accidents pose unique challenges regarding prevention, liability, and legal recourse, and we are prepared to walk you through them all. 

Types of Underride Accidents

Underride accidents can occur in several ways, presenting unique dangers and challenges. In Texas, where large trucks are common on our highways, understanding these different types is crucial for safety awareness and legal considerations.

Rear Underride Collisions

Rear underride accidents are the most common type. They occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the back of a truck or trailer, sliding underneath. These accidents often happen when:

  • A truck stops suddenly or is moving slowly
  • A truck’s taillights or reflectors are faulty or obscured
  • Poor visibility conditions exist, such as fog or heavy rain
  • A car driver is distracted or following too closely

Despite federal regulations requiring rear guard rails (also known as ICC bars), these safety devices can fail or prove inadequate in high-speed collisions.

Side Underride Collisions

Side underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the side of a truck or trailer. These are particularly dangerous because:

  • Trucks often lack side guards, leaving ample open space beneath the trailer
  • They can occur at intersections, during wide turns, or when a truck changes lanes
  • The impact point is often directly at the passenger level

Side underride accidents are less common but often more fatal than rear underride collisions.

Front Underride Collisions

While less frequent, front underride accidents can occur when a truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, causing it to go under the truck’s front end. These accidents are more common with cab-over truck designs, where the cab sits directly above the engine.

Each type of underride accident presents unique challenges in terms of prevention, vehicle design, and legal liability. In Texas, where trucking is a major industry, addressing all forms of underride risk is crucial for improving road safety.

Understanding your case’s specific type of underride accident is essential for building a strong legal strategy; our experienced team of lawyers can help. 

Causes of Underride Accidents in Texas

Underride accidents in Texas result from a complex interplay of factors, many of which are unique to our state’s driving conditions and trucking industry. Understanding these causes is crucial for prevention and determining liability in accident cases. Some of the most common causes are as follows. 

Poor Visibility

  • Nighttime driving on poorly lit Texas highways
  • Severe weather conditions common in Texas, such as heavy rain, fog, or dust storms
  • Glare from the sun, particularly on east-west routes during sunrise and sunset

Truck Driver Negligence

  • Sudden stops or slow driving, especially on high-speed highways
  • Failure to use proper signaling when changing lanes or turning
  • Driver fatigue, often due to long hauls across Texas’s vast territory
  • Distracted driving, including the use of mobile devices

Inadequate or Faulty Underride Guards

  • Poorly maintained or damaged rear guards
  • Absence of side guards, which are not mandated by federal law
  • Underride guards that fail to meet safety standards or are inadequate for high-speed impacts

Passenger Vehicle Driver Error

  • Tailgating or following too closely
  • Distracted driving 
  • Misjudging stopping distances, especially at highway speeds
  • Attempting to pass trucks in unsafe conditions

Road Conditions Unique to Texas

  • Long, straight stretches of highway that can lead to driver inattention or fatigue
  • High-speed limits on many Texas highways increase the severity of impacts
  • Heavy truck traffic 
  • Sudden traffic congestion

Vehicle Maintenance Issues

  • Faulty brakes on either the truck or passenger vehicle
  • Worn tires lead to reduced traction, especially in wet conditions
  • Malfunctioning lights or reflectors on trucks, reducing visibility

Understanding these causes is essential for preventing future accidents and building strong legal cases for victims. The Payne Law Group thoroughly investigates each case to identify all contributing factors and ensures that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Prevention Measures

Preventing underride truck accidents is a critical concern for road safety in Texas. While these accidents can be devastating, several measures can be implemented to reduce their occurrence and severity. Here are some prevention strategies:

  • Improved underride guard designs: This can also be coupled with regular inspection and maintenance.
  • Enhanced truck visibility: Using things like reflective tape increases visibility.
  • Public awareness campaigns: Educate passengers on the dangers of tailgating trucks and promote safe driving practices.
  • Enhanced truck driver training: Equip drivers with more rigorous training with a focus on preventing underride accidents. 
  • Technological solutions: Things like collision avoidance systems and automatic emergency braking systems can effectively prevent these accidents. 
  • Improved road design and maintenance: Constant advocacy for better lighting, clear signage, and warning systems could decrease underride accidents.

Implementing these prevention measures can help significantly reduce the number and severity of underride accidents on Texas roads.

The Payne Law Group: Your Advocates in Underride Truck Accident Cases

Underride truck accidents represent some of the most devastating collisions on Texas roads. The physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families can be overwhelming. These cases involve complex legal and technical issues, from determining liability to understanding the latest safety regulations and prevention measures. At The Payne Law Group, we are committed to providing expert legal representation for victims of underride truck accidents across Texas. 

If you have been involved in an underride truck accident in Texas, don’t face this challenging time alone. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process, from investigation to negotiation and, if necessary, litigation. We’ll fight tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
Your road to recovery starts here. Contact us today, and let’s take the first step together.