Truck Accidents and Under-ride Collisions
Trucking accidents cause life changing injuries, and can cost a victim their livelihood. People hurt in truck accidents and under-ride collisions typically suffer devastating injuries that require extensive surgery and a lifetime of ongoing medical care or therapy services.
Serving clients in Holly Hill, FL and surrounding areas, the law firm of Chanfrau & Chanfrau seeks the maximum amount of recovery for victims in these tragic cases by first looking to the culpable driver, and examining the role played by the trucking industry as a whole.
Trucking accidents are governed not only by personal injury laws, but also by a specialized set of regulations for the profession. When those regulations are not followed, the trucking company may bear some responsibility for the accident.
What Is a Trucking Accident Under-ride Collision?
When a passenger vehicle is struck by a commercial or other large truck and ultimately ends up underneath the truck, the accident is referred to as an under-ride collision. As you can imagine, this type of trucking accident is one of the most dangerous types of accidents and is associated with a high rate of fatalities.
Victims of these accidents may be entitled to compensation for damages, ranging from any amount of lost or diminished income, emotional damages, property damage costs, medical care expenses for treatment and surgeries required immediately after the accident, and the costs associated with ongoing medical care or rehabilitative needs.
What Causes a Truck Accident and Under-ride Collision?
As with any car or truck accident, an under-ride collision is caused by the negligent or reckless driving pattern of another. In a truck accident where an under-ride has occurred, likely causes include:
- Failure to yield: Truckers must operate their rigs in a safe manner, which includes keeping a watch out for other motorists. When a truck driver begins to change lanes and fails to see cars alongside the truck, a side under-ride can happen.
- Lack of safety warnings: Things like flashing lights and reflective materials are used on trucks so they are more easily seen by passenger drivers. When those safety warnings and features are lacking, a driver may not see a truck in time to miss driving under the rig.
- Excessive speed: The sheer size and weight of a truck makes any collision more forceful, particularly when the truck is traveling at an excessive rate of speed. If that is the case, a passenger car may not be seen. It is also possible for a trucker to slow from a fast speed too quickly and create an environment where a car drives under the truck and passengers suffers injuries from a rear end under ride.
Many times these accidents are fatal, leaving loved ones wondering where to turn for help. A knowledgeable attorney can help you file a lawsuit and hold responsible parties accountable. If trucking standards such as time logs and hours on the road were not met, the trucking company itself may be liable, in addition to the truck driver.
Help for Truck Accidents and Under-ride Collisions
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, we can help. Chanfrau & Chanfrau is a family-owned firm with strong ties to the community. Contact us online or call us today at (866) 610-0653 in Daytona Beach or at (386) 439-7760 along the Palm Coast.