Trucking Accidents
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UNDERRIDE TRUCKING ACCIDENTS IN SAN FRANCISCOWhat Is An Underride Accident?
Underride accidents are the most common type of non-collision trucking accidents that we come across at The Scarlett Law Group. An “underride accident” is an umbrella term that encompasses any collision where a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer of a speeding, slow-moving, or stalled commercial motor vehicle. These accidents are incredibly dangerous because a smaller vehicle can get crushed, pinned, and even dragged by a trailer.
There are three types of underride accidents:
- Front underride collisions
- Rear underride collisions
- Side underride collisions
When an underride accident occurs, there is a 90% chance that the occupants in the passenger vehicle will be killed. In fact, in most incidents, the roof panel of the smaller car is flattened, penetrated, or completely sheared off. Consequently, a survivor usually sustains catastrophic injuries that necessitate lifelong medical treatments and a variety of therapy services. If you were injured in a non-collision trucking accident, our firm can assist you in taking legal action against the at-fault party.
Ready to begin filing your injury claim? Call (415) 352-6264 for a complimentary consultation!
Why Do Underride Accidents Occur?
There are over 25,000 truck accidents in California each year. Many of these collisions are caused by reckless truck drivers who are forced to engage in risky behaviors just to meet unrealistic corporate deadlines. Since 2000, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been trying to regulate the trucking industry, but with little success; so far, it hasn’t been able to stop the greedy business choices that result in deadly equipment failures, overload accidents, rollovers, and, of course, underride accidents.
Common Causes Of Underride Accidents
Underride accidents can occur for many reasons. We will carefully investigate the details of your underride accident in order to determine if any of the following factors played a role:
- Truck driver fatigue
- Reckless driving decisions, such as speeding or abrupt braking
- Drunk driving
- Faulty mechanical issues, such as underride guard failure
- Poor truck maintenance, such as broken taillights or worn-out brakes
Underride Accident Statistics
When an underride accident occurs, there is a 90% chance that the occupants in the passenger vehicle will be killed. In fact, in most incidents, the roof panel of the smaller car is flattened, penetrated, or completely sheared off. Consequently, a survivor usually sustains catastrophic injuries that necessitate lifelong medical treatments and a variety of therapy services.
According to NBC News, “government statistics show that more than 200 people are killed this way every year, gruesome deaths that experts say could be prevented if trucks were required to have side guards to deflect cars.” In 2017, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety determined that underride guards could reduce injury by 75%.
What Compensation Can I Recover In An Underride Accident?
Filing an injury claim with our help can result in the maximum compensation you need to feel at ease with your financial situation after an underride trucking accident.Compensation can include:
- Lost current and future wages
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Pain and suffering
We know how to create strong and results-driven strategies for our clients. After all, we have successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation over the years, inside and outside of court.
Do I Have A Case?
If you’d like to speak with an attorney, fill out the form below or call us at (415) 352-6264 or (800) 262-7576 (Toll Free)
To learn more about how we can protect your rights, please contact our San Francisco office.
Common Injuries Sustained In Underride Accidents
One of the most devastating injuries that an underride accident survivor can sustain is known as traumatic brain injury (TBI). This condition is caused when a jolt or blow to the head disrupts the normal function of the brain, resulting in a medley of physical, cognitive, and behavioral side effects.
The following symptoms and side effects tend to accompany a TBI diagnosis:
- Cognitive issues and disabilities
- Behavioral changes
- Brain death
- Emotional recognition problems
- Communication issues
- Coma
- Seizures
- Blood vessel damage
- Paralysis
- Depression and anxiety
- Cognitive degeneration
Understandably, many underride accident victims struggle to afford their escalating injury-related expenses, especially when their respective conditions prevent them from holding gainful employment. If you find yourself in this position, it’s critical that you contact an experienced truck accident attorney as quickly as possible.
Who Can Be Liable In An Underride Accident?
Because multiple parties can be held accountable for a single truck accident, your legal team may need to negotiate with several insurance providers to obtain a favorable settlement. This may sound like a daunting prospect, but you don’t want to accept a lowball settlement offer just to avoid the negotiation process. This may sound like a daunting prospect, but you don’t want to accept a lowball settlement offer just to avoid the negotiation process.
You may have grounds to file a claim against the following parties:
- The trucking company
- The trucker
- The cargo company
- The truck manufacturer
At the Scarlett Law Group, our award-winning legal team can investigate your case, calculate your claim’s maximum value, and negotiate with the defendant’s insurance provider on your behalf.
Pursuing Compensation For Injured Victims Since 1988
Being involved in a trucking accident is traumatic enough—being seriously injured is even more traumatic and painful. As you try to come to terms with what has happened, it can be difficult to know how to proceed. We will remain at your side to guide you until your case is finalized in the most favorable and timely manner possible.
Since 1988, Attorney Randall H. Scarlett has been protecting the rights of injured victims in San Francisco, CA. Under his well-versed direction, our legal team of San Francisco catastrophic injury attorneys has the resources and insight required to handle even the most complex personal injury cases. We regularly consult with a network of specialists when working on personal injury matters.
For more information about our high-caliber legal services, please do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest convenience.