What Is an Underride Accident?

Underride accidents are among the most fatal types of crashes on the road, with over 300 deaths reported annually. These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath, becoming lodged. The top of the smaller car is often sheared off in the collision, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Since 1998, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has required rear guards on trucks to prevent underride accidents from behind. While rear guards have been effective in reducing these crashes, they deteriorate over time, becoming less effective. Unfortunately, there are currently no federal requirements for side guards, leaving drivers vulnerable to underride accidents involving the sides of trucks.

How Underride Accidents Occur

It may seem logical to assume the driver of the smaller car is at fault for an underride accident, especially in rear-end collisions. However, many underride accidents occur due to negligence by truck drivers, trucking companies, or other parties.

Common causes of underride accidents include:

  • Hazardous road conditions: If the truck driver brakes suddenly due to a hazard ahead, trailing vehicles may not have enough time to react and can slide underneath the truck.
  • Faulty truck lights: Malfunctioning brake or signal lights can prevent other drivers from knowing that the truck is slowing down or turning. In such cases, liability may fall on the truck driver for failing to replace the lights or on the manufacturer for a defect.
  • Sudden braking or failure to signal: Truck drivers who brake abruptly or fail to signal a turn can cause trailing vehicles to collide with the truck. Improper training, reckless behavior, or disregard for traffic laws often play a role in such scenarios.

Injuries from underride accidents are often catastrophic, including crushing injuries, amputations, broken bones, internal organ damage, and psychological trauma. These injuries can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, leading to permanent disability or even death.

What Compensation Do You Get After an Underride Collision?

Victims of underride accidents and their families may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work or inability to return to previous employment.
  • Pain and suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
  • Disability-related expenses: Costs for medical equipment, home modifications, and personal assistance.
  • Funeral expenses: For families who lose a loved one, compensation may cover burial and funeral costs.
  • Loss of consortium: Compensation for the emotional and relational losses experienced by the victim’s family members.

Our team will carefully evaluate your case to ensure all potential damages are accounted for in your claim.

How Long Do You Have to File an Underride Accident Claim?

In Indiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. This deadline is outlined in Indiana Code § 34-11-2. If you fail to file your claim within this timeframe, you may lose your right to recover compensation.

There are exceptions to this rule, such as cases involving minors or government entities, which may have different deadlines. Consulting with an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible ensures that all deadlines are met, preserving your ability to pursue justice.

What Do Underride Truck Accident Lawyers Charge in Indiana?

At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we believe that financial concerns should never prevent victims from seeking justice. That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means:

  • No upfront costs: You pay nothing out of pocket to hire our firm.
  • We only get paid if you win: Our fee is a percentage of the compensation we recover for you.
  • Free consultations: We offer an initial consultation at no cost to evaluate your case and discuss your legal options.

Our approach ensures that every victim has access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

Call Our Firm for Representation

Underride accidents often leave victims and their families facing immense physical, emotional, and financial challenges. From medical bills and lost wages to funeral expenses and long-term care costs, the burdens can feel insurmountable.

Image generated by custom shortcode At Christie Farrell Lee & Bell, we understand what’s at stake for your future. With decades of experience and a proven track record, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Don’t entrust your case to a firm without results or dedication—choose a team that has been standing up for Indiana’s injured since 1993.

When negligence causes a truck accident, the injured deserve justice. Call our Indianapolis underride accident lawyers today for a free consultation at 317-488-5500.