Some semi-truck collisions are the result of driver mistakes. Others have to do with vehicle maintenance issues. Underride collisions may result from either of those risk factors.
Underride collisions occur when passenger vehicles strike the trailer of a semi-truck. There are rear underride collisions and side underride collisions. Both have the potential to cause the destruction of the smaller vehicle. Underride collisions can potentially cause catastrophic, if not fatal, injuries.
Truck drivers and transportation companies can take specific steps to reduce the likelihood of an underride crash occurring. What can prevent underride collisions?
Checking blind spots carefully
Collisions are sometimes the result of a truck driver merging into a lane of traffic already occupied by a smaller passenger vehicle. While it can be difficult to check blind spots, making a diligent effort to do so can significantly reduce the risk of a side underride collision or a rear underride collision that occurs because a truck driver cuts off an approaching passenger vehicle.
Investing in the best guards
Current federal regulations do not make side underride guards mandatory. Trucking companies can invest in these guards to protect others in traffic and limit the company’s potential liability.
They can also invest in better rear underride guards, which are technically mandatory. Unfortunately, the federal standards do not mandate the best and most effective guards. Companies that install appropriate guards and properly maintain their vehicles can potentially reduce the risk of underride collisions.
When preventable underride crashes have tragic or injurious results for others, those affected by the collision may need to take legal action. Filing a lawsuit or a commercial insurance claim may lead to compensation after a preventable semi-truck wreck.
