Commercial trucks are enormous. When a crash happens, drivers and passengers almost invariably bear the brunt of the impact. The National Safety Council (NSC) reports that approximately 5,000 people are killed in tractor trailer accidents nationwide each year. Many tens of thousands more are seriously injured. Underride accidents are one of the most dangerous types of large truck accidents. Here, our Galt truck accident attorney explains the key things that injured victims should know about underride accidents in California.
What is a Truck Underride Accident?
A truck underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle―usually a passenger car—slides under the rear or side of a large commercial truck or trailer during a collision. Common factors contributing to underride accidents include poor visibility, lack of underride guard design, and sudden stops by the truck.
Why Underride Accidents in Galt, CA are So Dangerous
Underride accidents in Galt, California, are especially dangerous. The size and weight difference between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle can result in catastrophic damage and injuries, with the passenger vehicle’s occupants often bearing the brunt of the impact. In many cases, the roof of the smaller vehicle may be crushed or sheared off, exposing the occupants to severe head and neck injuries or even decapitation.
How Big Truck Companies Can Do More to Prevent Underride Crashes
Truck companies can take several steps to reduce the risk of underride crashes. First, they can invest in better-designed underride guards, which effectively block smaller vehicles from sliding underneath the truck or trailer. Upgraded guards have been shown to significantly reduce the severity of underride accidents.
Truck companies can also provide regular training for their drivers, emphasizing defensive driving techniques and proper vehicle maintenance. Lastly, promoting the use of advanced safety technologies such as automatic emergency braking systems, rearview cameras, and lane departure warnings can help drivers avoid collisions and minimize the risk of underride accidents.
Recovering Compensation for an Underride Accident in Galt
Victims of underride accidents in Galt may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, including for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more. To recover compensation, the injured party must prove that the truck driver or the trucking company was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident.
Our Galt, CA truck accident lawyers fight tirelessly to help injured victims maximize their recovery in underride accident claims. We are prepared to thoroughly investigate your underride crash to ensure that you have access to all of the evidence that you need to prove liability and secure justice.
Contact Our Galt, CA Truck Accident Attorneys Today
At Redkey Gordon Law Corp, our Galt commercial truck accident lawyers are skilled, aggressive, and justice-focused advocates for injured victims. If you or your family member was hurt in a truck underride accident, we can help. Contact us today for a no cost, no obligation case review. Our law firm handles truck accident injury claims in Galt and throughout all of Sacramento County.