Semi trucks and 18-wheelers sit much higher than most other automobiles, which puts motorists at risk of underride accidents. These accidents occur when vehicles actually slide under the bottom clearance of the truck. The force of the accident strikes the upper-half of the vehicle, striking motorists around the head and neck. Injuries associated with these accidents can prove particularly devastating.
To prevent these incidents, truck drivers are legally required to install a certain amount of underride protection on their trucks. If they fail to do so, leading to your accident, you can fight back. Contact the St. Louis insufficient underride protection attorneys of the Finney Law Office by calling 314-646-0300 today to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable advisor.
The Dangers of Underride Accidents
Underride accidents can occur on both the sides and rear of a truck’s trailer. The clearance of the trailer may be too high for many passenger vehicles to hit bumper-to-bumper; instead, the smaller car can slide under the trailer. Colliding with this section of a truck can result in severe head and neck injuries, as there is little protection for a driver in these areas.
Underride Protection
It is important that truck drivers add several different safety measures to help prevent these underride accidents. A truck driver can provide basic underride protection through the following additions:
- An underride bar on the rear of the truck
- Lighting that runs around the sides of the truck and trailer
- Reflective tape on the rear and sides of the truck and trailer
If a truck does not have this important safety gear, you should not be the one to suffer.
Contact Us
If you have been harmed because of a negligent truck driver or trucking company, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. For more information regarding your rights and options if you have been injured in an underride accident, contact the St. Louis insufficient underride protection lawyers of the Finney Law Office today at 314-646-0300.