Truck Underride Accidents In Florida
Among the most dangerous types of accidents are truck underride accidents. A truck underride accident happens when a passenger vehicle slides under the body of a truck. A truck underride accident can have devastating effects. Usually, such accidents result in either death or severe injuries. According to the United States Government Accountability Office, from 2008 to 2019, an estimated 219 people died from truck underride accidents.
Truck underride accidents include rear and side underride collisions. The latter occurs when a passenger vehicle crashes into the side of a truck and then slides under the truck. On the other hand, a rear underride collision happens when a passenger vehicle crashes into the rear of a truck and then slides under the truck. A side truck underride accident can occur, for example, when there is an incoming passenger vehicle and a truck crossing onto a street or making a U-turn. On the other hand, a rear truck underride accident can occur, for example, in a situation where a truck is parked at the side of the road.
Common Causes of Truck Underride Accidents
Truck underride accidents can occur because of negligence and even when negligence is not involved. For example, weather conditions can play a part in a truck underride accident. A passenger vehicle can spin out of control and slide under a truck if the road is snowy or slippery.
Below are some of the negligent acts that can result in a truck underride accident;
- Failure to use underride guards or use of improper or outdated guards
- Failure to use suitable lighting
- Failure to conduct proper truck maintenance
Guards are steel bars that hang from a truck to prevent a passenger vehicle from sliding underneath the truck when a crash occurs.
Who Is Liable in a Florida Truck Underride Accident?
Fortunately, you can recover compensation from an at-fault party if you get injured in a truck underride accident because of another party’s negligence. Different parties can be held responsible in a truck underride accident. Depending on the situation, a truck driver could be held liable. For example, if a truck driver changed lanes without signaling, they could be held liable. The truck driver’s employer or truck company can also be held responsible.
Establishing liability after a truck underride accident can be complicated. For example, it can be difficult to establish liability after a truck underride accident if more than one party is at fault. Also, establishing liability after a truck underride accident can be complicated because several complex theories, such as the vicarious liability theory, are involved in truck accident cases. If you don’t understand these theories, you might experience a hard time trying to establish liability. Because of the complexities associated with establishing liability after a truck underride accident, it is crucial that you retain a skilled attorney if you were in a truck underride accident.
Legal Help Is Available
If you or a loved one was in a Florida truck underride accident, contact one of our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm to receive help with your claim. We can help you hold an at-fault party or at-fault parties accountable and recover fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, Bradenton, and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
gao.gov/assets/gao-19-264.pdf
