If you or a loved one have experienced an underride truck accident in Arizona, we strongly encourage you to reach out to a skilled Phoenix injury attorney with experience handling commercial truck accident cases as soon as possible. Underride truck accidents often result in complex vehicle accident claims, particularly when the trucking companies and their insurance carriers get involved.
Define Underride Truck Collisions
Underride truck collisions occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a larger commercial truck during a crash. These types of accidents are particularly dangerous because the impact often crushes the upper portion of the smaller vehicle, leading to severe or even fatal injuries and wrongful death for the occupants. Unlike other types of collisions, underride accidents can result in the roof of the smaller vehicle being sheared off entirely, making survival unlikely without catastrophic injuries.
Underride collisions are most common in scenarios where there is a significant difference in height between the smaller vehicle and the commercial truck, such as when a semi-truck stops suddenly or is improperly parked on the roadside. These accidents can happen whether the truck is moving or stationary, and the results are often devastating.
What are State or Federal Regulations Regarding Underride Guards?
To help prevent underride accidents, both state and federal regulations have been established requiring large trucks to be equipped with underride guards. These guards are metal bars installed at the rear and sides of commercial trucks designed to prevent smaller passenger cars from sliding underneath the truck during a collision.
- Federal Regulations. The FMCSA requires all commercial trucks to have rear underride guards that meet specific safety standards. These regulations require the guards to be installed at a certain height and strength to effectively stop a vehicle from sliding underneath the truck.
- State Regulations. While Arizona follows federal regulations regarding underride guards, the state also has additional safety requirements that may apply depending on the type of truck and the cargo it carries. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring that each truck under their control complies with these safety standards, and failure to do so can result in severe penalties and liability in the event of an accident.
Despite these regulations, not all trucks on the road are properly equipped or maintained with functional underride guards, leading to the continued risk of these catastrophic accidents.
Can You Recover Compensation After an Underride Collision in Arizona?
If you or a loved one have been involved in an underride truck accident in Arizona, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Medical Expenses. Victims of underride accidents often face extensive medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical needs. Compensation should cover all current and future medical expenses related to the accident.
- Lost Wages. If your injuries prevent you from taking on your work duties for a time, you may recover compensation for lost wages during your recovery period. Additionally, if your ability to work in the future is impacted, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering. The physical pain and emotional trauma resulting from an underride accident can be profound. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the non-economic damages you have endured, including emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Property Damage. Compensation may also cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
It is crucial to work with an experienced truck accident attorney in Phoenix who understands the complexities of underride truck accidents and can navigate the legal challenges involved. At Sargon Law Group, we are committed to helping victims and their families secure the compensation they deserve after such a traumatic event.