Commercial trucks are a lot longer and heavier than other vehicles on the road. They’re a lot taller, too. The maximum height for a commercial truck is generally 13 feet 6 inches, though some states allow trucks up to 14 feet in height to travel their roads. That’s in stark contrast to the height of your average car, which is typically between 4 to 5 feet.
Trucks aren’t just taller. They sit higher off the ground, too. Given the size difference of the vehicles, this matters, especially when they’re traveling near one another. There are times when a small car can get caught underneath a large commercial truck. These truck accidents, known as override and underride accidents, can be catastrophic.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an override or underride truck accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced Round Rock truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights and options.
What Is an Override Accident?
An override accident occurs when the front end of a large truck drives over a smaller passenger vehicle. The smaller vehicle can become trapped under the tractor-trailer’s front end and be dragged as the truck comes to a stop.
Override truck accidents tend to happen when:
- Trucks tailgate smaller vehicles and don’t leave enough room to stop safely
- Truck brakes fail
- Truck drivers are distracted and aren’t able to react quickly enough to brake before driving over a stopped vehicle in front of them
- Truck drivers fall asleep at the wheel, which prevents them from hitting the brakes for stopped or slowed traffic
- Drivers of smaller cars pass and overtake a large truck without leaving adequate space between the vehicles
- Truck drivers operate at unsafe speeds
Override accidents can also happen if truck drivers have difficulty braking safely because their trailers are overloaded or if the vehicle suffers from certain defects.
What Is an Underride Accident?
An underride accident occurs when the front end of a small car gets caught underneath the back end or side of a commercial truck. In an override, the front end of the truck runs over the smaller vehicle. In an underride accident, the front end of the smaller car (or the entire vehicle) is driven or forced underneath the truck.
Underride accidents can happen when:
- Drivers tailgate a large commercial truck
- Truck drivers brake improperly
- Trucks aren’t equipped with properly working lights and signals
- A truck changes lanes improperly or unsafely
- Trucks are backed up improperly or without warning
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires most large trucks to be outfitted with rear impact guards or underride guards, which limit the potential for underride accidents. However, not all trucks are subject to these requirements, and not all trucking companies comply with federal safety regulations. Underride accidents are more likely to happen when underride guards are missing, damaged, or placed improperly.
Contact a Round Rock Truck Accident Attorney After an Underride or Override Accident in Texas
In override and underride truck accidents, a small vehicle gets caught underneath a much larger tractor-trailer or semi-truck. Occupants of the smaller car tend to suffer serious, often life-changing, catastrophic injuries in these types of accidents, including crushing injuries, amputated limbs, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Many override and underride truck accidents are fatal.
If you’ve been hurt in an override accident or underride accident in Round Rock, TX, or if you’ve suffered the wrongful death of a loved one in a serious truck accident, you have rights. Dow Law Firm can help. Our Round Rock truck accident lawyers are ready to help you take on the negligent truck driver and the trucking company in pursuit of a substantial monetary award.
Don’t hesitate to call our truck accident attorneys in Round Rock at (512) 240-9951 or complete our online form for a free consultation.