Any type of truck accident can be incredibly risky and life-threatening. Underride car accidents carry an even higher level of risk because of the amount of potential injuries they can cause to victims. If you have been involved in such an accident, and you have significant injuries and losses, working with an experienced underride accident in Nashville can be critical. Talk to a Nashville truck accident attorney at Selvidge Injury Law about your case today.
What Is an Underride Accident?
An underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle collides with a large tractor-trailer truck from the rear. When this happens, a portion of the car or the entire car can slide under the tractor-trailer. In some situations, the entire car can wind up under the back of the trailer, creating a serious, life-threatening incident.
These accidents can happen for many reasons, including in situations where either driver is distracted, intoxicated, or driving in a reckless manner. They often cause serious injuries because of the impact between the top of the car and the bottom of the truck.
Underride Accidents Happen Often in Nashville
Truck accidents occur throughout Tennessee, and Nashville is often a hub for many companies. These types of accidents frequently happen with 18-wheeler tractor-trailers and other tractor trailer trucks.
It is common to see these trucks on any of the state’s routes, including I-65, I40, and I-24, among others. These trucks often happen on high-speed highways throughout the state, and occur if drivers do not slow down when traffic slows or stops. However, when these trucks enter the Metro Nashville area as a result of needing to visit retailers and other distribution centers, there is an increased risk of accidents on the interstates and highways, but on other major streets throughout the city
When a passenger car or SUV slams into a truck that suddenly switches lanes on the interstate, the risk of injuries is incredible. There is often very little the passenger car driver can do in time to avoid such a devastating accident.
Common Injuries in Underride Accidents in Nashville
When an underride accident occurs, the driver of a car following the truck (or coming at the truck from the side) can suffer a significant number of injuries. Some examples include:
Unfortunately, many of these accidents end in fatalities, with the passenger of the vehicle losing their life due to the impact of the much larger truck. If you can show that the driver of the truck or the trucking company itself is responsible for the underride accident that resulted in the death of a loved one, then a wrongful death claim is possible..
Stop Underrides Act
In 2017, Congress passed the Stop Underrides Act, which is a law aimed at reducing the number of such accidents occurring across the country. This law requires that trucks have guards placed on the rear of the truck to prevent such accidents from occurring. Most companies are required to install them, but not all do.
Call Selvidge Injury Law Today
If you or your family member was involved in an underride accident, it is critical that you work with a truck accident attorney to navigate your rights. At Selvidge Injury Law, our Nashville truck accident attorney will provide you with a free consultation to discuss your case.
