According to a report from Click2Houston, one person was killed after a tragic commercial truck accident in North Houston. A preliminary investigation by police indicates that a sedan ran a red light and then struck the side of an 18-wheeler’s trailer. The vehicle got lodged underneath the tractor trailer. Two other occupants of the car were hospitalized with serious injuries.
Truck underride accidents remain a serious public safety concern. These types of collisions occur when a standard-sized vehicle crashes into the side or rear of a trailer and becomes lodged underneath. In this article, our Houston truck accident lawyers highlight the key things to know about truck underride accidents in Texas.
Truck Underride Accidents a Disproportionately Dangerous
18-wheeler underride accidents involve a smaller vehicle sliding underneath the trailer of a large commercial truck. These accidents can happen in a wide range of different circumstances. The two categories of truck underride accidents are: Rear underride collisions and side underride collisions. Sadly, truck underride crashes are disproportionately likely to result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Depending on the nature of the accident, it may be very difficult to dislodge the small vehicle in a timely manner. Victims can become trapped under the weight of a large truck.
Underride Collisions are Largely Preventable (Truck Companies Can Protect People)
While underride collisions are extremely dangerous, the good news is that these accidents are largely preventable. By installing adequate underride guards on large commercial trucks, truck companies can dramatically reduce the number of underride crashes. Although the risk cannot be completely eliminated with an underride guard, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that most underride guards reduce the risk of a passenger car being lodged under the truck. A well-constructed underride guard can save lives.
Federal Regulations: Rear Underride Guard Required, Side Underride Guard Optional
Commercial trucks that are subject to federal safety regulations must have a proper rear underride guard in place. As explained by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), trailers being pulled by commercial trucks in interstate commerce must have a rear safety bar installed. Trucking companies can further reduce the risk of an underride accident by equipping its trailers with side underride guards. However, there is currently no federal highway safety requirement in place mandating the use of side underride guards on trailers. Although required in some European countries, side underride guards are an optional safety feature in the United States.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Houston, TX, Truck Accident Lawyer
At the Kolodny Law Firm, our Houston truck accident attorneys are aggressive, relentless advocates for injured victims and their family members. If you or someone you know was severely injured in a crash with a commercial truck, we are more than ready to help you fight for justice and financial support. Contact our law firm now to set up your no cost, no commitment consultation. We represent truck accident victims in Houston and throughout all of Southeastern Texas.
Alan Kolodny is committed to representing injured clients in Texas and throughout the United States. Alan earned his B.A. from Rice University and his J.D. from Southern Methodist University.
He focuses his practice on representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases involving the following matters: maritime and offshore accidents, including those under the Jones Act; automobile and 18-wheeler truck accidents; and industrial site accidents, work-related accidents, and claims for injured railroad workers under the Federal Employers’ Liability Act.
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