Underride Accident

18-wheeler accidents often cause the most severe injuries. That’s no surprise. But it is surprising that otherwise identical collisions with 18-wheelers in Europe often have very different results. Though a biker here might be pulled under the tires, a biker in Europe just bounces off. Why such a life or death difference?

In much of Europe, 18-wheelers and large commercial vehicles are required to shield the space between the axels. In the U.S., we’re not. You’re thinking, “I’ve seen trucks here with that.” No, the shield you see in America is only there to improve gas mileage. It doesn’t protect cars and motorcycles. We know because we’ve been on the cutting edge of efforts to force the same change here that protects those on the roads overseas.

Vehicle accidents may all seem the same. There is a collision, either with an object or between vehicles. Does it really make a difference if it’s a truck or a car? In some cases, the level of injury and damage is roughly the same, but underride accidents are completely unique to 18-wheelers. An underride accident is exactly what it sounds like. A car accidentally drives or slides under a truck, causing incredible damage to the car and catastrophic injury, or, very often, death, to the driver and passengers.

We at The Lenahan Law Firm know the trauma underride accidents cause all too well. Rarely do the people in the car make it out without devastating injuries. The size difference between trucks and cars make rear-end collisions incredibly dangerous as cars can partially fit beneath trucks, which can tear off the top half of the car. When two vehicles of the same general size rear-end each other, it usually just results in a dented bumper. Underride accidents, however, usually end in fatality.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an underride accident, The Lenahan Law Firm may be able to assist. Our outstanding track record shows just how dedicated we are to our clients. Contact us at (214) 295-1008 today to see if we can help you get the justice you deserve.