Truck Override and Underride Accident

Two common types of tractor-trailer accidents are override and underride accidents. Both are extremely damaging and can be fatal. However, they have clear differences.

Understanding the distinction between these accidents matters when pursuing compensation. If you or someone you love was in a truck override or underride accident, contact a truck accident attorney today.

What Are Truck Override Accidents?

In a truck override accident, a commercial truck runs over a passenger vehicle in front of them. This might be due to a mechanical failure, poor road conditions, weather and visibility, or the driver’s negligence.

More specifically, common causes of truck override accidents include:

Brake failure
Foggy weather
Speeding
Changing lanes without proper signaling
Defective tires
Truck tailgating
The passenger vehicle driver stopped unexpectedly

Any car accident can be devastating. However, truck override accidents are especially prone to causing catastrophic injuries and wrongful death.

What Are Truck Underride Accidents?

In a truck underride accident, the smaller passenger vehicle slides under the commercial truck’s rig. These accidents may occur if the passenger vehicle driver was following the truck too closely or if they were unable to see it properly.

More specifically, common causes of truck underride accidents include:

The truck failed to have tail lights or brake lights
The truck driver changed lanes without signaling
The truck driver parked on the shoulder without proper lights
The truck driver backed up before checking for other vehicles
The truck didn’t have reflective tape

While underride and override truck accidents are different, both can have catastrophic consequences.

Steps to Take After a Truck Override or Underride Accident

After you’re in a truck override or underride accident, take the following steps to improve your chances of securing compensation.

1. Evaluate Yourself and Others for Injuries

The first thing you must do is assess everyone for injuries and take any reasonable measures to help injured parties.

2. Call the Police

Next, call the police. When they arrive, they’ll fill out an accident report that you can later use as evidence. This is one of the primary ways insurance companies determine fault.

3. Collect Evidence

If you can, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Collect contact information from any witnesses. This will be helpful when pursuing compensation. If you’re physically unable to do this, ask someone else to do it on your behalf.

4. Seek Medical Attention

It’s likely that after a truck underride or truck override accident, you’ll have substantial injuries. Seek immediate medical attention. These medical records will also act as evidence when seeking compensation.

5. Contact a Truck Accident Attorney

Finally, seek legal representation. Truck accident attorneys help you collect more evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and file a personal injury claim. Personal injury cases are complex, and you need a professional to guide you through this process.

Damages You Can Collect for a Truck Override or Underride Accident

When you’re in a truck override or underride accident, you can collect damages for your losses. Economic damages account for your tangible losses, like medical bills and property damage. However, truck accidents are emotionally traumatic, too. Noneconomic damages account for pain and suffering, PTSD, and other intangible losses.

If the court finds the truck driver guilty of intentional tort or gross negligence, you may also pursue punitive damages.

Pursue Truck Accident Compensation With Experienced Attorneys

Truck override and underride accidents have different causes and may result in different injuries. Regardless, you can seek compensation if you’ve been in any type of truck accident. A truck accident attorney from Leaser Law Firm will help you pursue your desired compensation.

Differences Between a Truck Override and Underride Accident