An underride accident happens when one vehicle slides below another. One of the most common examples of this is when a small passenger car slides under the trailer of a semi-truck.
These are very dangerous accidents that often lead to spinal cord injuries, head injuries, traumatic brain injuries and even death. Below are three things that make them so dangerous, as opposed to other types of accidents.
1. They are often impossible to avoid
Many times, these accidents happen when a semi turns in front of a smaller car. The driver in that car may find it virtually impossible to avoid a collision with the truck’s trailer. Even if they hit the brakes, they can’t slow down in time, and the other vehicle is too big to swerve around.
2. There is a big weight difference
Additionally, there’s a major weight difference between vehicles, which significantly impacts an auto accident. Those in smaller vehicles are always more likely to suffer serious injuries. Remember that a semi-truck that is fully loaded can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – vastly more than any passenger vehicle on the road today.
3. The impact point is relatively high
Finally, the impact point is going to be relatively high on the passenger car. For instance, rather than hitting the bumper and the crumple zones, allowing the steel frame to keep passengers safe, the leading edge of the tractor-trailer is going to strike the front windshield. This renders some safety systems less effective and increases the odds of head injuries.
Have you been injured or lost a loved one in an underride accident? You may be able to seek financial compensation.