Each year, thousands of people are injured in motor vehicle crashes with 18-wheelers. One of the many reasons that crashes with heavy commercial trucks are so deadly is the potential for underride. Underride occurs when a passenger vehicle is able to enter the space underneath a commercial trailer. Underride can occur both at the rear of an 18-wheeler and along its sides. Underride allows for the occupant cabin of a car to be flattened or sheared, which can crush or decapitate the occupants. Underride may also be an issue when an 18-wheeler is involved in a crash with a bicyclist, a pedestrian, or a motorcyclist.
As far back as 1953, regulations have required some type of underride guard. Despite these regulations, some trucking companies don’t use underride guards or don’t use guards that are adequate. A robust, adequate, and safe underride guard is an inexpensive way to save lives and prevent injuries. They should be used by all trucking companies, all of the time.
If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered wrongful death in an 18-wheeler crash or a commercial vehicle crash, please contact Cunningham Bounds at (251) 471-6191 for a free, no-pressure evaluation of your case. Our Mobile, Alabama personal injury lawyers have a proven track record in cases involving commercial trucks.