At Bernard Law Group, we understand the complexities of these accidents and the immense impact they can have on victims and their families. As experienced Seattle underride truck accident lawyers, we are committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Underride Truck Accidents
Underride truck accidents typically happen when a passenger vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a commercial truck, causing the smaller vehicle to become trapped underneath the truck’s trailer. These types of accidents are especially dangerous because they often involve severe head injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatalities due to the lack of protection for vehicle occupants.
Statistics Highlighting the Severity of Underride Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), underride crashes contribute to 500 to 600 fatalities each year in the U.S. This means approximately two people per day are losing their lives in these incidents.
The IIHS also reports that rear underride guards, designed to prevent vehicles from sliding under trailers, are not always required or adequately maintained, leading to preventable tragedies.
Our team of underride truck accident attorneys in Seattle is well-versed in the unique challenges posed by these accidents, and we have the experience necessary to handle the intricacies of these cases.
You Were Hurt. We Can Help.
Over $500 Million recovered for our past clients. Let us help YOU! Call 24/7 for your FREE injury consultation.
Common Causes of Underride Truck Accidents
Underride truck accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving the truck driver’s negligence and external factors.
Some common causes include:
- Truck driver negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, or failure to maintain proper visibility can all lead to underride accidents.
- Inadequate underride guards: Federal law requires trucks to have rear underride guards, but side underride guards are not mandatory in all cases. This leaves vehicles vulnerable to side-impact collisions.
- Poor lighting or visibility: Insufficient truck lighting, especially in adverse weather conditions or at night, can prevent other drivers from seeing the truck in time to avoid a collision.
- Improper truck maintenance: Faulty brakes, broken taillights, and other maintenance issues can increase the risk of an underride accident.
When you work with us, we investigate the details of your case to determine the exact cause of the accident and who is responsible for your injuries. As your Seattle accident lawyers, we are committed to holding negligent truck drivers and companies accountable for their actions.
Washington State Trucking Laws and Federal Regulations
Washington State and federal laws regulate the trucking industry to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires large trucks to have rear underride guards, but as mentioned earlier, side guards are not yet mandatory across the board.
Washington State Law on Commercial Vehicles
In Washington, trucks must adhere to specific safety regulations to reduce the likelihood of accidents, including underride crashes. These laws require regular truck maintenance, proper lighting, and weight and size limits compliance. A trucking company or driver violating these regulations can result in devastating underride accidents.
At Bernard Law Group, we know how to navigate the complexities of both state and federal laws. Our semi-accident attorneys in Seattle, Texas, are prepared to fight for your rights, no matter how complex your case.
Who Is Liable in an Underride Truck Accident?
Determining liability in underride truck accidents can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible for the crash.
Possible liable parties include:
- Truck drivers: If the truck driver was speeding, driving recklessly, or failing to follow federal regulations, they may be liable for the accident.
- Trucking companies: If the company failed to maintain the truck properly, violated safety regulations, or pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines, they could be held accountable.
- Manufacturers: The manufacturer could be liable if faulty underride guards or other defective truck components contributed to the accident.
Our underride truck accident attorneys in Seattle will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and build a strong case on your behalf.
What to Do After an Underride Truck Accident
Taking immediate action is crucial to protect your rights if you or a loved one has been involved in an underride truck accident. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Get medical care immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may not be apparent right away.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the police, as they will document the scene and create an official accident report.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle. If there were witnesses, get their contact information.
- Contact an Attorney: Contact a Seattle underride truck accident lawyer immediately. The trucking company will likely have a team of attorneys working to minimize their liability, and you need strong legal representation.
At Bernard Law Group, we offer a free consultation to review your case and discuss your options. Let us take on the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
The Compensation You May Be Entitled To
An underride truck accident can leave you facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and a long recovery. We will fight to secure full compensation for:
- Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and any future medical costs associated with your injuries.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and the psychological impact of the accident should be compensated.
- Property damage: If your vehicle or other personal property was damaged in the accident, we will pursue compensation to cover repair or replacement costs.
- Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one in an underride truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more.
Our Seattle accident lawyers are here to ensure you receive the financial compensation you need to move forward.
Why Choose Bernard Law Group?
We understand that you have many options when choosing a Seattle accident lawyer, but at Bernard Law Group, we offer a level of dedication and experience that sets us apart.
Here’s why clients trust us:
- Experience: We have decades of experience handling complex truck accident cases, including underride truck accidents.
- Proven Results: Our team has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for truck accident victims and their families.
- Client-Focused Approach: We prioritize your needs and provide personalized attention to every case we take.
- No Fee Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
Contact an Underride Truck Accident Attorney in Seattle Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in an underride truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you reach out to us, the stronger your case will be. At Bernard Law Group, we are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free consultation with an experienced Seattle underride truck accident lawyer. Let us help you get your life back on track.
