Naples Truck Underride Accident Lawyer
Commercial trucking accidents are less common than everyday “fender benders.” But truck accidents are often far more catastrophic in terms of injury and loss of life. One reason for this is the risk of underride accidents.
An underride accident refers to a situation where a smaller passenger vehicle “slides” underneath a taller vehicle such as an 18-wheeler. There are supposed to be safety features in place on commercial trucks to prevent such accidents. Yet they still occur. If you or a member of your family has been injured in such a manner, the experienced Naples truck underride accident lawyer at Cardinal Law, P.A., can help you in seeking compensation from the negligent parties.
What Leads to Underride Accidents in Florida?
There are two types of truck underride accidents. The first is a rear collision, which happens when the other vehicle goes underneath the rear side of the truck. The second is a side collision, which is basically the same as a rear underride accident except that the other vehicle goes underneath the truck from the side.
So how do truck underride accidents happen in the first place? There are a few different reasons:
- Lack of Guards. Commercial trucks should have underride guards in order to prevent these sorts of accidents. But the guards may be missing or work on a particular truck. And federal safety regulations do not require regular safety or maintenance of such guards.
- Lack of Visibility. In poor weather or darkness, an underride accident may occur if the other driver simply fails to see the truck. That is why the truck operator needs to ensure their vehicle has sufficient lighting and reflective tape to ensure proper visibility even in less-than-ideal road conditions.
- Driver Error. As with any commercial trucking accident, negligent or reckless driving is often the most common cause of injury or death. For example, side underride accidents are often the result of the truck driver making a sudden lane change or turn.
As you can probably imagine, the brunt of a truck underride accident is generally borne by the people in the other vehicle. These types of accidents frequently lead to traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, broken bones, spinal cord damage, and even serious burns. Even in non-fatal accidents these injuries can cause permanent disability.
There are a number of parties who may be legally responsible for such damages. In addition to the truck driver, the companies that own and manufactured the truck may be at-fault as well. In some cases a third-party maintenance or repair shop may also be to blame.
Contact Cardinal Law Today
A truck underride accident is a scary and traumatic experience for everyone involved. While money cannot undo the damage, it can help the victims in starting to rebuild their lives, especially as they struggle to make ends meet and pay what are often extensive medical bills. So if you need legal advice or representation from a Naples truck underride accident lawyer, contact Cardinal Law, P.A., today to schedule a free initial consultation.
