Understanding Underride Accidents and Legal Options

Commercial truck underride accidents are among the most devastating types of vehicle collisions. When a passenger vehicle becomes trapped beneath the body of a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, the results are often fatal or result in catastrophic injuries. These tragedies are preventable—yet they continue to happen across Texas and the U.S.

At Francis Injury, we represent families and victims of underride accidents with unmatched experience and grit. If you or a loved one suffered due to a negligent trucking company, we’re ready to fight for your full compensation. Call 817-329-9001 for a free consultation today.

What Is a Commercial Truck Underride Accident?

A commercial truck underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes and slides under a truck’s trailer. Because the trailer sits much higher than the hood of a car, the impact often crushes or shears off the top portion of the vehicle—directly in the head and chest area of the driver and passengers.

There are two main types of underride crashes:

Rear underride accident: A car hits the back of the truck and slides underneath.
Side underride accident: A car crashes into the side of the trailer—often when a truck makes a wide turn or blocks a lane at night.

These crashes frequently lead to fatalities or life-altering injuries. Survivors often suffer traumatic brain injuries, amputations, or paralysis.

Why Are These Accidents So Deadly?

Unlike a typical crash where crumple zones and airbags offer some protection, an underride crash removes that safety buffer. The passenger compartment is directly crushed or ripped off. Even at low speeds, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported high fatality rates in these crashes.

Top Causes of Commercial Truck Underride Accidents

In most cases, the crash could have been avoided if the trucking company or driver had followed proper safety measures. Common causes include:

Missing or defective underride guards
Poor truck maintenance or inspections
Trucks making illegal or unsafe U-turns
Lack of reflective markings or taillights
Distracted or fatigued truck drivers
Jackknife or wide-turn accidents

These failures create dangerous conditions on Texas highways. In a state where commercial traffic is heavy, especially in Fort Worth and surrounding regions, the risk is ongoing.

Federal Trucking Laws: Underride Guards Aren’t Enough

Federal law only mandates rear underride guards—and even those often fail in real-world crashes. Government Accountability Office (GAO) studies found that many guards are not inspected or maintained. Even worse, there is still no requirement for side underride guards, leaving a massive blind spot in truck safety.

While other countries like Canada have stricter standards, the U.S. continues to allow unsafe trailers on our roads. This negligence leads to avoidable deaths.

Who’s Liable in an Underride Truck Accident?

Commercial truck crashes often involve multiple parties. In underride cases, your lawyer may hold any of the following liable:

Truck driver (for unsafe maneuvers or distracted driving)
Trucking company (for poor training, hiring, or guard maintenance)
Trailer manufacturer (for defective underride guards)
Maintenance company (for inspection failures)

An experienced legal team like Francis Injury will investigate thoroughly, using accident reconstruction, black box data, and witness reports to identify who must pay.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If a loved one was killed or you suffered a serious injury in an underride crash, you may be entitled to significant compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit:

Medical expenses & future care
Lost income & earning capacity
Funeral and burial costs
Pain and suffering
Loss of companionship
Property damage
Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

Why Hire a Commercial Truck Accident Attorney?

These are not simple fender benders. Trucking companies and insurers will try to blame the victim. They might argue your loved one was tailgating or speeding, or that the crash was “unavoidable.” Don’t face this alone.

Michael Francis and our team understand how to challenge these defense tactics and build strong cases using expert testimony, black box data, and federal safety violations. We won’t stop until you get the justice and financial relief you deserve.

Injured in an underride crash? Don’t wait.
Call 817-329-9001 or get your free case review today.

FAQs About Commercial Truck Underride Accidents

What is the most common type of underride accident?

Rear underride collisions are the most common. They occur when a car strikes the back of a truck and slides underneath the trailer, often because of sudden stops or poorly lit trucks.

Do all trucks have underride guards?

Not all trucks have effective guards. Federal law only requires rear guards, and even those aren’t always maintained properly. Side guards are not federally mandated.

How much is an underride accident lawsuit worth?

Settlements vary but can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the severity of injuries, liability, and available insurance coverage.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident or death. Speak to an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your claim.