Car accidents are a common occurrence on the nation’s roads, and the severity of these accidents can vary greatly. One particularly terrifying and deadly type of collision is when a car becomes trapped under a semi-truck, known as a “carriage underride accident.”
Between 2008 and 2017, there were an estimated 219 fatalities from underride crashes. Although they only represented 1% of traffic fatalities, they may be underreported. Even a small number of these collisions are devastating, as they typically result in catastrophic injuries or death to those involved.
Our Michigan car crash lawyers from Fieger Law can stand up for your rights against aggressive truck company insurance to help you receive compensation for your pain and suffering.
How Does a Carriage Underride Accident Happen?
Carriage underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle, such as a car or a smaller truck, collides with a semi-truck and becomes wedged or trapped underneath it. This terrifying scenario can occur for several reasons:
- Sudden Stops: When a semi-truck makes an abrupt stop, perhaps due to traffic conditions or an emergency, the following car may be unable to stop in time. This can result in the car sliding under the rear of the truck.
- Poor Visibility: In adverse weather conditions, low visibility, or at night, it can be challenging for the truck driver and the driver of a smaller vehicle to see each other. This reduced visibility increases the risk of an underride accident.
- Driver Distraction or Fatigue: Driver distractions like texting or falling asleep at the wheel can lead to accidents. If a driver fails to notice a semi-truck slowing down or changing lanes, an underride collision may occur.
- Brake Failures: Brake failures in either the car or the semi-truck can lead to an inability to stop in time to avoid a collision.
- Tailgating: Following a semi-truck too closely can reduce the driver’s reaction time. If the truck suddenly stops or slows down, the trailing vehicle may not have enough time to avoid sliding underneath.
If you or a loved one was injured in an underride incident, contact a Michigan semi-truck crash lawyer from Fieger Law. We can work with accident reconstructionists to understand what caused the collision and negotiate with insurers for fair compensation.
Injuries From Getting Stuck Under a Semi-Truck After a Crash
Underride collisions are known for their severity and the life-altering injuries they can cause to the smaller vehicles’ occupants. Typical injuries resulting from these accidents include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: The impact of an underride accident can lead to traumatic brain injuries, which may result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, or even permanent disability.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of the collision can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis or long-term mobility issues.
- Crush Injuries: Occupants of the smaller vehicle may experience severe crush injuries, often leading to amputations or loss of limb function.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma from the collision can cause internal injuries, including organ damage, internal bleeding, and fractured ribs.
- Psychological Trauma: Survivors of carriage underride accidents often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological disorders due to the traumatic nature of the accident.
Our attorneys at Fieger Law can help you get started on a claim to pay for your medical bills and lost wages from the crash. We can review your medical records and speak with experts to determine the extent of your injuries to get you a maximum recovery award.
Why You Need an Attorney for Your Case
If you or a loved one has been involved in a carriage underride accident, you need experienced legal representation. These accidents often result in substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, making them a high stakes claim.
Our qualified attorneys can help you with the following aspects of your case:
- Complex Liability Issues: Determining liability in underride accidents can be challenging. We can investigate the accident thoroughly and identify responsible parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, or manufacturer.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may attempt to settle for less than the full compensation you deserve. We can negotiate with insurance companies to help you receive a fair settlement.
- Expert Witnesses: Our attorneys can work with expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists and medical professionals, to build a strong case and establish the extent of your injuries.
- Legal Expertise: Understanding complex state and federal trucking regulations is crucial in these cases. At Fieger Law, we manage cases throughout the U.S. We know how to advocate for your rights effectively.
- Pursuit of Maximum Compensation: Carriage underride accidents often involve high medical costs and long-term care. We can help you pursue maximum compensation to cover these expenses and provide financial security for the future.
Work With Our Internationally Recognized Legal Team
Carriage underride accidents may be relatively rare, but their consequences are devastating. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a carriage underride accident, consult with our Michigan semi-truck accident lawyers at Fieger Law to secure the compensation you deserve.
We specialize in handling complex personal injury cases, including carriage underride accidents. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss your case. We can help you through this challenging time and fight for the compensation you deserve on your behalf.