Underride accidents with semi trucks are terrifying and often fatal. These accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a semi truck, usually from the rear or the side. The results can be catastrophic, as the top of the smaller vehicle is often sheared off.
Understanding the risks of underride accidents and how to avoid them is crucial for every driver on the road. Sharing the road with large commercial vehicles like semi trucks requires additional caution and awareness. Here are some essential tips to help you avoid underride accidents.
Avoid blind spots
Maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and a semi truck allows you adequate time to react if the truck stops suddenly. Semi Trucks have large blind spots on both sides, the front and the rear. If you can’t see the driver’s face in the truck’s side mirrors, chances are the driver can’t see you either. Staying out of these blind spots reduces the risk of a side underride accident.
Pay attention to truck signals
Always pay close attention to a semitruck’s turn signals and brake lights. If a truck signals a turn, give it ample space and time to complete the maneuver. Large trucks need more room to turn, and misjudging their path can lead to collisions.
Many semi trucks have underride guards to help prevent these incidents from occurring, but even those aren’t a replacement for safe driving. If you’re the victim of an underride accident, determining what caused it is imperative. You may choose to seek compensation if the trucker’s actions were a contributing factor in the crash. Remember that you only have a limited time to get your case filed.