Underride Accidents

Underride accidents are among the deadliest types of truck crashes. They occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a large truck, either from the rear or the side. The trailer can shear off the top of the passenger vehicle at windshield level, causing catastrophic or fatal injuries to occupants. Despite federal requirements for rear underride guards, many trucks lack adequate side guards, and existing guards may not meet the force of real-world crashes. Underride accidents often result in wrongful death claims.

Common Injuries

• Decapitation and fatal head injuries
• Severe traumatic brain injuries
• Cervical spine fractures
• Facial disfigurement
• Crushing chest injuries
• Wrongful death

Key Facts

• Approximately 200 people die in underride accidents each year in the U.S.
• Current federal law only requires rear underride guards, not side guards
• Many existing rear guards fail to prevent underride in real-world crashes
• The Stop Underrides Act has been introduced in Congress to strengthen guard requirements
• Underride accidents have a significantly higher fatality rate than other truck crash types
• Trucking companies can be held liable for inadequate underride guard maintenance