New Mexico Underride Accident Attorneys

Let Our Firm Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve After a Catastrophic Accident

Underride accidents are some of the most catastrophic and deadly types of truck accidents. These accidents occur when a passenger vehicle collides with a large truck and slides underneath the truck. The top of the vehicle can be sheared off, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. In fact, underride accidents are often fatal for the occupants of the passenger vehicle.

The truck accident attorneys at McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA, in New Mexico represent clients who have been injured in underride accidents. We also represent surviving family members in wrongful death claims. We have the experience and resources needed to take on these complex cases and win.

Contact us online or call our office at (505) 405-4441 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced underride accident lawyers.

What is an Underride Accident?

An underride accident in the context of truck accidents refers to a specific type of collision where a smaller vehicle collides with a commercial truck, and the smaller vehicle ends up sliding underneath the larger truck's trailer. This type of accident is particularly dangerous and often results in severe injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Common causes of underride accidents include:

• Poor Visibility: Inadequate visibility, especially during low-light conditions or inclement weather, can contribute to underride accidents. Drivers of smaller vehicles may not see the truck in time to avoid a collision.
• Brake Failure: If the truck's brakes fail, it may lead to a sudden stop or slowdown, catching smaller vehicles off guard and increasing the risk of underride accidents.
• Sudden Stops: Trucks have longer stopping distances compared to smaller vehicles. If a truck stops abruptly, the vehicles following it may be unable to stop in time, leading to underride collisions.
• Reversing Trucks: Backing up without proper caution or signaling can be a cause of underride accidents, especially in parking lots or loading zones.
• Inadequate Lighting: Poorly lit trucks or trailers may not be easily visible to drivers of smaller vehicles, increasing the likelihood of underride accidents, particularly at night.
• Inadequate Reflectors and Markings: Trucks must be equipped with proper reflectors and markings to enhance their visibility on the road. Inadequate markings can contribute to underride accidents, especially in low-light conditions.
• Failure to Use Hazards or Warning Signals: Trucks that are disabled or experiencing mechanical issues should use hazard lights or warning signals to alert other drivers. Failure to do so can increase the risk of underride accidents.
• Driver Fatigue: Fatigued truck drivers may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making them more prone to causing accidents, including underride collisions.
• Inadequate Maintenance: Poorly maintained trucks may experience mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, which can contribute to underride accidents.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Trucks making sudden or unsafe lane changes without proper signaling can catch smaller vehicles off guard, leading to underride collisions.

How Do Underride Accidents Occur?

Underride accidents can happen in a variety of circumstances. The most common type of underride accident is a rear underride, which occurs when a passenger vehicle rear-ends a large truck and slides underneath the truck. This can happen when a truck is stopped in the roadway without its lights on or when a truck is moving slowly and the motorist does not have time to stop.

Underride accidents can also happen when a passenger vehicle collides with the side of a large truck and slides underneath the truck. This can happen when a truck makes a wide turn and the motorist does not realize the truck is turning. Side underride accidents can also happen when a truck is backing up and the motorist does not see the truck.

Side underride accidents are often referred to as “right turn” accidents because they often occur when a truck is turning right. These types of underride accidents can also happen when a truck is making a U-turn across multiple lanes of traffic.

Finally, underride accidents can also occur when a truck jackknifes and the passenger vehicle collides with the side of the truck and slides underneath the truck.

Why Are Underride Accidents So Dangerous?

Underride accidents are so dangerous because the top of the passenger vehicle is often sheared off. The occupants of the vehicle can suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other catastrophic injuries.

In addition, underride accidents are often fatal for the occupants of the passenger vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), underride accidents account for approximately 25% of all fatal truck accidents.

How We Can Help

If you are injured in an underride accident, we will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident and gather all available evidence. We will review the police report, interview witnesses, and visit the scene of the accident. We will also review the truck driver's logbook, the truck's maintenance records, and the truck's black box. We will do whatever it takes to win.

At McGinn Montoya Love Curry & Sievers PA, P.A., we have the experience and resources needed to take on the trucking companies. Our New Mexico underride accident lawyers know how to hold the trucking companies accountable and win. We have a long and proven track record of success in these cases.

Contact us at (505) 405-4441 today to discuss your case with our team.