Experienced and Trusted Truck Accidents Law Firm

San Diego Underride Collision Attorneys

Advocating for Injured Drivers in San Diego

San Diego’s location along the U.S.-Mexico border and its proximity to major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles make it an ideal distribution hub for goods destined for Southern California and beyond. Semi-trucks play a crucial role in transporting goods from distribution centers to retail stores and other destinations.

The dense transportation network in San Diego increases the risk of accidents due to heightened traffic congestion and frequent interactions between various modes of transportation. Semi-trucks in particular pose significant hazards due to their size and weight. In the event of an accident, seeking legal representation is crucial to ensure fair compensation for injuries sustained. Eugene Bruno & Associates specializes in personal injury cases and has a track record of delivering results, with tens of millions recovered for clients. Don’t face the complexities of a San Diego personal injury claim alone. Call Eugene Bruno & Associates at (619) 209-6066 for outstanding legal assistance and the compensation you deserve.

What Are Underride Collisions?

Underride collisions happen when a vehicle, typically smaller in size like a car or motorcycle, slides underneath the trailer or rear of a large truck during a collision. This perilous situation occurs due to various factors such as high speeds, poor visibility, or sudden stops. The impact causes the smaller vehicle to become wedged beneath the truck, leading to devastating consequences.

In these collisions, the front end of the smaller vehicle is often crushed, resulting in severe damage to the vehicle and its occupants. The force of the impact can also cause traumatic injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage.

Common Causes of Truck Underride Accidents

Truck underride accidents can be catastrophic when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a larger truck. Several factors contribute to these accidents:

• Poor Visibility: Limited visibility due to adverse weather conditions, blind spots, or improper lighting can lead to underride accidents. Drivers of smaller vehicles may not see the truck or may misjudge its distance, leading to a collision.
• Driver Error: Both truck drivers and drivers of smaller vehicles can contribute to underride accidents through errors such as distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, or reckless maneuvers. Mistakes in judgment or failure to react appropriately to traffic conditions can result in collisions.
• Brake Failure or Malfunction: If a truck’s brakes fail or malfunction, it may be unable to stop in time to prevent an underride accident. This can happen due to mechanical issues, inadequate maintenance, or improper brake adjustment.
• Tailgating: Following a truck too closely increases the risk of an underride accident, especially if the truck suddenly decelerates or stops. Drivers who tailgate have less time to react and stop their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of sliding underneath the truck’s trailer.
• Equipment Failure or Lack of Safety Features: Defective or improperly maintained underride guards, which are safety features designed to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath trucks, can contribute to underride accidents. Additionally, some trucks may lack adequate underride protection altogether, increasing the severity of collisions when they occur.

One common cause is the failure of rear impact guards, also known as underride guards or bumpers, which are designed to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath the rear of a truck during a collision.

When these guards fail to deploy or are improperly installed or maintained, they provide little to no protection for smaller vehicles in the event of a rear-end collision with a truck. This can lead to catastrophic underride accidents, where the entire front end of the smaller vehicle is crushed upon impact.

Types of Injuries and Forms of Compensation

The injuries sustained in truck underride accidents are often severe and life-altering. Victims may suffer from traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, and internal organ damage. These injuries can require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

In addition to physical injuries, victims of underride accidents may also experience emotional trauma and financial hardship due to medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Fortunately, victims may be entitled to compensation for their losses through a personal injury claim.

Compensation in underride collision cases may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

How Can a San Diego Underride Accident Lawyer Help?

After a truck underride accident, navigating the legal process can be complex and overwhelming, especially for those dealing with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one. A skilled attorney with experience in handling underride collision cases can provide invaluable assistance and support.

A San Diego truck accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident to identify all liable parties
• Gather evidence, including accident reports and witness statements
• Work with accident reconstruction experts to recreate the scene
• Negotiate with insurance companies on behalf of the victim
• Advocate for fair compensation through settlement negotiations or litigation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck underride accident, it’s essential to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Contact Eugene Bruno & Associates, a trusted San Diego firm specializing in underride collisions, at (619) 209-6066 to discuss your case and learn more about your rights and options for compensation. With Eugene Bruno & Associates’ proven track record and commitment to securing justice for their clients, you can trust that your case will be handled with zeal and care.