Common types of 18-wheeler accidents: overrides and underrides
Accidents involving 18-wheelers are some of the most devastating of all
An override accident occurs when an 18-wheeler runs over a vehicle. These accidents are typically the result of the 18-wheeler striking the vehicle from behind. It is not hard to imagine the damage that an 80,000 pound truck could cause when it runs over a 3,000 pound car.
An underride accident is when a vehicle crashes into an 18-wheeler from behind and continues forward, sliding underneath the tractor trailer. In underride accidents, the top of the vehicle is most often ripped off, exposing the driver’s and/or passengers’ heads to the underside of the 18-wheeler, which many times results in severe head or brain trauma or even decapitation.
The reason for this is that the average car is too tall to clear the underside of the 18-wheeler. In fact, the underside of the truck is typically at chest height of those riding in the car.
There are steps that 18-wheeler drivers can and should take to avoid underride and override accidents. These include:
- Using reflective triangles, warning signs and flashing lights to alert drivers that the truck is broken down on or near the edge of the road
- Ensuring that the truck’s tail lights are in working order
- Using reflective tape on the back of the truck
- Keeping assured clear distance from nearby cars
- Regularly inspecting their truck’s brakes
If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, contact us today. A
