Blog

Override and underride truck accidents rank among the most dangerous and potentially deadly types of collisions on the road. These incidents involve large commercial trucks, such as tractor-trailers, and smaller passenger vehicles. Both scenarios result in immensely severe injuries due to the substantial size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, and are often catastrophic.

An override collision occurs when a large truck drives over the smaller vehicle, often crushing it beneath the truck’s front wheels or undercarriage. Overrides are frequently caused by truck driver negligence or adverse road conditions. Possible factors are tailgating, speeding, distracted driving, brake failure, or poor visibility. If a truck follows a car too closely and does not stop in time, it may ride up and over the car ahead. Another cause is failure to maintain truck brakes or to react to sudden changes in traffic. 

An underride collision happens when a passenger vehicle slides beneath the trailer or rear of a truck, with the truck body shearing off the upper portion of the vehicle, leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the vehicle’s occupants. Underrides often result from a car rear-ending or sliding under a truck’s trailer, frequently at night or in poor weather. Poorly marked trucks, the absence of underride guards, or nonfunctional taillights can contribute to these incidents. In many cases, the underride guard installed on a truck may be defective, improperly maintained, or altogether missing.

Liability in override and underride accidents can be widespread and complex, depending on the facts of the case. Primary responsibility may fall on the truck driver if their negligence — such as distracted driving, speeding, or failing to maintain a safe following distance — directly led to the crash. However, the trucking company may also be liable for failing to properly train drivers, scheduling them beyond legally allowed hours, or neglecting the upkeep and maintenance of the vehicle or underride guards. Manufacturers of the truck or trailer can be held responsible if a defect, such as a faulty underride guard or brake failure, contributed to the accident. Maintenance providers, contractors, or even loading dock personnel can share liability if improper vehicle loading or maintenance work played a role. Sometimes, multiple parties are jointly and severally liable for the damages that result.

Damages available to victims of override and underride accidents can be significant. These may include medical expenses, lost income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and damages for permanent disability or disfigurement. In wrongful death cases, compensation may also cover funeral costs, loss of inheritance, and the suffering of surviving family members. 

Because of the often catastrophic nature of these accidents, having an experienced truck accident attorney on your side is often the only way to secure maximum compensation. A skilled lawyer can investigate to determine all contributing causes, prove liability, and identify every potentially responsible party. Moreover, an attorney knows how to negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies and litigate effectively in court to ensure victims get the full compensation they deserve. 

The law firm of Walsh & Franseen in Edmond is dedicated to representing injured victims of truck accidents across Oklahoma. Call us at 405-843-7600 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.