Virginia Underride Accident Attorney

Ready to Fight for Your Entitled Compensation

Underride accidents are among the most catastrophic types of truck collisions, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in an underride accident in Virginia, Rowe Weinstein & Sohn is here to help. Our experienced team understands the complexities of these cases and is dedicated to helping victims seek the compensation they deserve.

Call (571) 486-4798 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a free consultation with our Virginia underride accident lawyers.

What is an Underride Accident?

An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle, such as a car or motorcycle, slides beneath the rear or side of a large truck or trailer. These accidents are particularly dangerous because the car’s roof can be sheared off, causing catastrophic injuries to the vehicle’s occupants. Underride accidents are more common with large commercial trucks, which often sit higher off the ground than passenger vehicles.

In many cases, underride accidents are preventable with the proper safety measures, such as underride guards. However, when trucks lack these protections or the guards are defective, the risk of a deadly accident increases significantly.

The following are factors that can contribute to underride accidents: 

• Lack of Proper Underride Guards: Federal regulations require large trucks to have rear underride guards, but not all trucks are equipped with side underride guards. When a truck lacks these safety features, it increases the risk of smaller vehicles sliding underneath the trailer.
• Poor Visibility: Underride accidents frequently occur at night or in poor weather conditions where visibility is reduced. A truck without proper reflective markings or adequate lighting can become nearly invisible to smaller vehicles, leading to a high risk of collision.
• Sudden Stops or Slowdowns: If a truck driver suddenly stops or slows down without warning, vehicles behind may not have enough time to react. This can cause a rear-end collision, leading the smaller vehicle to underride the truck.
• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may become fatigued, impairing their reaction times and decision-making abilities. Fatigued driving can lead to sudden stops or swerving, which may result in an underride accident.
• Improper Truck Maintenance: Faulty or poorly maintained equipment can also contribute to underride accidents. For example, if the truck's underride guards are damaged or defective, they may fail to prevent a vehicle from sliding beneath the trailer.
• Failure to Use Warning Signals: In some cases, a truck driver may fail to use their hazard lights or other warning signals to alert nearby drivers to a hazard or sudden stop. This lack of communication can cause trailing vehicles to crash into the truck, leading to an underride accident.

Common Injuries in Underride Accidents

Underride accidents often result in devastating injuries due to the sheer size and weight difference between a truck and a passenger vehicle. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The force of an underride collision can cause severe head trauma, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Victims may suffer from partial or complete paralysis due to damage to the spinal cord.
• Severe Lacerations and Amputations: The roof of a car can be crushed or sliced off in an underride accident, leading to deep lacerations or the loss of limbs.
• Internal Injuries: The impact of an underride accident can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or punctured lungs.
• Death: Unfortunately, underride accidents often result in fatalities due to the extreme nature of the collision.

How Rowe Weinstein & Sohn Can Help

At Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, we have a deep understanding of the unique challenges that underride accident cases present. Our legal team is committed to fighting for the rights of injury victims and their families, ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable. We work diligently to secure maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Our compassionate attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to trial if necessary.

Contact us today at (571) 486-4798 to discuss your case with our team.