The Hidden Dangers of Underride Accidents: What Every Indiana Driver Should Know

Indiana lawyers fighting for the rights of injured motorists and their families

A person is driving along I-70 late at night, visibility is low, and traffic is light. Up ahead, there’s a semi-truck moving slower than expected. The driver looks down for just a second, and by the time they glance up, it’s too late. Their vehicle slams into the back of the truck, and instead of crumpling against it, the car slides underneath.

That’s an underride truck accident. It happens when a smaller vehicle, such as a sedan or SUV, crashes into a larger truck and ends up wedged beneath it. The truck’s undercarriage slices into the smaller vehicle’s cabin. These accidents are especially deadly because standard safety features aren’t designed for this kind of impact.

There are three main types:

• Rear underride, when you hit the back of a trailer.
• Side underride, when you collide with the truck’s side as it turns or crosses the road.
• Front underride, when the truck hits and rolls over a smaller vehicle.

Why are underride crashes so often fatal?

When a vehicle slides under a trailer, the point of impact isn’t the bumper, it’s the windshield or roof. What’s just beneath that? The heads and upper bodies of the people inside.

In a split second, the front half of the car can be crushed. Roofs are peeled back like soda cans. Survivors are rare, and those who do make it through often suffer from catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or disfigurement.

Unlike traditional crashes, where the frame absorbs much of the energy, there’s no buffer in an underride accident. The upper passenger compartment takes the full force of the blow. That’s why even a relatively low-speed underride crash (say, 35 miles per hour) can be fatal.

How often do underride accidents happen in Indiana?

You won’t see them covered heavily across the evening news. They’re not the trending story on social media. But they’re happening quietly and tragically across the country, including right here in Indiana.

Because these crashes aren’t always recorded accurately, it’s hard to pin down exact numbers. But safety advocates estimate that hundreds of people die in underride accidents each year in the U.S., and that’s likely an undercount. In Indiana, where semis crisscross highways like I-65, I-70, and I-69 every day, the risk is real.

Many rural highways lack good lighting. Trucks stop on shoulders in low-visibility areas. Older trailers might not be equipped with proper underride guards or reflective tape. It’s a perfect storm and Indiana drivers are caught in it.

Why aren’t trucking companies doing more to stop these crashes?

That’s a question many grieving families ask. Unfortunately, the answer is rooted in dollars and inertia.

Most trailers are required by federal law to have rear underride guards. But the regulations are outdated and don’t require guards to withstand high-speed impacts. Worse, side underride guards (which could prevent deadly T-bone crashes) aren’t mandated at all.

Some companies do the right thing voluntarily. They invest in strong guards, high-visibility tape, and regular safety checks. But others cut corners. Why? Because outfitting an entire fleet with updated guards can cost thousands of dollars per truck. Multiply that by hundreds of trucks, and you see the resistance.

Inspections are often inconsistent. Some trucks slip through with damaged or rusted guards. Others operate under loopholes, like being "grandfathered in" under old standards. In the end, safety is expensive, and too many companies choose profit over lives.

What causes underride accidents in the first place?

Underride crashes are rarely just bad luck. They’re almost always the result of a breakdown in systems. Some of the most common causes include:

• Poor visibility: At night, a trailer without reflectors or lights is nearly invisible until it’s too late.
• Sudden stops: When a truck brakes suddenly or moves slowly, following drivers may not have time to react.
• Distracted driving: Truckers might check their GPS devices, multitask, or glance at a mobile device.
• Improper turns: Trucks sometimes make wide turns without proper signaling or clearance.

Is Indiana doing anything to stop these tragedies?

To be blunt, Indiana has yet to take a leading role in solving the underride crisis. The state follows federal guidelines, but doesn’t currently enforce any extra requirements for side guards or enhanced rear guards. There’s no public campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of underride and no specialized inspection program targeting outdated equipment.

Some advocates are trying to change that. Safety coalitions and grieving families have petitioned lawmakers in Indiana and beyond to support the STOP Underrides Act. This is a federal bill that would mandate stronger guards and improve crash data reporting.

But so far, change has been slow. Given Indiana’s central location in the country’s freight network, the state has an opportunity and a responsibility to do more. It’s not just about regulations; it’s about protecting the people who drive beside these 40-ton machines every single day.

What can Indiana drivers do to protect themselves?

You may not be able to control how truck drivers and companies behave, but you can drive defensively. Here are some ways to reduce your risk:

• Stay back: Always leave at least four seconds of distance behind large trucks. If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
• Avoid blind spots: Don’t hang out beside a trailer for long. Pass quickly and cautiously.
• Use high beams wisely: At night, use your lights to check for reflective tape or broken guards.
• Stay alert near exits and shoulders: Trucks parked on the side of the road are a red flag, especially in low-light or bad weather.
• Report unsafe vehicles: If you see a truck with missing lights, rusted guards, or poor signage, contact the Indiana Department of Transportation or the FMCSA.

What should I do if I’m hurt in an underride accident?

If you or a loved one is involved in an underride crash, the aftermath can be overwhelming. But what you do in the hours and days that follow can affect your future.

Here’s what to keep in mind. Injuries from an underride accident often require immediate emergency medical care. Even if you manage to walk away feeling okay, internal injuries or trauma can take time to show up.

If you’re able to move after, be sure to take photos of the truck, trailer, damage, and road conditions. Then get witness info from people who saw the crash, as they may later be hard to locate.

Whatever you do, never speak to the trucking company’s insurance provider. They are not on your side. Instead, get help from an experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer who can deal with the insurance companies and advocate for you.

You may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, future care, and pain and suffering. If you lost someone, you can file a claim for wrongful death damages.

But you must act quickly. Trucking companies often deploy legal teams immediately, and they may attempt to destroy or withhold evidence. You need someone fighting for you from the very beginning.

How can an Indiana truck accident lawyer help after an underride crash?

If you were injured in an underride crash, you’re likely facing devastating consequences. Boughter Sinak is here to help. Our experienced Indiana truck accident attorneys know the unique challenges of underride cases and will launch a full investigation into what went wrong, whether it was a lack of proper safety guards, reckless driving, or poor maintenance. We fight to hold negligent truck drivers and companies accountable so you can focus on healing.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. We also offer free consultations so you can get trusted legal advice without pressure or obligation. From Fort Wayne to Warsaw and across Indiana, we proudly serve victims of serious truck accidents with dedication, compassion, and results. When the insurance company tries to downplay your claim, we push back with facts, evidence, and experience.

Don’t wait to protect your future. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in an underride accident, contact us today. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, explain your legal options, and get to work building a powerful case on your behalf.

“If this firm didn’t put a two year nonstop fight up for me and my case, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today.” – S.L., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Click here for a printable PDF of this article, “The Hidden Dangers of Underride Accidents: What Every Indiana Driver Should Know.”