The hidden danger of underride accidents
Few types of truck accidents are as devastating as underride collisions – crashes where a smaller vehicle slides beneath a tractor-trailer. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, as the passenger compartment takes the full impact, crushing the driver and occupants inside.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an underride truck accident in Indiana, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The trucking company and their insurer will fight to minimize your claim, but Boughter Sinak, LLC knows how to take them on and win. To see how an experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer can help with your potential legal case, schedule a free consultation with our law firm today.
What causes underride truck accidents?
Underride accidents happen for several reasons, most of which involve negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or manufacturer. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Lack of Proper Underride Guards
Trucks are required by federal law to have rear underride guards, but many fail to meet safety standards. Side underride guards – designed to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath – are not required, making these crashes even more deadly.
2. Sudden Stops or Slow-Moving Trucks
When a semi-truck slows down unexpectedly or makes a sudden stop without proper warning, drivers behind them may have little time to react, leading to a deadly underride crash.
3. Poor Visibility and Lack of Reflective Markings
Underride accidents are more likely to occur at night or in low-visibility conditions, especially if a truck lacks reflective tape, broken taillights, or proper hazard lights.
4. Unsafe Lane Changes or Turns
A truck making a wide right turn or changing lanes without signaling can lead to a side underride accident if a smaller vehicle gets trapped underneath.
5. Negligent Truck Maintenance
Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or lack of rear and side underride guards can turn a truck into a lethal hazard on the road. Trucking companies that fail to maintain their fleet should be held accountable.
Who’s at fault in an underride truck accident?
Determining liability in an underride accident can be complex, but in most cases, one or more of the following parties may be responsible:
1. The Truck Driver
- Failing to use proper turn signals or hazard lights
- Driving too slowly on highways without warning
- Making sudden or unsafe stops
2. The Trucking Company
- Failing to install or maintain underride guards
- Allowing unsafe trucks on the road
- Ignoring federal safety regulations
3. A Truck Manufacturer or Parts Supplier
- Designing defective underride guards
- Producing trucks without proper safety features
- Selling parts that fail to meet federal safety standards
4. Other Drivers or Third Parties
- A passenger vehicle driver may be partially at fault if they were speeding, driving distracted, or otherwise driving negligently.
- Road construction crews may share liability if poor signage or road conditions contributed to the crash.
How to prove fault in an underride accident case
Winning a truck accident case requires strong evidence that proves negligence. At Boughter Sinak, LLC, our truck accident lawyers build powerful cases by gathering:
1. Black Box Data & Truck Logs
Most commercial trucks have an electronic control module (ECM) that records speed, braking patterns, and driver hours. If a truck driver was speeding or failed to brake properly before the crash, this data can be critical evidence.
2. Maintenance & Inspection Records
Trucking companies must routinely inspect and maintain their vehicles, including underride guards. If worn-out or missing safety features contributed to the crash, they can be held liable.
3. Crash Scene Evidence & Expert Testimony
We work with accident reconstruction experts who can analyze skid marks, impact damage, and crash debris to determine exactly how the underride collision occurred.
4. Truck Driver’s Record
If the truck driver has a history of reckless driving, DUIs, or safety violations, it could strengthen your case. We subpoena driver logs and employment records to uncover any history of negligence.
5. Surveillance Footage & Witness Testimony
Nearby traffic cameras, dashcams, or eyewitnesses can provide key evidence showing whether the trucker signaled before turning, stopped suddenly, or failed to maintain their lane.
Proving fault in an underride accident requires aggressive legal action – and that’s where we come in. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait. Boughter Sinak, LLC is ready to fight for you.
What compensation is available for underride accident victims?
Underride crashes often result in life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Amputations
- Broken bones and internal injuries
- Severe burns and disfigurement
Victims and their families may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one
How Boughter Sinak, LLC fights for underride accident victims
At Boughter Sinak, LLC, we’ve seen firsthand how underride accidents destroy lives – and we don’t back down from a fight. Our highly skilled truck accident attorneys have secured millions of dollars for truck accident victims across Indiana, including:
- $2.2 million for severe injuries in a multi-vehicle collision caused by a drowsy truck driver
- $1.725 million for the wrongful death of a woman killed in a trucking accident
- $1.4 million for a back injury caused by a dump truck collision
If you or a loved one has been injured in an underride accident, don’t let the trucking company deny or downplay your claim. Boughter Sinak, LLC will fight to hold them accountable and demand every dollar you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. With offices in Fort Wayne and Warsaw, we provide legal representation to truck accident victims throughout Indiana. Let’s put a proven fighter in your corner!
"Boughter Sinak, LLC provided exceptional legal representation for us after my husband's accident. Our attorney, Robert, and their team were professional, empathetic, and thorough. They achieved a great settlement for my husband's injuries, and we are incredibly grateful. Highly recommended!" - Angela M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐