Underride truck accidents are one of the most serious types of truck accidents you can be involved in. Severe injured often result, and fatalities, unfortunately, are not uncommon. If you were injured in an underride accident, the Oklahoma City truck accident attorneys at Abel Law Firm can help you hold the at-fault driver liable for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, pain and suffering, and more.
You should not have to pay out of pocket for any of the costs you incurred. The truck driver or trucking company should be the ones responsible for the suffering you endured.
At Abel Law Firm, we have the experience, knowledge, and resources to pursue compensation on behalf of our clients. We believe in seeking justice, so accident victims can recover and put this traumatic situation behind them. With over 130 years of combined experience, our Oklahoma City underride accident lawyers know what it takes to win.
Call us at (405) 239-7046 to find out more about how we can help you move forward. We offer free consultations, and we won’t charge you a dime until we recover compensation for you.
What Is an Underride Accident?
An underride accident results from a smaller vehicle colliding with the back or side of a commercial truck and sliding underneath it. This type of accident can cause devastating injuries and fatalities.
Side underride accident – Many occur in intersections or when a truck driver is turning. If a truck driver doesn’t see an oncoming vehicle, they might think it’s safe to turn. In other situations, a truck driver might miscalculate the distance and time they have to clear an intersection before another vehicle approaches.
Rear underride accident – A truck driver who slams on their brakes without good reason can cause a motorist behind them to crash. There might also be a situation where the truck does not have proper markings or is missing an underride guard.
Common Causes of Underride Accidents
Although federal regulations are meant to keep motorists safe, many truck drivers and trucking companies don’t follow them. Most underride crashes are the result of driver error or lack of protective equipment. The most common causes include:
- Missing or damaged underride guards
- Sudden unnecessary braking
- Failure to use warning cones when parked on the side of the road
- Defective tail lights or reflective tape
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failure to check blind spots
- Lack of a rear bumper
- Taking a turn incorrectly
Knowing why and how underride truck accidents happen could prevent you from becoming a victim. If you see a commercial vehicle on the road, the best decision you could make is to maintain your distance.
Steps to Take If You’re Injured in an Underride Accident
If you get hurt in a commercial vehicle crash, you should hire an experienced Oklahoma City underride accident lawyer to begin working on your case right away. There are steps you can take at the accident scene, however, to protect your right to the maximum monetary award.
1: Call 911 to report the accident and wait for an officer to arrive. They will investigate and determine who was at fault. When it becomes available, you can request a copy of the accident report.
2: If it’s safe to exit your vehicle, look around the crash scene and take pictures of relevant evidence, such as damage to all vehicles involved, road debris, and skid marks. You should also take photos of visible injuries you sustained as proof that you got hurt.
3: Exchange insurance information with the truck driver. Ask for their name, contact information, and the trucking company that employs them.
4: Speak to witnesses who saw the crash occur. Write down their names and phone numbers.
5: Seek medical treatment immediately. As soon as you leave the scene, go to the hospital, or an urgent care facility. Follow up with your medical providers until they release you from their care.
6: Hire an Oklahoma City underride accident lawyer.
7: Take your car to a repair shop for an estimated cost of the damage.
8: Keep a copy of every document related to your legal case.
Type of Compensation Available in an Insurance Claim
Oklahoma follows a traditional fault system. The person that causes an accident becomes financially liable for the victim’s injuries and damages. Damages refer to all the expenses and losses suffered by the injured party. You can file a claim with the truck driver’s insurance company to compensate you for damages such as:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Mental anguish
- Out of pocket costs
- Property damage
The settlement amount you receive will depend on various factors, including the at-fault party’s policy limits. It is a legal requirement for all drivers in the trucking industry to carry insurance with minimum liability limits. Those limits provide compensation to accident victims if the truck driver is the liable party.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates how much coverage truck drivers must have depending on the weight of their vehicle and the type of cargo they’re carrying:
- Trucks under 10,001 lbs. with non-hazardous freight: $300,000
- Trucks at least 10,001 lbs. with non-hazardous freight: $750,000
- Trucks containing hazardous materials: $1 million to $5 million
Your Oklahoma City underride accident lawyer from Abel Law Firm will review all the details of your case to determine a fair settlement. We will negotiate with the insurance company and ensure they pay what they owe you. If we’re unable to reach an agreement, we have the experience and resources to file a lawsuit and bring your case to trial.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Abel Law Firm
We know the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident can take. When you’re trying to recover, you don’t want to take on the responsibility of a legal case. Our Oklahoma City underride accident lawyers will relieve your burden and handle each step of the process on your behalf. You won’t be alone during this challenging time in your life.
Since 1976, we have been representing accident victims and seeking the justice they deserve. We will fight to reach a favorable outcome in your case so you can put this traumatic experience behind you. Call Abel Law Firm at (405) 239-7046 to schedule your free consultation if you suffered injuries in an underride truck accident in Oklahoma City.
