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Truck Underride Accident Attorneys
in Denver and throughout Colorado and Wyoming
When big trucks and small passenger cars collide, one of the worst outcomes can be an underride accident. Because of the height difference between tractor trailer trucks and passenger cars, the hood and engine compartment or trunk slides underneath the truck and all of the impact occurs between the bed of the truck and the occupant compartment of the car, resulting in serious injuries, decapitation, and death.
Click to view our video about "Truck Underride Accidents"
An underride accident can occur due to impact between a car and the front, rear, or side of a big rig. Safety regulations, aimed at preventing underride accidents, have been in place since as far back as 1993, but have not proven sufficient to prevent the catastrophic and often gruesome crashes.
Laws requiring new 18-wheelers to have retroreflective tape on the rear and sides took effect in 1993. The purpose of the tape is to help drivers of other vehicles see the trucks and prevent collisions. Obviously it does not offer any protection in the event of a crash, and does not aid the truck driver in seeing cars. When mud, dirt, and/or snow cover the tape it is completely ineffective.
Since 1996, new trucks must have a bumper that is 22 inches off the ground, to prevent cars from sliding under the bed. While more effective than the reflective tape, many of the bumpers simply collapse on impact and still provide no protection.
Neither of the laws require changes to the thousands of older trucks which are still on the road. Safety and consumer groups are still pushing for stronger regulations including lower bumpers and absorbing, rather than rigid, underrun protection systems.
How an underride accident works
In most front and rear end auto accidents the engine compartment or trunk of the vehicle takes the brunt of the impact, crumpling or collapsing, and providing some protection to vehicle occupants. Even in most side collisions, where there is little structure to buffer the impact, there is some minimal protection.
When a car collides with a tractor trailer the impact is all to the upper part of the vehicle, above the hood, trunk, and doors. The tops of the hood, trunk, and doors are low enough to pass cleanly under the bed of the truck, so that all of the force hits the occupant compartment, shearing off the top of the vehicle.
Underride accidents are some of the most gruesome auto accidents. Most result in severe injuries or death. Decapitation and amputations are not uncommon.
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If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or a loved one was killed in an underride accident in Colorado, Wyoming or anywhere in the Rocky Mountain region, you will need an experienced trucking accident lawyer to represent you. Burg Simpson has the experience, and the resources, to ensure that you can recover the damages you deserve for your injuries and your losses. Please call or email our Colorado trucking accident lawyers today to schedule your free initial consultation.
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