Kansas Trucking Accident Lawyers
Underride Accidents
Dangers of Semi Trucks, Rigs, 18 Wheelers and Tractor Trailers
In addition to driver fatigue, the lack of maneuverability of 18 wheelers and other oversized freight trucks is another prime cause of overturning or crashing into other vehicles on the road. Underride accidents occur when a car goes under a truck due to uneven bumper heights. (For detailed information on underride truck accidents, see the Transportation Research Board's excellent scientific research on this subject).While newer regulations require trucks to have bumper height modifications and reflectors, many older unsafe trucks remain in use. Other causes of accidents include driver drug or alcohol abuse and negligent truck maintenance.
Tractor Trailer Underride Accidents
An "underride accident" occurs when a smaller vehicle collides with an 18 wheeler and slides underneath the front or rear bumper. Because big rigs, semi trucks and tractor trailers sit high off the ground, it's easier for smaller, compact cars to "ride under" one of the bumpers. Unfortunately, underride accidents often cause serious or fatal injury to the head, neck, back and chest.
To help prevent underride accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association has established regulations on how high a semi truck bumper can be off the ground.
The FMCSA has also determined the quality of condition that a truck bumper can be in. If drivers or trucking companies have damaged or malfunctioning truck bumpers, the FMCSA can issue harsh fines and penalties.
In fact, standards have been instituted to require tractor-trailers designed after 1993 to be outfitted with reflective tape on both the rear and sides. Tractor-trailers designed after 1996 must have a rear bumper equipped at 22 inches above the ground. However, there are still thousands of tractor-trailers lacking proper safety features.
We invite our Kansas residents - and affected citizens nationwide - to contact the Kansas trucking accident law firm of Knox, Rockwell, Johnson & Babbit if you were involved in a semi truck underride accident. Consult the resources on this website for orientation to the issues at hand, but speak to one of our Kansas DUI attorneys when it's time to get justice through trucking accident litigation.
Involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler, tractor trailer or other commercial truck? Use the form below to contact the Kansas trucking accident attorneys of Knox, Johnson, Rockwell & Babbit to receive a free case review.
Kansas D.O.T.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin
Car/Truck Collision Info
Kansas Transportation Facts
