Atlanta Truck Underride Accident Attorney

Semi-trucks, big rigs, and other large commercial vehicles can be dangerous to other motorists. Their sheer size presents a hazard to drivers on the road. When a car or small truck goes under a large commercial vehicle, it’s called an underride accident. These are often the most serious crashes involving semi-trucks because the top of the vehicle may be torn off or crushed completely. Underride accidents are very often fatal to the passengers of the smaller vehicle. If you lost a loved one in an underride accident, it’s helpful to understand your legal options and that help is available.

Causes of Underride Accidents

An underride accident may have several causes, including:

• Poor visibility at nighttime or in inclement weather, which makes it difficult to see exactly where a truck is at all times. This may be aggravated by negligent trailer maintenance or improper lighting on a cab.
• A driver of a smaller vehicle may fail to see a truck turning until it’s too late to slow down.
• An operator of a commercial vehicle may fail to check its blind spot and may change lanes, running over the smaller vehicle.
• A multi-vehicle crash may cause a vehicle to be pushed under the semi in front of it.

After a serious injury in an underride accident, understanding your rights during recovery can be difficult, but the attorneys at Butler Prather LLP can help. Our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys have been helping Georgia area victims of truck collisions gain compensation for their losses for over 20 years.

Underride Accident Investigations and Next Steps

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires that semi-truck operators, and those who employ them, follow regulations for visibility and maintenance. For example, commercial vehicles must utilize multiple caution lights and reflective devices to maximize visibility. A truck’s reflective paint and tape must be well-maintained and clean so other motorists can see where the truck is at all times. In addition, all commercial vehicle operators must use appropriate hazard signage when they’re pulled over on the side of the road.

Though not required by federal law, a truck guard is a simple piece of safety equipment that lowers the bumper of a truck or trailer. This inexpensive piece of metal prevents cars from going underneath, potentially saving lives. While a truck guard may help prevent underride accidents, many truck drivers don’t have them.

The Atlanta truck accident attorneys at Butler Prather LLP bring their 20 years of experience to every case against a negligent trucking company or truck driver. We rely on our own expertise and a team of outside experts to determine the root cause of an accident and who is legally liable for injuries. An underride accident may be the result of inadequate maintenance, negligent signage, or driver error. Either way, we help families hold the negligent party responsible.

Your Hometown Underride Accident Attorneys

Underride Accidents are not only serious, they’re often fatal. If you’ve lost a loved one in an underride accident, you may be wondering how you’ll pay for their final expenses or compensate for their lost income. At Butler Prather LLP, we believe no one should have to pay the price for someone else’s negligence. A wrongful death settlement will help address any losses in earning capacity and help grieving families pay for their loved one’s expenses.

Contact our office today for a free initial consultation. Let one of our compassionate attorneys review the specifics of your case, and decide on your next best steps. Take advantage of our contingency-fee legal services by calling us at (800) 242-2962 or filling out our form online.