Catastrophic accidents can occur in numerous ways. However, some types of accidents are unique to large trucks. For example, an underride accident typically occurs when a significantly larger vehicle, such as a commercial truck, collides with a much smaller vehicle, like a passenger car.
Underride accidents usually result in fatal and life-altering injuries. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an underride accident, you may be entitled to recover significant compensation. However, insurance companies will work hard to deny or devalue your claim. You need the assistance of an experienced Lafayette underride accident lawyer to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.
At Anderson Blanda & Saltzman, our truck accident attorneys in Lafayette have the experience, skills, and resources to help you get the justice and recovery you need. Call (337) 233-3366 or head to our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.
Why Injury Victims Trust Anderson Blanda & Saltzman
- Experience. We have more than 100 years of combined experience helping injury victims recover the compensation they deserve.
- Results. We have helped secure numerous million-dollar and multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Commitment. We are committed to helping you get back on track after a severe accident by guiding you through the legal process, protecting your rights, and assisting you in securing the necessary damages to recover financially.
What Is an Underride Accident?
An underride accident can happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the side or rear of a large truck or trailer between the wheels.
The impact point is usually the windshield or hood of the smaller vehicle, which can sometimes prevent the airbags from deploying. Underride accidents often result in fatal or life-altering injuries.
What Causes an Underride Accident?
Some common causes of an underride accident include:
- Blind spots. When truck drivers do not see vehicles besides, in front, or behind them, they are more likely to collide with them, and smaller vehicles may become lodged beneath the trailer.
- Aggressive driving. When truck drivers abruptly change lanes, they are more likely to sideswipe a smaller vehicle in a nearby lane, causing an underride accident.
- Failing to use proper lighting and reflectors on a truck and trailer. Especially at night or during poor weather conditions, the trailer may not be visible without adequate lighting and reflectors, potentially causing a car to crash into it and become lodged beneath it.
- Lack of proper safety guards around the trailer. Underride guards can help prevent underride accidents when properly installed and maintained.
At Anderson Blanda & Saltzman, our Lafayette underride accident lawyers carefully examine the facts of your accident to help identify all possible causes so the at-fault parties can be held responsible for your damages.
Why Do I Need to Hire a Lafayette Underride Accident Lawyer?
Commercial truck accidents can be complex, often involving multiple parties, attorneys, insurance companies, and federal and state trucking laws. Insurance companies and defense attorneys frequently use unfair tactics to deny or devalue your claim.
Your attorney can help identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties, take steps to preserve valuable evidence before it can be destroyed or lost, and uncover proof to build your strongest case. They can help establish and value your current and future damages and work to reach a fair settlement of your claim as quickly as possible. When a fair settlement cannot be reached, they can take your case to trial to help you secure the damages you deserve.
You need the assistance of an experienced Lafayette underride accident lawyer to protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation for your damages. Your chances of recovering the compensation you are entitled to are much higher when an experienced truck accident lawyer represents you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Lafayette Underride Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an underride accident, the Lafayette auto accident lawyers at Anderson Blanda & Salzman want to help you. Call (337) 233-3366 or visit our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.