There are few crashes more devastating than a semi-truck underride accident. When a passenger vehicle gets lodged beneath the massive trailer of a semi-truck, the results are often catastrophic, and lives are forever changed in an instant. At Schafer & Schafer, we don’t back down from these brutal cases. We’ve seen the aftermath firsthand, and we’ve made it our mission to fight relentlessly for the victims and families left behind. Trucking companies cut corners. Drivers speed through fatigue. Manufacturers fail to install simple safety guards. And when their negligence causes destruction, they must be held accountable.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a semi-truck underride accident, it’s critical to understand your legal options. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you every step of the way, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers and taking your case to court if needed. The road to recovery starts with one call. Contact Schafer & Schafer today. We’re not just attorneys, we’re your voice, your shield, and your fiercest advocate in the pursuit of justice.
What Is a Semi-Truck Underride Accident?
Semi-truck underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle collides with a semi and ends up sliding beneath the trailer. There are many causes behind these devastating accidents. In some cases, it's poor visibility or inadequate lighting on the trailer that leaves drivers unable to see the truck in time. In others, it’s a sudden stop by the truck, giving the following vehicle no time to avoid impact. A lack of underride guards, careless lane changes, or even deteriorating road conditions can also play a major role in causing these crashes.
Types of Underride Accidents
Underride accidents generally fall into three categories:
- Rear underride accidents: Occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the back of a semi truck and slides underneath the trailer.
- Side underride accidents: Happen when a vehicle moves beneath the side of a truck trailer, often during a turn or lane change.
- Front underride accidents: Take place when a semi truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, pushing the truck over the smaller car.
Each type presents unique legal and investigative challenges, but all share one thing in common: they are incredibly serious and often preventable. If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of underride crash, understanding what happened and who may be responsible is the first step toward seeking justice and fair compensation.
Why Are Underride Accidents So Dangerous?
What makes them so deadly is the way they bypass the safety systems built into most passenger vehicles. When a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of a semi-truck, the impact often crushes or shears off the upper portion of the car, in many cases, seat belts, airbags, and crumple zones offer little to no protection.
These crashes are even more dangerous when trailers lack properly installed or maintained underride guards, safety features designed to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath. The danger escalates further when the truck carries heavy or hazardous cargo, which can increase the force of impact or introduce fire, chemical exposure, or other serious risks.
Typical Injuries from Underride Collisions
Injuries from underride accidents are often severe, life-altering, or fatal. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) from direct head impact
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis or reduced mobility
- Severe lacerations and amputations caused by metal intrusion
- Internal injuries, such as crushed organs or broken ribs
- Fatalities, often at the scene or shortly after
Preventing underride crashes requires action on both sides. Drivers of passenger vehicles must stay alert around trucks, keeping safe distances, avoiding blind spots, and using extra caution when trucks stop suddenly or make wide turns. Trucking companies are also responsible for ensuring that underride guards are installed, properly maintained, and combined with visibility features like reflectors and trailer lighting.
Legal Options After a Semi-Truck Underride Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck underride accident, taking immediate legal action is critical. These accidents often lead to devastating injuries, and pursuing a personal injury claim can help you recover the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost income, and the pain and trauma you’ve endured.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
When determining liability, several parties may share responsibility for an underride accident. These can include:
- The truck driver if they were negligent in driving or failing to follow safety protocols, which caused the crash
- Trucking company, if improper training, overloading, or poor vehicle maintenance played a role
- Trailer or truck manufacturer for defects in design, such as faulty underride guards
- Maintenance providers who failed to maintain or repair the truck or its trailer properly
- Other drivers, if their actions contributed to the accident
Understanding who may be responsible is a key part of pursuing your claim. An attorney can investigate the details of the accident, identify all liable parties, and help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
How to Sue After a Truck Underride Accident
Suing after a semi-truck underride accident involves a meticulous legal process. It begins with a thorough investigation to gather crucial evidence, including police reports, accident scene photos, witness statements, medical records, and the truck's maintenance logs and driver's records. Identifying all potentially liable parties, which can include the truck driver, trucking company, trailer or truck manufacturer, and even maintenance providers, is a critical step.
Your attorney will then help you file a formal personal injury lawsuit within the state's statute of limitations – in Indiana, this is typically two years from the accident date. This lawsuit outlines your claims and the damages you seek, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
Once filed, the legal process usually involves a "discovery" phase where both sides exchange information and evidence. While many cases are resolved through negotiations and settlements outside of court, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial. Throughout this complex journey, having experienced legal representation is essential to protect your rights, build a strong case, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Time Limits to File in Indiana
Under Indiana law, you typically have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Missing that deadline could mean losing your right to seek justice. Consulting an experienced attorney is a vital step to understanding your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to. They can guide you through building a strong case and negotiating with insurance companies or at-fault parties.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in an Underride Truck Crash in Indiana
If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck underride crash in Indiana, protecting your rights starts with informed, decisive action. After seeking medical care, the next most important step is understanding your legal options. These cases are often complex, with multiple parties potentially at fault, from negligent drivers to poorly maintained trucks or defective trailer equipment. Navigating that landscape alone can be overwhelming.
How Schafer & Schafer LLP Can Help
At Schafer & Schafer, our team is committed to helping injury victims uncover the truth, build a strong case, and pursue the full compensation they’re entitled to. We handle the details, investigate every angle, and stand up to the powerful trucking companies and insurers so you can focus on healing. Contact Schafer & Schafer today and receive a free consultation.
