What Is an Underride Crash? What Las Cruces Drivers Should Know
When large commercial trucks share the road with passenger vehicles, safety concerns naturally increase, especially when it comes to devastating collisions like an underride crash. These types of accidents are among the most dangerous on the road and often lead to severe or fatal injuries. In fact, over the last 10 years, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that an average of 219 fatalities per year occurred due to underride crashes. At The Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan, we believe that informed drivers are safer drivers. If you live in Las Cruces or Southern New Mexico, understanding the risks of underride crashes could help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
What Is an Underride Crash?
An underride crash occurs when a smaller passenger vehicle slides under the rear or side of a large commercial truck or trailer during a collision. Because the bottom of a trailer sits higher than the front of a typical car, the upper portion of the car can be sheared off upon impact. These crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, especially to the driver and front-seat passengers.
There are two main types of underride crashes:
- Rear underride crashes, which typically happen when a passenger car collides with the back of a slow-moving or stopped truck.
- Side underride crashes, which occur when a vehicle hits the side of a truck, often during lane changes or at intersections.
Why Are Underride Crashes So Dangerous?
Unlike other types of vehicle collisions, an underride crash poses a direct threat to the upper body and head areas of the car’s occupants. The vehicle’s crumple zones and airbags are not designed to withstand the kind of intrusion caused when the roof is crushed or removed upon impact.
What’s even more concerning is that many underride crashes occur at night or in poor visibility conditions, making it harder for drivers to notice a slow-moving or stopped truck ahead. Lack of adequate lighting or reflective markings on trailers further increases the risk.
Can Underride Crashes Be Prevented?
While these crashes are extremely dangerous, many safety experts agree that underride guards—metal barriers designed to prevent a car from sliding under a trailer—can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death. Unfortunately, not all commercial vehicles are equipped with side underride guards, and some rear guards may be damaged or outdated.
Drivers can reduce their risk of being involved in an underride crash by:
- Keeping a safe following distance behind large trucks
- Avoiding blind spots and passing quickly when safe
- Being especially cautious during low-visibility conditions
What to Do If You’re Involved in an Underride Crash in Las Cruces, New Mexico
If you or a loved one has been injured in an underride crash, it’s essential to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. These cases often involve complex factors, including federal trucking regulations, equipment failures, and driver negligence.
At The Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan, our team has extensive experience handling serious motor vehicle accidents, including commercial truck collisions. We can help you navigate the legal process, manage interactions with insurance companies, and pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care expenses.
Further Reading: What to do after you’ve been involved in a truck accident.
Moving on After an Underride Crash in Las Cruces, New Mexico
An underride crash is one of the most devastating types of road accidents, and understanding the risks is the first step toward prevention. If you’ve been affected by a trucking accident in Las Cruces, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact The Law Offices of Kenneth G. Egan today for a free consultation and let our team provide the guidance and legal support you need.