(215) 569-0200 
Philadelphia Underride Accident Lawyer
Underride accidents are often catastrophic as they happen when a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a large commercial truck. They often result in a crushed passenger compartment leading to severe injuries or a tragic loss of life.
Why Underride Accidents Are So Dangerous
Underride accidents typically occur at high speeds and usually involve a smaller vehicle becoming wedged underneath a trailer. In many cases, the top of the vehicle is sheared off. Even when victims survive, they frequently face lifelong disabilities, such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Severe disfigurement
These injuries require extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, and can permanently alter a person’s quality of life.
Common Causes of Underride Accidents in Philadelphia
Underride crashes can occur due to several preventable factors, including:
- Trucks lacking proper rear or side underride guards
- Poor visibility or inadequate reflective markings
- Sudden stops or illegal parking by truck drivers
- Failure to use hazard lights or place warning triangles
- Driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment
- Negligent maintenance or inspection failures
Philadelphia’s highways are major trucking corridors with heavy traffic and tight lanes that also increase the risk of underride collisions.
Who May Be Held Liable in an Underride Crash
Underride accidents can involve multiple parties who each bear responsibility for the collision. Potentially liable parties include:
- Truck drivers who acted negligently
- Trucking companies that failed to maintain equipment or train drivers
- Trailer manufacturers who produced defective underride guards
- Maintenance contractors who failed to repair critical safety equipment
Determining who can be held accountable requires a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash, the condition of the truck, and the actions of the driver and company before the incident.
Compensation Available in an Underride Accident Claim
If you suffered injuries in an underride accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death damages (if you lost a loved one)
The value of your claim is influenced by factors such as the extent of your injuries, age and occupation, and the circumstances surrounding the accident. In cases involving egregious negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter future misconduct.
Why You Need to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident cases are far more complex than standard car accident claims. They often involve federal safety regulations, multiple layers of corporate liability, and trucking companies and insurers with aggressive defense strategies. An experienced truck accident lawyer understands:
- How to quickly gather and preserve evidence such as electronic logging data, maintenance records, and black box data
- How to navigate federal trucking regulations and identify violations
- How to deal with multiple liable parties and complex insurance structures
- How to work with accident reconstructionists and medical experts to build a compelling case
It is risky to face powerful insurance companies alone. A skilled Philly underride truck accident lawyer will protect your rights, fight for the compensation you deserve, and ensure no one takes advantage of your vulnerable position.
Talk to a Philadelphia Underride Accident Lawyer Today
Time is critical in any truck accident case. Evidence can disappear, and insurance companies will work quickly to limit their liability. Our firm offers a free consultation to review your case, explain your rights, and begin the legal process. Call (215) 569-0200 or message us online today.