Tractor-trailers and large, single-unit trucks typically have higher ground clearance than passenger vehicles. They often pose a severe hazard when sharing Florida roads with cars, light-duty trucks and motorcycles. If you or a loved one sustained catastrophic injury due to an underride crash with a big truck, you might have grounds for a claim.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, truck underride crashes occur when small vehicles slide under a large truck. Portions of the trailer may break through the frame and windshield of the smaller vehicle. This often results in the car and its passengers getting stuck between the front and rear axles, seriously injuring those in the passenger compartment.
High-speed
You may encounter big trucks on highways such as I-95 and U.S. Route 1. These travel corridors allow vehicles to move to and from their destinations efficiently. However, due to the extreme size and weight, semi-trucks cannot stop quickly. If speed drops rapidly, the trailer could jackknife, sliding around the side of the cab. It might roll over the top of smaller vehicles in its path, causing life-altering injuries or death for the occupants.
Blind spots
Big trucks have more significant blind spots than other automobiles due to their height and length. This can cause issues when traveling on surface streets. If you cannot see the truck’s side mirrors when behind it, the driver cannot see you. When they avoid a hazard in front of them by stopping quickly, you may not have time to respond, and the car may slide under the trailer.
Semi-trucks also make wide right turns. If the truck moves left then turns right in front of you, the trailer might move across the top of your car, crushing the roof and causing devastating injuries. If your accident was a consequence of a negligent driver, you might receive compensation that can help you pay for medical care, lost wages and assistive devices.