Syracuse Truck Underride Accidents: Proving Liability for Damages

When a passenger car collides with a semi-truck, it’s not always the front that takes the hit; sometimes, it’s the roof. Truck underride accidents are some of the most devastating crashes on the road, often shearing off the top of a vehicle and leaving drivers and passengers with catastrophic or fatal injuries.

While underride collisions make up less than 1% of traffic deaths, nearly 220 lives are lost each year in these crashes, and these numbers may be underreported. Federal data suggests that the number of side underride fatalities could actually be three times higher than what’s reported.

If you were seriously hurt or lost a loved one in an underride crash, a legal claim may help you recover financially. However, proving liability requires solid evidence to hold the right parties accountable.

Read on to learn what’s needed to build your case and how a skilled Syracuse truck accident lawyer can help maximize your payout.

Injuries in Underride Collisions

When a car slides under a truck, the harm is often severe to those in the smaller vehicle. One review found that in crashes where the passenger compartment was crushed, roughly 16% of occupants died, and another 16% suffered catastrophic injuries.

Catastrophic injuries in underride accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Severe facial and skull fractures
• Amputations or crushed limbs
• Death on impact

These injuries often lead to long-term complications that affect every part of daily life. In many cases, they result from preventable negligence by the truck driver or their employer.

Why Underride Crashes Happen

Underride accidents often result from poor truck maintenance, driver error, or the absence of critical safety equipment.

Some of the most common contributing factors include:

• Lack of Underride Guards: About 95% of new trailers meet current rear-guard standards, but older trucks may have missing or damaged equipment. Since federal inspections don’t include rear guard checks, unsafe trailers can remain in use.

• Sudden Braking or Swerving: Trucks that stop abruptly or change lanes without warning give nearby drivers little time to react. A collision at the wrong angle can easily cause a smaller vehicle to slide underneath.
  
• Improper Truck Maintenance: Worn brakes, poor tire traction, or faulty lights make trucks harder to control and more difficult for others to anticipate. If the truck can’t stop in time or signals aren’t visible, a crash can quickly turn into a deadly underride.

• Unsecured or Shifting Cargo: When cargo shifts or isn’t properly balanced, the trailer can sway, tip, or veer suddenly, often into the path of nearby vehicles. These sudden movements increase the risk of a side underride, especially on highways or during turns.

A qualified truck accident attorney in Syracuse can investigate what caused the crash and help you determine who’s at fault for your injuries.

Who May Be Liable in an Underride Truck Collision?

In underride accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances.

You may be able to file a claim against:

• The truck driver, for reckless driving, fatigue, or failing to signal.
• A third-party driver, if their actions caused the truck to swerve or stop suddenly.
• The trucking company, for poor maintenance, negligent hiring, or failure to follow federal regulations.
• A parts manufacturer, if a defective underride guard or lighting system failed to work properly.
  

Proving who’s at fault often requires expert analysis, accident reconstruction, and detailed trucking company records showing negligence.

Gathering Evidence After an Underride Crash

Because of the severity of these crashes, collecting evidence quickly is essential. Insurance companies may try to shift blame, and trucking companies often have legal teams working to limit their liability from the moment the crash occurs.

These types of evidence can help prove what happened:

• Dash cam footage from your vehicle or surrounding drivers
• Police crash reports detailing the scene and any violations
• Eyewitness statements that describe the truck’s movement or road behavior
• Event data recorder (EDR) from the truck, which shows speed, braking, and lane changes
• Truck inspection and maintenance records, which may show a missing or damaged guard, worn brakes, or lighting issues
• Company policies that may reveal unrealistic schedules or pressure on the driver

To fight back against lowball offers and gather the evidence needed to prove your claim, you need the help of a skilled Syracuse truck accident lawyer.

The Role of a Truck Accident Attorney

In underride accidents, victims often face long recoveries, mounting medical bills, and insurance delays. Our team at Catalano Law understands how to handle these cases, from securing evidence to negotiating with trucking companies and insurers.

Here’s how we can help with your claim:

• Preserve and analyze crash evidence before it disappears
• Request and review truck maintenance and inspection records
• Access the truck’s event data recorder to understand its speed, braking, and movement immediately before and during the crash
• Work with accident reconstruction experts to build a clear timeline
• Identify all potentially liable parties, not just the driver
• Handle all communication with insurers and defense attorneys
• Negotiate for full compensation covering medical costs, lost income, and long-term care

Having a qualified lawyer with truck accident experience on your side can help prove liability and seek a settlement that covers your injuries and losses.

Speak With a Truck Accident Attorney Today

An underride crash can leave you facing months of recovery, financial stress, and aggressive pushback from trucking companies or insurers. Working with a knowledgeable legal team can help protect your rights and peace of mind.

At Catalano Law, we’ve recovered millions for people injured in serious vehicle crashes. We know how to investigate these cases, prove liability, and push back when insurers try to avoid responsibility.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you take the next step and pursue the compensation you’re owed.