The Dangers of Override and Underride Truck Accidents

When cars, SUVs, and other relatively smaller vehicles collide, their bumpers and crumple zones typically absorb some of the impact. However, when semi-trucks and cars crash, the car’s hood can fit under the truck, and unfortunately, the passenger compartment is the first thing to hit the truck. These types of collisions are commonly referred to as override and underride accidents.

An override crash happens when a truck runs or “overrides” a passenger vehicle. This type of accident typically happens when a tractor-trailer or semi-truck collides with a smaller vehicle, like a car, and due to the significant size and weight disparity between the two vehicles, the impact can cause the larger truck to continue moving forward over the smaller vehicle. Here is an example:

On Tuesday, October 3, Virginia State Police investigated a crash involving five vehicles. The first vehicle, a 2006 Dodge Ram pickup, blocked the left lane with a flat tire; the second, a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica stopped nearby, and a 2012 Nissan Altima struck the Pacifica while attempting to move to the center lane. After the Pacifica came to rest partially in the center lane, an approaching 2020 Freightliner truck could not stop and ran over the Altima, pushing the Pacifica into the Dodge. The Pacific then spun into the center lane and was hit by another Dodge Ram.

An underride crash occurs when a smaller vehicle collides with a larger one and slides or is forced under the rear or side of the larger vehicle. There are two main types of underride accidents:

• Rear underride accident: In a rear underride accident, the smaller vehicle collides with the back of a truck or trailer and ends up sliding underneath it. This type of crash is especially dangerous because it can result in the roof of the smaller vehicle being crushed, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Side underride accident: In a side underride accident, the smaller vehicle collides with the side of a truck or trailer and slides underneath it. Like rear underride accidents, side underride accidents can be extremely dangerous due to the risk of the smaller vehicle’s roof being sheared off:

In 1967, the driver of a car in which 34-year-old actress Jayne Mansfield was traveling failed to see a truck stopped directly ahead of their speeding car—the truck was obscured by a cloud of insecticide being sprayed by another vehicle. The car hit the back of the truck, partly shearing off the roof and killing those seated in the front seat, among them Ms. Mansfield. Her three children, including three-year-old Mariska Hargitay, were sitting in the backseat and received only minor injuries.

What causes override and underride accidents?

Override and underride accidents often happen during times when visibility is low, such as at night or when the sun is at a low angle. Additionally, side underride accidents are more common when a trucker makes a U-turn, crosses a street, or turns across traffic. Factors contributing to override and underride accidents include:

• Mechanical issues. Override accidents may result from mechanical issues such as brake malfunction, a tire blowout, or some other mechanical failure.
• Driver error. Override accidents can be caused by driver error, such as failing to yield the right of way or turning or changing lanes without signaling.
• Fully loaded trucks require a greater distance to stop, so if a trucker exceeds the speed limit and must stop quickly, an override crash could be the result.
• Fatigued driving. Deadly override and underride accidents are more common when drivers are distracted, tired, or in violation of hours of service regulations.
• Adverse weather conditions. Wet and slippery weather conditions like rain and snow can lead to override accidents. Truck drivers have a duty to drive their vehicles safely in these conditions, but if a driver fails to take proper safety precautions, an override accident can be the result.
• Low visibility from inclement weather can lead to an override accident, particularly if a truck follows too closely or backs up without seeing a vehicle in the rear.

Override accidents involving trucks can be particularly severe and pose a high risk of serious injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. However, safety measures like maintaining a safe following distance, adhering to speed limits, and proper truck maintenance, can help reduce the risk of override accidents involving trucks. Additionally, public awareness and education about sharing the road safely with large trucks are essential for overall road safety.

How can override and underride accidents be prevented?

Override accidents can be prevented when the drivers of larger vehicles maintain safe following distances to reduce the risk of collisions, comply with posted speed limits, and adjust speed based on road conditions.

Underride accidents can be prevented by improving visibility with enhanced lighting, reflective materials, and better aids, and also properly designed and installed underride guards that help prevent smaller vehicles from sliding underneath truck trailers. These steel extension bars, commonly known as Mansfield bars, were mandated by the U.S. government to prevent similar deaths after the actress was killed.

An override or underride truck accident often leads to catastrophic injuries for the driver and passengers of the car involved. If you or someone you love was injured by someone else’s negligence—the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, or the truck manufacturer—multiple parties can (and often are) be held liable for the damages.

If you were seriously injured in an accident with a large truck, contact Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers today. Our experienced team has represented dozens of victims of truck accidents, including those involved in override and underride collisions, and we have the results to prove it. To schedule a free consultation with our Richmond-based truck accident attorneys, call us or fill out our contact form today. Proudly serving all of Virginia.