In an underride crash, a passenger vehicle typically slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler truck. These types of truck accidents can have catastrophic results, sometimes including one or more fatalities. Read on to learn more, including tips for preventing underride accidents and whether you need an attorney if you or a loved one have been injured in this type of accident.

truck underride crashes

Types of Underride Crashes 

An underride crash is a specific type of truck accident involving a smaller passenger vehicle and a large semi truck with a trailer. The resulting damage is typically severe because the car’s roof might be crushed or ripped entirely off the vehicle.

There are three primary types of underride crashes:

  1. A rear underride collision is when a smaller vehicle runs into the back of a truck’s trailer;
  2. A side underride crash refers to a car sliding under the side of the truck trailer; and
  3. A front underride crash, the least common type, is when the truck goes over the car’s rear end.

Multiple factors can contribute to underride crashes, including a truck’s lack of underride guards. These metal bars hang down from a trailer and help prevent vehicles from sliding under the truck during an accident. Currently, no federal law mandates front or side underride guards on trucks. Trailers are only required to have guards on the rear that can withstand a crash. While these rear guards will help keep a vehicle from sliding under, it doesn’t mean the driver will emerge unscathed. In a severe enough collision, someone could die. 

How to Reduce the Risk of an Underride Crash

Preventing underride crashes requires both truck drivers and motorists to take proactive measures. For truck drivers, key safety practices include:

  • Installing and maintaining underride guards. Trucking companies should install underride guards on the truck’s rear, sides, and front. 
  • Increasing visibility. Use reflective tape and ensure all lights, including brake and turn signals, are fully operational. Increasing visibility, especially in low-light conditions, can significantly reduce the risk of a collision. 
  • Getting routine vehicle checks. Regular truck inspections and maintenance checks can identify potential issues that might contribute to accidents, such as brake failures or tire problems.

Taking just these steps can go a long way in preventing underride accidents. Motorists can also take precautions to reduce the risk of these types of collisions by:

  • Maintaining a safe distance. Keeping a safe distance from trucks allows you more time to react to sudden stops or turns.
  • Being aware of a truck’s blind spots. Avoid driving in areas where a truck driver might have limited visibility, such as directly behind or beside the truck’s trailer.
  • Driving defensively. Be alert and anticipate potential hazards, such as trucks making wide turns or changing lanes.

Reducing the risk of truck accidents requires a joint effort by all motorists on California roads and highways. 

What to Do If You Are Involved in an Underride Crash 

If you are involved in an underride accident, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and safety. Move to a safe location if possible, and then call 911. An officer will respond to the scene to take a report, which can be helpful when pursuing a claim for injuries and property damage. If your injuries are severe, emergency responders will triage you at the scene and transport you to the hospital. 

Depending on the severity of your injuries, try to take photos of the accident scene with your phone. Never put yourself at risk for worsening injuries to get pictures. If you can safely do so, document the positions of the involved vehicles, skid marks, debris, etc. You’re looking for any details that help prove the other driver was at fault. 

Be cautious about what you say at the scene. Avoid saying anything that could be misconstrued as an admission of guilt. Even something innocuous as “I’m sorry” could be brought up later in the claims process. Limit your responses to factual answers about the accident only. 

Do You Need to Hire a California Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accidents, in general, typically involve significant injuries and complex legal issues. It’s best to speak with an experienced California truck accident attorney right away. At GJEL, we offer free, no-obligation consultations and don’t charge any legal fees unless we recover compensation in your case. 

Our attorneys have years of experience representing injured victims in truck accidents, including underride crashes. We have a deep understanding of trucking laws, including applicable federal regulations. We’re committed to helping every one of our clients get the justice and compensation they deserve after an injury accident. 

Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys Today 

The aftermath of an underride crash can be terrifying. However, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. Let us put our decades of combined experience to work for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation at one of our conveniently located California offices and learn more about how we can assist you.

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Last updated: August 18, 2025. This hub is for information only and not legal advice. For immediate help, call (866) 268-7118 or request a free case review.

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