Among the most catastrophic roadway accidents are override and underride collisions involving tractor-trailers. These collisions occur when a smaller vehicle ends up beneath either the front or the rear of a trailer. Understanding how these accidents happen and the severe injuries that can result is important to preserving your legal rights if you are ever a victim.

An override collision occurs when a tractor-trailer runs over a smaller vehicle, typically during a sudden stop or when the smaller vehicle cuts off the truck. Due to its massive size and weight, a tractor-trailer requires more distance to come to a complete stop. If a driver is distracted, speeding or following too closely, the truck may not stop in time, leading to an override. Poor visibility, slick road conditions and mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions can also contribute to this type of accident.

An underride collision occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer. These accidents are especially dangerous because the smaller vehicle's roof or upper structure might be sheared off, causing catastrophic injuries for the occupants. Underride crashes can happen if a truck is improperly stopped or parked on the roadway, if it changes lanes abruptly or if it lacks properly functioning rear or side underride guards. Poor lighting and insufficient reflectors on the truck can make it difficult for other drivers to see the vehicle in low-visibility conditions, increasing the chances of an underride collision.

Truck drivers, their employers and trucking companies can be held liable for override or underride collisions. A driver may be deemed negligent if they were speeding, fatigued, distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time. Employers can be held vicariously liable if the driver was operating within the scope of employment. Trucking companies may face direct liability if they failed to maintain the vehicle, to train the driver properly or to comply with federal regulations.

Other parties also may share liability in an override or underride accident. For example, a manufacturer of defective truck parts, such as brakes or underride guards, could be held accountable. Similarly, cargo loaders might be implicated if improperly secured loads contributed to the collision. A third-party maintenance provider might face liability for failing to adequately inspect or repair the truck or its safety guards.

Experienced truck accident attorneys employ various methods to investigate these complex collisions and build compelling cases for damages. They can reconstruct the accident using expert analysis, review data from the truck's event data recorder (commonly known as a "black box") and analyze driver logs to identify violations of hours-of-service regulations. Attorneys also gather evidence from surveillance footage, witness statements and maintenance records.

For people injured override or underride collisions in Virginia, the legal team at Pikrallidas & Probasco in Fairfax offers invaluable advice and support. We provide personalized representation and work tirelessly to secure justice and compensation for victims of these devastating accidents. Call us at 703-267-2600 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.