Injuries Sustained in Underride Truck Accidents

Any accident between a large commercial truck and a smaller passenger car is likely to result in catastrophic injuries or death for the occupants of the car. Injuries sustained by underride victims are among the worst because the roof of the car might be crushed or torn off the vehicle, exposing the driver and passengers to direct impact with the truck’s trailer. Common underride injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Cracked ribs
  • Dislocated or hyperextended joints
  • Torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Amputation
  • Decapitation
  • Psychological or emotional trauma

If you’re lucky enough to survive a truck underride accident, you should seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel you’re seriously hurt. The adrenaline that results from the experience of the crash could mask the symptoms of your injuries, but a prompt medical exam and diagnostic testing can reveal damage you might not know you have. Immediate diagnosis and treatment can also lead to a shorter, more thorough recovery and provide documentation of your injuries, which is vital to your insurance claim or lawsuit—if your case should go to trial.

Strengthening Your Claim

If you’re physically able to do so after being involved in an underride wreck, you should take the following steps:

  • Stay at the scene and move to a safe area.
  • Call 9-1-1 to report the accident.
  • Take photos of the vehicles involved in the crash and the accident scene.
  • Exchange information with the at-fault driver if possible, but do not discuss the crash or argue.
  • Get contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
  • Note the presence of nearby security or red-light cameras that might have video footage of the wreck.
  • When law enforcement arrives, answer their questions with basic information only.
  • Do not admit any fault for the accident to anyone.
  • Do not communicate with insurance adjusters.
  • Seek medical attention right away.
  • Contact your insurer.
  • Consult an attorney.

An experienced truck accident lawyer will work to obtain vital evidence of the crash from the commercial truck’s “black box recorder.” A lawyer will also likely file claims and negotiate with multiple defendants, including the trucker, the trucking company, truck repair personnel, truck and replacement parts manufacturers, and cargo loading personnel, all of whom might bear partial responsibility for your damages.

Have You Been Injured In A Florence, South Carolina Area Truck Accident?

If you've been injured in a Florence truck accident you should speak with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Florence, South Carolina office directly at 843.488.7540 to schedule your consultation. We are also able to meet clients at our CharlestonConway, Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Mt. PleasantNorth Myrtle Beach or North Charleston office locations.

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Dirk J. Derrick
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South Carolina Lawyer Dirk Derrick helps victims recover from car accidents, personal injury & wrongful death.