Steel bars that hang from the backs of tractor trailers to prevent the front of a passenger vehicle from moving underneath them during an accident are known as underride guards. If tractor-trailers do not contain underride guards or they are defective, an underride accident may occur.
An underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle hits the rear or side of a tractor-trailer and underrides or slides underneath the trailer. In an underride accident, the top or roof of the passenger car is often completely crushed or removed, causing catastrophic injuries or death.
Fortunately, there are current efforts designed to establish new laws that require side guards and stronger underride guards on all tractor-trailers. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in an underride accident, call our truck accident attorneys at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 236-2900 today for a free consultation.
The AngelWing device is an aftermarket device manufactured by AirFlow Deflector that attaches to the sides of tractor-trailers and can prevent a midsize car from sliding underneath the trailer. In a recent crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Angel Wing device stopped a 2009 Chevy Malibu sedan going 40 miles per hour from sliding underneath the trailer and decapitating the crash dummy inside.
AngelWing is currently the only side underride device on the market that is engineered to stop passenger cars from sliding underneath trailers. According to the IIHS, AngelWing can reduce serious injuries and deaths in 9 out of 10 side underride crashes. Although the U.S. Department of Transportation has required underride guards for the backs of tractor trailers since 1952, there have never been any laws, rules, or regulations requiring side guards like AngelWing.
Individuals who have lost their loved ones in underride accidents have been urging Congress members to pass a law that would make more efficient rear guards and side underride guards a requirement for all trucks. Although no senator or representative has agreed to pass a bill yet, there is a chance that a bill may be introduced soon.
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in an underride accident, you should contact our experienced truck injury attorneys immediately. We will conduct a thorough investigation and consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability. The truck driver, trucking company, or manufacturer or seller of the truck may all be held liable.
With our legal representation by your side, you may collect compensation to pay for:
If a devastating underride accident has hurt you or someone you love, contact our highly skilled Chicago truck accident lawyers today at (312) 236-2900. Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. We may be able to help you obtain compensation for your damages and losses.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
