What is a Truck Underride Accident?

Underride accidents usually occur when a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a tractor-trailer. Instead of colliding bumper-to-bumper, the smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer. Because rear guards can fail, and side guards are often not required, the upper portion of the passenger compartment can be crushed by the trailer’s frame or rear structure, often resulting in catastrophic injury or fatalities.

• Rear underride crashes frequently occur when a tractor-trailer slows or stops suddenly, particularly in low-visibility conditions such as nighttime driving.
• Side underride accidents commonly happen at intersections when a truck is turning or crossing traffic. Poor lighting, inclement weather, and limited visibility further increase the risk.

Federal regulations require most commercial trailers to be equipped with rear underride guards designed to reduce the risk of passenger vehicles sliding beneath a trailer. However, these measures do not always prevent serious crashes.

Learn more about the mechanics of these collisions on our page explaining how underride accidents happen.

Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system. In simple terms, this means you can still seek compensation even if you were partly at fault for the crash. However, while being partially at fault does not automatically block a claim, your recovery may be reduced based on your share of responsibility.

Who Can Be Held Liable

In trucking cases, liability often extends beyond the driver to the trucking company itself. Under Missouri law, a company may be held responsible for an employee’s negligence while acting within the scope of employment, as well as for its own misconduct, including negligent hiring, training, or supervision, improper vehicle maintenance, and violations of state or federal trucking safety regulations.

Liability may also extend to other parties involved in the trucking operation. Depending on the circumstances, maintenance contractors, cargo loading companies, freight brokers, truck manufacturers, or manufacturers of defective safety equipment, including underride guards, may share responsibility.

Identifying every potentially liable party is essential to ensuring full accountability and maximizing available insurance coverage.

FMCSA Safety Regulations and Missouri Compliance

Most commercial trucking safety standards are governed by regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These federal rules apply to commercial trucking companies operating in Missouri and can play a critical role in establishing liability after a serious crash.

As noted above, these regulations require rear underride guards on most trailers, as well as mandate regular inspections and maintenance of commercial vehicles, limit driver hours to prevent fatigue, and establish qualification and licensing standards for commercial drivers.

Missouri has adopted many of these federal safety regulations, meaning violations may serve as strong evidence of negligence, even when a truck is operating solely within the state.

At Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, we’ve represented injured Missourians since 1984 and are proud to serve clients across the state, including Joplin, Springfield, and St. Louis. Our legal team focuses on clear communication, steady guidance, and treating every client with dignity and respect.

If you’re looking for a Missouri truck accident lawyer, we’re here to guide you through the claim process. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.