Houston Truck Underride Accident Lawyer
Underride accidents are some of the most catastrophic truck crashes on Houston’s roads. These incidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a commercial truck, often shearing off the roof of the smaller car and causing life-threatening injuries or fatalities. If you or a loved one has suffered due to this type of collision, contact an experienced Houston truck underride accident lawyer at the Law Office of Israel Garcia.
We know how devastating these cases can be—not just because we’ve handled them for more than two decades, but because we’ve lived through serious accidents ourselves. That’s why we advocate fiercely for truck crash victims and their families, ensuring they’re not left to suffer alone or settle for less than they deserve.
Why Truck Underride Accidents Are So Dangerous
Passenger vehicles are not designed to withstand the force or structural impact of sliding under a multi-ton truck. In many underride crashes, the upper portion of the vehicle is crushed, leaving little chance of survival for occupants. Even in non-fatal incidents, survivors may be left with catastrophic injuries that require long-term care.
Common causes of underride accidents in Houston include:
- Trucks stopping suddenly without reflective markings or proper lighting
- Failure to install or maintain underride guards
- Low visibility at night or in poor weather conditions
- Improperly executed turns or lane changes by truck drivers
- Inadequate maintenance of rear or side lighting systems
Federal safety standards require certain types of underride guards, but compliance and enforcement are often lacking—putting innocent drivers at risk.
Injuries in Houston Underride Truck Accidents
The injuries in these accidents are often permanent and disabling. At the Law Office of Israel Garcia, we help clients recover compensation for:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Amputations and crush injuries
- Fractured bones and orthopedic trauma
- Disfigurement and severe scarring
- Wrongful death claims for lost loved ones
We work with medical experts and life care planners to document the full extent of your injuries and ensure your long-term needs are covered in any settlement or verdict.
Determining Liability in a Houston Underride Case
Underride accident cases often involve multiple parties that could share responsibility. Depending on the facts, you may have a claim against:
– The truck driver, for negligent operation
– The trucking company, for failing to install or inspect underride guards
– Equipment manufacturers, if guards were defective or poorly designed
– Maintenance providers, for overlooking damaged or missing safety gear
Our firm builds strong cases using expert testimony, black box data, inspection reports, and accident reconstruction to prove fault and fight back against large trucking company insurers.
Are trucks required to have underride guards in Texas?
Yes, federal law requires rear underride guards on most commercial trucks. However, side underride guards are not always mandatory, despite evidence that they significantly reduce fatalities. If a guard was missing or failed in your crash, it could be a key factor in establishing negligence.
What should I do after an underride accident in Houston?
First, seek immediate medical attention. Then, contact a qualified Houston truck underride accident lawyer. Don’t speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjusters until you have legal representation. These companies are motivated to minimize payouts and may pressure you into accepting a lowball offer before the full extent of your injuries is known.
How much is an underride truck accident case worth?
There is no universal value for these cases. Factors include the severity of your injuries, impact on your ability to work, medical expenses, emotional trauma, and whether there was gross negligence involved. Our firm has obtained multi-million-dollar verdicts by showing the jury what these injuries truly mean for our clients’ futures.
Talk to a Houston Truck Underride Accident Lawyer Today
Truck underride crashes change lives in an instant. If it happened to you or someone you love, the Law Office of Israel Garcia is here to help you fight back. Call (210) 529-9999 or reach out through our contact form for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win. Se habla español.
