What You Need to Know
Underride crashes are among the most devastating types of trucking collisions, and often the most preventable.
These are catastrophic events where a passenger vehicle slides beneath a truck trailer, often shearing off the top of the car and instantly killing or severely injuring occupants.
Despite growing awareness, these collisions remain a persistent and deadly problem on America’s roads, including in Kentucky.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 500 people die annually in underride crashes.
Many of these tragedies occur on interstates like I-65, I-64, and I-71, where high speeds and poor visibility amplify the danger.
What Is an Underride Crash?
An underride crash occurs when a vehicle collides with a truck and continues beneath its trailer.
Unlike typical collisions, the vehicle’s safety features, like airbags and crumple zones, are rendered useless because the trailer enters the passenger cabin directly.
The result is often fatal.
Rear underride
When a car strikes the back of a truck
Side underride
When a car collides with the side of a trailer during a lane change or intersection maneuver
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has shown in crash tests that most guards fail to protect cars at realistic highway speeds [2].
Why These Crashes Still Happen
Despite the known risks, underride protection remains inconsistent and under-regulated:
Rear Guards Are Weak
Although rear underride guards have been required since 1998, many trailers use outdated or structurally weak designs. A 2021 update from NHTSA increased strength requirements—but only for new trailers.
Side Guards Are Rare
Side underride guards are not federally mandated in the United States. Studies show that more than 70% of trailers lack side protection, leaving huge gaps in safety.
Visibility Is Poor
In low-light or high-speed conditions, particularly on rural highways, drivers may not see a trailer in time to stop. Improper reflective markings or a lack of conspicuity tape worsen the risk.
Crash Data Understates the Problem
The FMCSA has tied 11% of fatal truck crashes to rear impacts, many of which likely involved underrides.
Industry Pushback and Avoidance
Large carriers often deflect responsibility by blaming the smaller vehicle’s driver or citing cost concerns.
Yet many companies, such as FedEx and UPS, operate fleets with thousands of preventable crashes, many of which are fatal.
FedEx: Over 1,000 crashes; 23 involving fatalities
UPS: Over 2,400 crashes; 76 fatalities
Our Role in Holding Them Accountable
At Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, our team has litigated against some of the largest commercial carriers in the U.S.
We dig deep into inspection records, training protocols, and underride guard maintenance.
Our attorneys know Kentucky trucking law, and we know how to turn weak safety standards into strong legal claims.
Whether you’re a crash victim or a referring attorney, you can trust our experience with underride collisions to drive results.
How We Build a Case
We approach underride cases with meticulous attention to detail:
Retrieve crash data and inspection reports
Analyze underride guard compliance and visibility conditions
Consult industry safety standards and expert witnesses
Show how simple safety upgrades could have saved lives
FAQs About Underride Crashes
What is an underride crash?
An underride crash occurs when a passenger vehicle collides with a commercial truck and slides beneath the trailer, often causing severe or fatal injuries.
Are rear and side guards mandatory?
Rear guards are required on new trailers, but not all older ones comply. Side guards are not federally required in the U.S.
How do I know if an underride contributed to my accident?
Crash reports, photos, and vehicle damage can reveal whether the car went beneath the trailer. Our legal team investigates thoroughly.
Can I sue a trucking company after an underride crash?
Yes. You may have a claim if poor maintenance, lack of safety equipment, or negligence contributed to the incident.
What compensation is available in underride cases?
You may be entitled to damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and wrongful death.
We Fight for Underride Victims
If you or a loved one were harmed in an underride crash, you need a law firm that understands how to expose systemic failures and pursue real justice.
Call us at 502-888-8888 or 859-888-8000
