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Underride Accidents
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New Orleans Underride Accident Lawyers

Experienced Legal Help for Underride Accident Claims in New Orleans

If you or a loved one has been involved in an underride accident in New Orleans, you need a dedicated and experienced attorney by your side. At Womac Law Firm, our legal team understands the complexities of these devastating accidents and is committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.

Contact our New Orleans underride accident lawyer today at (504) 470-3935 for a free consultation.

What is an Underride Accident?

An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle collides with a larger truck, typically an 18-wheeler, and becomes lodged underneath it. These crashes are among the most catastrophic types of trucking accidents due to the severe injuries and fatalities they often cause. Underride accidents can happen with the rear or side of a truck, and they are frequently preventable with proper safety measures in place.

Underride accidents are particularly dangerous because the smaller vehicle’s roof and windshield often sustain the impact, leading to severe head and upper body injuries for passengers. In many cases, these accidents are fatal, which makes it crucial to pursue legal action to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Common Causes of Underride Accidents

Underride accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, including negligence on the part of truck drivers, trucking companies, or even vehicle manufacturers. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Lack of Underride Guards: Many trucks are not equipped with proper rear or side underride guards, increasing the risk of a fatal crash.
  • Poor Visibility: Trucks without adequate lighting or reflective tape can be difficult to see at night or in poor weather conditions.
  • Sudden Stops: If a truck stops abruptly without proper warning, vehicles behind it may not have enough time to react and can crash into the rear of the truck.
  • Improper Lane Changes: When a truck merges into another lane without checking blind spots, it can collide with a smaller vehicle, leading to a side underride crash.
  • Negligent Truck Maintenance: Faulty brake lights, missing reflectors, or defective underride guards can all contribute to underride accidents.
  • Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers who are drowsy or inattentive may make sudden stops or fail to see smaller vehicles approaching.
  • Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and other adverse weather conditions can reduce visibility, making it harder for drivers to see large trucks in time to avoid a collision.

Why Underride Accidents Often Involve 18-Wheelers

Underride accidents are most commonly associated with large commercial trucks, including 18-wheelers, because of their significant size and height difference compared to passenger vehicles. Factors that make 18-wheelers more prone to causing underride crashes include:

  • High Ground Clearance: The large gap between the truck’s bottom and the road allows smaller vehicles to slide underneath upon impact.
  • Heavy Cargo Loads: A fully loaded truck takes longer to stop, increasing the likelihood of sudden braking incidents that lead to rear-end underride crashes.
  • Blind Spots: Due to their size, 18-wheelers have substantial blind spots that make it difficult for truck drivers to see smaller vehicles alongside or behind them.
  • Lack of Adequate Safety Features: While some trucks are equipped with underride guards, many still lack proper side guards, increasing the chances of deadly crashes.

Who is Liable in an Underride Accident?

Determining liability in an underride accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Potentially liable parties include:

  • Truck Drivers: If the truck driver was negligent by stopping abruptly, failing to signal, or engaging in reckless driving, they may be held responsible.
  • Trucking Companies: Companies that fail to maintain their vehicles properly, enforce safe driving policies, or equip trucks with underride guards may be liable.
  • Manufacturers: If a defect in the truck’s design or safety equipment contributed to the crash, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
  • Other Drivers: In some cases, a third-party driver may be responsible for a chain-reaction crash that led to the underride accident.

How Our Firm Can Help

At Womac Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact an underride accident can have on victims and their families. Our experienced legal team will:

  • Conduct a comprehensive investigation of the accident
  • Gather critical evidence, including accident reports, truck maintenance records, and expert testimony
  • Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement
  • Take your case to trial if necessary to fight for the justice you deserve

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Call (504) 470-3935 or complete our online contact form today to learn more information about our experienced team.

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Hear From Our Past Clients

    "The best law firm in NOLA!"
    I wasn’t sure what to do after being in an accident but decided to allow Womac Law Firm to take the case. I’m so happy I did. Everyone on the case was extremely helpful and supportive from start to finish. I never had to worry about are they working on the case or not. I was informed during the entire process. I was also pleased to meet Mr. Womac himself. Unlike some law firms you work with attorneys under the head attorney but never meet the owner of the firm. You will never be disappointed by choosing to put The Womac on them. The best law firm in NOLA!
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    Absolutely amazing place, with absolutely amazing people. Everyone is kind, smiling, and always in a great mood! Soon as you walk in the door, they ask you if you need something to drink are anything else! Everyone knows who you are even if they have seen you only once! My car accident was on November 16th, 2023 that's when I met Mr Womac for the first time! Two days ago I met him for the second time and he knew exactly who I was, professionally trained people in a great environment! I recommend if you are in a car accident PUT THE WOMAC ON THEM YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!
    "Mr. Womac prioritized my well-being and recovery."
    Mr. Womac prioritized my well-being and recovery. My attorney acted in my best interest to get the best settlement possible.
    "I would recommend him to anybody."
    I always go Mr. Womac. He is a nice, friendly lawyer. I like how his staff greets you and asks you do you want any beverages. I would recommend him to anybody.
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    Great service! The people there are always willing to help. Mr. Womac is a very fun person. Everyone there was very professional, and I will highly recommend him to anyone that is seeking an attorney.
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    Definitely pleased with the outcome of my case. My attorney was great and completely communicated with me every step of the way. They got everything I needed to be handled. Satisfied client.
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    It’s said that if you want more personal services go with a smaller group like a mom & pops spot. Well at the Law Offices of Womac they've treated me like we've been friends for years. Johnathan & his assistant are attentive, informed, and kind. It has been my pleasure to do business with them & most certainly give them return business in the future. Thanks for everything guys!