Imagine driving down I-35 on your way home when traffic slows suddenly. You hit the brakes—but the small sedan in front of you doesn’t stop in time. In an instant, it slides underneath the back of a tractor-trailer ahead. The roof peels back, and what was a fender-bender for others becomes a devastating, often fatal, crash for that driver. This type of collision is known as an underride accident—and in Texas, it’s one of the deadliest forms of truck crashes. The law recognizes the unique dangers of underride collisions, and both federal safety rules and state liability theories can determine who is responsible.
What Is an Underride Crash?
An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle goes under the side or rear of a large commercial truck or trailer. Because trailers ride high off the ground, cars can slide underneath—resulting in catastrophic head and neck injuries.
Types of underride accidents:
● Rear underride: Car slides under the back of a truck.
● Side underride: Car slides under the side of a trailer, often at intersections or lane changes.
● Override: A truck drives over a smaller vehicle in front of it.
Learn more about Texas truck accident claims at Wolf Law, PLLC.
Guard Requirements: Safety Rules That Save Lives
Federal regulations require certain trucks and trailers to be equipped with rear underride guards (often called “Mansfield bars”) to reduce the risk of deadly underride crashes. However:
● Not all trailers are required to have side guards, leaving drivers vulnerable.
● Improperly maintained guards may fail on impact.
● Outdated equipment may not meet current crash-test standards.
When trucks ignore guard requirements or fail to maintain their safety equipment, they may be violating both federal trucking regulations and Texas negligence laws.
Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Underride Accident?
Underride crashes rarely involve just one responsible party. Depending on the facts, liability can extend to:
● Truck drivers who brake suddenly, block lanes, or drive without lights.
● Trucking companies that fail to install or maintain underride guards.
● Manufacturers of defective or substandard guards or trailers.
● Freight loaders if unsafe loading contributed to visibility or stopping issues.
● Contractors or vendors responsible for maintenance.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides standards that trucking companies must follow, and violations can serve as powerful evidence of negligence.
Key Evidence in an Underride Case
Building a strong claim means gathering proof quickly before it disappears. Evidence in a truck underride accident Texas case often includes:
● Crash scene photos and vehicle damage
● Police accident reports
● Black box data (electronic logging devices
● Inspection and maintenance records
● Driver logs and hours of service compliance
● Surveillance or dashcam video
● Expert reconstruction reports
Because trucking companies and insurers act fast to protect themselves, having a lawyer who knows how to demand and preserve this evidence is critical.
Liability Theories in Texas Courts
In underride cases, several legal theories may apply:
● Negligence: Failure to act as a reasonably prudent driver or company.
● Negligence per se: Violating a safety regulation (such as failing to maintain guards).
● Product liability: If a defective guard or trailer design contributed to the crash.
● Vicarious liability: Holding trucking companies accountable for the actions of their drivers.
An experienced attorney will analyze which theories best apply to maximize compensation for victims.
Final Thoughts
Underride crashes are among the most horrific truck accidents on Texas roads—but they’re also among the most preventable. Guard requirements, proper training, and diligent maintenance save lives. When trucking companies and manufacturers cut corners, they must be held accountable.
At Wolf Law, PLLC, we know how to investigate these cases, preserve key evidence, and pursue every liable party to fight for justice after an underride crash.
Contact us today if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck underride accident in Texas.