Latest News

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently issued a press release  announcing comprehensive actions to increase underride protection on truck trailers. They just issued a final rule for rear underride protection that enacts critical safety mandates in an effort to improve safety for American roadway users.  

This finalized rule updates two Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to improve protection for drivers and passengers in light vehicles in the event of a rear underride crash. An underride crash is when the front end of a smaller passenger occupant vehicle crashes into the back of a larger commercial vehicle. Typically, we will see cars, SUVs or light trucks run into the back of tractor-trailers and semi trucks in underride crashes. The crashes are often deadly.  

Increasing Safety and Research Regarding Underride Crashes  

Under the new rule, there will be a requirement of rear impact guards on trailers and semi trailers with sufficient strength and energy absorption to protect occupants of passenger vehicles in multiple crash scenarios. Additional rules include establishing a Federal advisory committee on underride protection.This will include research on side underride guards too.   

Also, there will be improved data collection of underride crashes by recommending inclusion of underride data in State crash data systems and by providing educational materials to State and local police departments on identifying and recording these types of crashes. Finally, they will also be conducting research on rear impact guard designs that better protect occupants of passenger vehicles in different types of underride crash scenarios.  

Truck Accidents in Southern California 

After any kind of accident involving a big rig, semi truck or tractor-trailer, it’s a good idea to speak with a Personal Injury lawyer with truck accident experience. Truck drivers and trucking companies have additional rules and regulations to follow, and truck accident investigations can be lengthy and complicated. A lawyer can stay abreast of emerging case details and fight to get you the compensation you deserve to pay for medical bills, lost wages and other expenses associated with your injuries.  

If you have been injured in a truck accident in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.