Override Truck Accidents: What Are They and Who May Be at Fault?

Override truck accidents occur when a commercial truck rides over a smaller passenger vehicle, often smashing it and its occupants in the process. These are some of the most dangerous types of accidents and often result in catastrophic injuries and deaths. Often, truck driver negligence is to blame for these collisions. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help accident victims hold careless trucker drivers and the companies that hire them accountable. 

What Are Override Truck Accidents? 

Override truck accidents involve a truck that strikes a passenger vehicle from behind. The force is so significant that it causes the truck to run over the passenger vehicle. The truck might crash the car or shear off the top of the vehicle. Occupants in the back of the vehicle are most at risk during this type of rear-end collision. 

How Are Override Truck Accidents Different Than Underride Truck Accidents?

Underride truck accidents occur when a smaller passenger vehicle slides underneath a commercial truck’s trailer, which sits much higher off the ground than the passenger vehicle. The vehicle may get stuck underneath the truck. In many of these crashes, the truck shears off the top of the vehicle, killing or maiming the occupants inside. 

In contrast, override truck accidents occur when the truck rides over the back of the passenger car. The truck might crush the smaller passenger vehicle, likely causing severe or fatal injuries in the process. 

Both types of accidents are serious and can result in significant injuries. 

Common Causes of Override Truck Accidents 

Most override truck accidents usually occur because of truck driver negligence when the truck driver cannot stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision. Common causes of override truck accidents include:

• Speeding – Truck drivers who speed have less time to stop once they recognize a hazard. Additionally, truck drivers should decrease their speed in poor road or weather conditions. If they do not, they can cause preventable override truck crashes. 
• Drowsy driving – Many truck drivers work long hours beyond their abilities. They may fall asleep at the wheel and crash into the vehicle in front of them. 
• Distracted driving – Truck drivers may be distracted by their phone, radio, thoughts, passengers, or things outside the vehicle. By the time they recognize someone has braked or stopped in front of them, it may be too late for them to stop.
• Impaired driving – Truck drivers impaired by drugs, alcohol, or medication may have dulled senses that compromise their judgment. 
• Aggressive driving – Some truck drivers operate trucks in an aggressive manner, using the size and power of the vehicle to intimidate other drivers. They may weave in and out of lanes, follow other vehicles too closely, and disregard traffic signs, which can all increase the likelihood of a crash. 
• Mechanical failure – Override truck accidents can also happen because of poor maintenance or mechanical failure. Brake failure, tire blowouts, or other system failures can cause override truck accidents. 

Proving Liability in Override Truck Accidents 

An experienced truck accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case and work to prove the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance company, or other parties were at fault for the accident. Your lawyer can gather evidence to establish liability and how the accident has affected you, such as:

• Maintenance records
• Personnel records
• Data from the truck’s “black box”
• Photos of the accident scene
• Witness statements 
• Medical records
• Pay stubs
• Reports from expert witnesses 

If you or a loved one was injured in an override truck accident, the team at Mingo & Yankala, S.C. wants to help you seek justice and accountability. Contact us today for a free, confidential  consultation.