What are the risks for an under-ride accident in Mission Viejo or Orange County? An under-ride accident occurs when a motor vehicle becomes wedged underneath a semi tractor trailer during an accident. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently provided specific recommendations to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which proposed changes to significantly reduce the number of under-ride truck accidents or eliminate them altogether.
When a car or other motor vehicle becomes lodged under a semi tractor trailer or large truck the roof of the pinned vehicle is usually substantially pushed into the passenger compartment or cut off in the accident itself. Occupants in these vehicles suffer serious injuries including head trauma or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), neck fractures, back injuries and other broken bones and fractures. These injuries can result in a permanent injury including paralysis. Unfortunately, many of these accidents result in a wrongful death of the driver or passengers in cars involved in under-ride accidents.
Permanent injuries and other serious wounds like a TBI require legal skill and additional tools for the jury such as a “Life Care Plan.” The Life Care Plan is a comprehensive document which details all of the medical treatment the patient will require for the rest of their life, the impact of their injuries upon their ability to work or earn a living, as well as every other expense now and in the future which relates to their injuries. The Life Care Plan helps the jury to understand the short and long term costs of these serious injuries, as well as the economic, social and personal impact these injuries will have upon the injury victim.
Unfortunately, the risks for an under-ride accident in Mission Viejo are some of the highest in the nation. The interstates and California state routes pouring into Orange County and the Los Angeles area bring a heavy flow of truck traffic resulting in increased semi-truck related accidents. If you or a family member are the victims of an under-ride truck accident or any motor vehicle injury accident we invite you to review the recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact the Law Firm of Rivers Morrell or call 949305-1400 to speak with Rivers Morrell personally for a free consultation today.
