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What Are Override Accidents?

What Are Override Accidents?

If you get injured or a loved one passes away in an override truck accident in Colorado, you may be eligible for financial compensation for the serious losses that you have suffered. Understanding your rights after an override accident can allow you to seek justice from the correct parties after this devastating type of crash.

What Is a Vehicle Override?

An override accident describes a vehicle (often a large truck or 18-wheeler) running up and over a smaller car in a collision. Rather than the truck simply crashing into the other car, it overtakes the vehicle and ends up driving over the top of it. These accidents are particularly dangerous because they can crush the roof and occupants of the smaller car.

What Is an Underride Accident?

An underride accident is similar to an override accident, but it reverses the vehicles involved. In an underride accident, a smaller car crashes into a semi-truck and rolls or wedges underneath the taller trailer. This type of crash can result in devastating injuries, such as decapitations, head and brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.

Common Injuries From Truck Override Accidents

An override accident can result in severe, catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. If a victim survives this type of truck accident, he or she may suffer injuries such as:

  • Neck or back injury
  • Permanent paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Multiple broken bones
  • Crush injuries
  • Internal injuries
  • Severe lacerations
  • Burn injuries
  • Amputations

In addition, many override accident victims suffer psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, that remains with them for long after the crash.

How Can Override Accidents Be Prevented?

Override accidents can be avoided by ensuring that the driver of a truck or large vehicle is paying attention to the road, maintaining a reasonable speed, and obeying traffic signs and signals. This will reduce the odds of the driver crashing into a smaller car and driving up and over it. Managing truck driver fatigue by obeying hours-of-service regulations, for example, can prevent override accidents caused by a trucker falling asleep

Trucking companies also need to properly inspect, maintain and repair their trucks. A truck that experiences brake failure due to worn-out brakes, for example, may be unable to stop in time to avoid crashing into another vehicle and causing an override accident. If a trucking company or truck driver is at fault for an override accident, the company can be held liable, or financially responsible, for a victim’s damages.

What to Do After an Override Accident in Denver

Getting into an override crash can significantly affect your life. If you have been involved in this type of accident, try to remain calm and put your safety first by getting immediate medical care. If you can, gather evidence and information regarding the accident. Then, consult with a Denver truck accident lawyer for assistance with the claims process.

How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

An attorney can help you go up against a trucking company and its insurance provider to pursue fair financial compensation for the full extent of your losses. Your lawyer can investigate the crash, determine who is at fault and collect evidence to prove negligence.

While most trucking accident cases in Colorado reach settlements, hiring an attorney gives you the ability to take your case to trial, if necessary. You can trust your attorney to fight for optimal case results for you while you focus on healing. For a free case consultation, contact The Fang Law Firm today.