In the bustling transportation hub of San Antonio, where Interstate highways 10, 35, and 410 intersect, commercial truck traffic is a constant presence. While all truck accidents pose serious risks, underride and override collisions stand out as particularly catastrophic. These accidents occur when smaller vehicles either slide beneath a commercial truck (underride) or when a truck climbs over a smaller vehicle (override), often resulting in devastating injuries or fatalities.
As San Antonio personal injury attorneys with extensive experience representing victims of commercial truck accidents, we’ve witnessed firsthand the life-altering consequences these collisions can have on individuals and families throughout Bexar County and beyond.
What Are Underride and Override Accidents?
Underride Accidents: A Deadly Scenario
Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle—typically a passenger car—slides partially or completely underneath a commercial truck, most commonly the trailer portion of an 18-wheeler. These accidents can happen from behind the truck, from the side, or even head-on, with each scenario presenting unique dangers.
The most devastating aspect of underride accidents is that they often result in the upper portion of the passenger vehicle being crushed or sheared off—an event sometimes grimly referred to as “decapitation accidents.” When a vehicle underrides a truck, the truck’s higher ground clearance means that the first point of impact is often at windshield or roof level of the smaller vehicle, bypassing many of the vehicle’s built-in safety features.
Override Accidents: When Trucks Climb Over Vehicles
Override accidents represent the opposite scenario—when a large commercial truck drives over the back or side of a smaller vehicle. These typically occur when:
- A truck cannot stop in time due to following too closely
- Poor visibility conditions exist
- A truck driver experiences fatigue or distraction
- Mechanical failures affect the truck’s braking system
In an override collision, the tremendous weight and force of the commercial vehicle crushes the smaller vehicle, often trapping occupants and causing catastrophic injuries.
Why San Antonio Is a Hotspot for These Dangerous Collisions
San Antonio’s position as a major transportation corridor makes it particularly vulnerable to these types of accidents. Several factors contribute to this elevated risk:
- High Volume of Commercial Traffic: As a gateway to Mexico and a critical junction in the Texas Triangle, San Antonio highways see constant commercial vehicle traffic.
- Urban-Rural Interfaces: The transition areas between San Antonio’s urban core and the surrounding rural areas create dangerous speed differentials between vehicles.
- Construction Zones: Ongoing infrastructure improvements on major highways like I-35 and Loop 1604 create bottlenecks where sudden stops are common.
- Weather Conditions: South Texas fog, heavy rain, and occasional icy conditions can significantly reduce visibility, increasing underride and override risks.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Bexar County consistently ranks among the top counties in Texas for truck-involved crashes, with hundreds of such accidents occurring annually on San Antonio roadways.
The Devastating Impact of Underride and Override Accidents
The physical, emotional, and financial consequences of these accidents can be overwhelming:
Physical Injuries
Victims who survive underride or override accidents often suffer catastrophic injuries including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Severe lacerations and disfigurement
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment, multiple surgeries, lengthy rehabilitation, and in many cases, lifelong care and accommodation.
Financial Burden
The economic impact extends far beyond initial medical bills:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Ongoing specialized medical care
- Rehabilitation services
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Mental health counseling
- In-home care assistance
A single catastrophic truck accident can generate millions of dollars in damages, putting tremendous financial strain on victims and their families.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
The psychological impact can be equally devastating:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety and depression
- Survivor’s guilt (particularly in accidents with multiple victims)
- Changed family dynamics and relationships
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Sleep disturbances and chronic pain
Safety Regulations and Prevention Measures
Federal regulations have attempted to address these dangerous accidents, though implementation remains inconsistent:
Underride Guards
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires rear underride guards—sometimes called “Mansfield bars”—on most commercial trailers. These metal barriers hang from the back of trailers to prevent vehicles from sliding underneath in rear-end collisions.
However, significant safety gaps remain:
- Side underride guards are not yet federally mandated, despite their potential to prevent many fatalities
- Many older trailers have outdated guard designs
- Even some compliant guards fail in real-world crash scenarios
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has been advocating for stronger underride guard requirements, conducting tests that show the life-saving potential of improved designs.
Technology Solutions
Modern technological advances that can help prevent these accidents include:
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems
- Forward collision warning systems
- Electronic stability control
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning systems
- Blind spot detection systems
While newer commercial vehicles increasingly feature these technologies, many older trucks on San Antonio highways lack these critical safety features.
Legal Considerations in San Antonio Underride and Override Accidents
Truck accident cases involving underride or override scenarios present complex legal challenges requiring specialized expertise:
Multiple Liable Parties
Unlike typical auto accidents, commercial truck crashes often involve numerous potentially liable parties:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Trailer owner (often different from the truck owner)
- Cargo loading company
- Truck and parts manufacturers
- Maintenance providers
- Government entities responsible for road design or maintenance
Each of these parties may bear some responsibility, and each typically has separate insurance coverage and legal representation.
Federal Regulations and Compliance
Commercial trucking is governed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations covering aspects like:
- Driver hours of service
- Vehicle maintenance requirements
- Cargo securement standards
- Driver qualification standards
- Drug and alcohol testing
Violations of these regulations can be crucial evidence in establishing liability.
Evidence Preservation Challenges
Critical evidence in truck accident cases can disappear quickly:
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record driver hours
- Truck “black box” data (Engine Control Modules)
- Dashcam footage
- Trucking company records
- Driver qualification files
- Maintenance records
Swift legal action is often necessary to preserve this evidence through legal holds and spoliation letters.
Texas-Specific Laws Affecting Truck Accident Claims
Texas has several laws that specifically impact truck accident litigation:
Modified Comparative Negligence
Texas follows a “51% bar rule” for comparative negligence. This means accident victims can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, exceptions may apply in certain circumstances, such as when governmental entities are involved.
Commercial Insurance Requirements
Texas requires commercial trucks to carry higher liability insurance than passenger vehicles. Interstate carriers typically must maintain a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage, though many carry $1 million or more in coverage.
Steps to Take After an Underride or Override Accident in San Antonio
If you or a loved one has been involved in an underride or override accident, taking prompt action is essential:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor initially. Some serious injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately.
- Report the accident to law enforcement and ensure an official police report is filed.
- Document everything possible at the scene, including photos of vehicles, road conditions, weather, and any visible injuries.
- Identify witnesses and collect their contact information.
- Do not provide statements to insurance representatives before consulting with an attorney.
- Preserve evidence like damaged vehicles (when possible) and medical records.
- Consult with an experienced truck accident attorney who understands the unique aspects of commercial vehicle litigation.
How a Specialized Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
Underride and override accident cases require specialized legal knowledge and resources:
Thorough Investigation
An experienced attorney will conduct a comprehensive investigation, often working with accident reconstruction specialists, biomechanical engineers, and other experts to establish exactly how the accident occurred and who bears responsibility.
Proper Valuation of Damages
Catastrophic injury cases require careful calculation of both current and future damages, including:
- Projected lifetime medical costs
- Long-term care needs
- Lost earning capacity
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
Negotiation with Multiple Insurers
Commercial truck accidents typically involve multiple insurance policies and sophisticated defense teams. An attorney experienced in these cases knows how to navigate these complex negotiations to maximize recovery.
Trial Experience
While many cases settle, having an attorney prepared to take your case to trial when necessary is essential. Insurance companies often offer better settlements when they know your attorney has a proven track record in the courtroom.
Recent Underride and Override Accidents in San Antonio
San Antonio has seen several tragic underride and override accidents in recent years:
- In 2023, a fog-related multi-vehicle crash on I-37 involved several underride incidents, highlighting the dangers of poor visibility conditions.
- A 2022 accident on Loop 1604 resulted in fatalities when a passenger vehicle became wedged beneath a trailer during a sudden traffic slowdown.
- Multiple side underride accidents have occurred at San Antonio intersections when commercial trucks made wide turns, failing to notice smaller vehicles in adjacent lanes.
These incidents underscore the continued need for improved safety measures and awareness.
Prevention Strategies for San Antonio Drivers
While you cannot control commercial truck operations, you can take steps to reduce your risk of being involved in an underride or override accident:
Maintain Safe Following Distances
Never tailgate a commercial truck. If you cannot see the truck’s mirrors, the driver cannot see you.
Be Aware of Blind Spots
Commercial trucks have significant blind spots—also known as “no zones”—on all four sides. Avoid lingering in these areas, particularly on the right side of the truck where blind spots are largest.
Pass Carefully and Completely
When passing a truck, do so decisively and completely. Signal clearly, maintain a steady speed, and don’t merge back in front of the truck until you can see the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror.
Exercise Extra Caution in Poor Conditions
Rain, fog, and night driving significantly increase underride and override risks. Consider delaying travel or taking alternative routes during hazardous conditions.
Be Vigilant at Intersections
Many side underride accidents happen at intersections. Watch carefully for turning trucks and never try to squeeze by a truck that is making a turn.
Advocating for Safer Trucking in San Antonio
Beyond individual cases, addressing the underlying causes of these accidents requires broader advocacy:
- Supporting stronger federal standards for underride protection, including side guards
- Advocating for faster adoption of collision avoidance technology in commercial fleets
- Promoting stricter enforcement of hours-of-service regulations to prevent driver fatigue
- Encouraging better driver training and awareness programs
Conclusion: The Road Forward After a Tragic Accident
Underride and override accidents represent some of the most devastating collisions on San Antonio roadways. The physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take on victims and their families can be overwhelming.
At Ryan Orsatti Law, we understand the complex nature of these cases and the specialized approach they require. Our experience with commercial truck litigation in San Antonio and throughout Texas allows us to provide comprehensive representation to victims of these catastrophic accidents.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an underride or override accident with a commercial vehicle, seeking knowledgeable legal counsel is a crucial step toward recovery and justice. While no legal action can undo the trauma of such an accident, proper representation can help secure the resources needed for medical care, rehabilitation, and rebuilding your life.
Through both individual advocacy for accident victims and broader support for improved safety measures, we remain committed to making San Antonio’s roads safer for everyone and holding negligent parties accountable when preventable tragedies occur.
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances involved. For legal advice regarding your situation, please consult directly with a qualified attorney.
