Columbia Truck Underride Accident Lawyer

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle collides with and slides underneath the rear or side of a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or other large truck. Due to the difference in size, this can result in the truck crashing directly into the car’s cabin, completely bypassing important car safety mechanisms like bumpers. The results of these accidents can be catastrophic. 

If you or a loved one was injured in an underride truck accident in or around Columbia, you should speak with an experienced attorney who understands the different state and federal trucking rules. The award-winning Columbia truck accident attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC are here to fight to get you the best outcome possible for your case and future. 

Protect your rights and get the justice and results you deserve today. Reach out to our team today by calling (803) 888-2200. We are available by phone for you 24/7.

Causes of Underride Truck Accidents

The causes of underride truck accidents typically boil down to some form of negligence. Our reputable truck accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into your accident – analyzing driver logs, black box data and other evidence to determine exactly what happened and why. Proving who was at fault for the accident is a critical part of all South Carolina truck accident cases because it determines how much compensation you can recover.

Typically, our investigation will show that one or more of the following contributed to an underride accident:

Improper Safety Equipment

Federal regulations require trucks to have underride guards on the back of most trailers. However, there are not any federal laws requiring side or front underride guards. In addition, new tractor trailers must also have reflective tape along the rear and side of the trailer to help increase visibility on the roads. 

When a trucking company fails to comply with these laws, they can be held liable for resulting accidents. Our team understands these laws and can investigate whether or not guards, reflectors, lighting, and other safety features were installed and working properly.

Trucking Regulation Update We’re Watching: In February of 2026, lawmakers reintroduced the Stop Underrides Act 2.0 aimed at reducing fatalities from truck underride crashes by mandating side and rear guards on new trailers, semitrailers, and single-unit trucks (Congress.gov).

Driver Error or Negligence

Another common contributing factor to underride and other forms of truck accidents involve driver error. This commonly includes failing to yield the right of way, unsafe lane changes, speeding, distracted driving, fatigued driving, driving under the influence, and other negligent acts.

In addition to the regular laws on the road that all drivers must follow, trucking companies and their drivers are required to follow specific rules in South Carolina, known as Hour of Service (HOS). These are in place to help prevent driver fatigue by putting limits on how many hours drivers can drive, requiring breaks, and more. 

As South Carolina truck accident attorneys with decades of experience, we’ve seen firsthand how a failure to follow these regulations can have devastating consequences. When a company or driver fails to follow these laws or other rules, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.

Other Factors 

Other factors such as severe weather and other environmental factors can play a part in underride collisions.

After a truck accident, the trucking company and its insurance company will begin building their case right away. It’s important you have someone on your side protecting you and fighting for your goals for the case. 

We’re here to listen to you, determine what happened, and represent you with the care and confidence you deserve. For a free case evaluation directly with an award-winning truck accident attorney, simply call our office at (803) 888-2200 or complete our online contact form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly. 

Wrongful Death From an Underride Truck Collision

If the accident resulted in loss of life, we are so sorry. The last thing you and your family should have to deal with is the legal process. We’re here to take that burden off of you so you can focus on healing and moving forward. Let us fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Speak with a compassionate lawyer from our office for free today by calling (803) 888-2200. For your convenience, we are available 24/7. 

Compensation for Underride Truck Accidents in Columbia

Following an underride accident, you are likely dealing with painful injuries, expensive medical bills, and other unexpected costs. 

Our team will fight to get you fair compensation for all past, present, and future costs caused by the accident, including but not limited to:

• Medical Bills
• Emergency Care
• Surgery Costs
• Prescription Medication Costs
• Rehabilitation Costs
• Future Care Needs
• Lost Wages
• Reduced Earning Capacity
• Property Damage
• Rental Car Costs
• Travel expenses
• Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Distress
• Punitive Damages, and more.

In wrongful death cases, we will also work to recover compensation for any medical costs incurred prior to the loss, funeral costs, lost future earnings, loss of companionships, grief, and more.

To understand what and how much you may be entitled to, reach out to our team today at (803) 888-2200.

Contact The Underride Truck Accident Attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC Today

Client Focused. Results Driven.

When an unexpected truck accident alters your life, you deserve a team on your side who will fight to get you the best outcome possible for your case and future. We’re here to listen to you, understand your goals for the case, and fight for you with care, compassion, and confidence. 

Learn more about how our team can help you or a loved one following an underride accident by calling our office now at (803) 888-2200, emailing info@ctlawsc.com or completing our online contact form. For your convenience, we are available for you via phone 24/7.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions