Determining Who is at Fault in an Underride Accident - Iowa Law
- Tom Fowler
- Jun 30
- 4 min read
An underride accident is one of the most dangerous ones. These occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into a larger truck or semi-tractor trailer. These cases almost always result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Underride truck accidents occur for various reasons. These include faulty brakes, tire blowouts, underride or side guards that aren't working correctly, improperly loaded cargo, equipment failure, or mechanical failure. Additionally, the things that may cause other accidents, such as distracted driving, driver fatigue, speeding, or aggressive driving, may also come into play.
Both trucking companies and truck drivers have a responsibility to ensure their trucks are properly maintained to prevent truck accident cases from happening. Unfortunately, they still do, and catastrophic injuries are often the result.
Injuries suffered include fractured bones, deep lacerations, and much worse.
For victims of a truck crash or their families, a truck accident lawsuit can be filed to ensure compensation. However, fault for the accident must be determined.
A truck accident lawyer can help determine who is at fault in the truck collision, and they can help their clients get the compensation they deserve.
Tom Fowler Law has been helping victims of truck accidents for years. For those in the Des Moines area who have been involved in an underride accident, Tom Fowler and his team can help.
The firm offers a free consultation, so there is no obligation. They can advise on who is at fault in a backing up accident Iowa.
Causes and Consequences of Underride Accidents
Underride accidents are catastrophic accidents. The injuries suffered are usually severe, and often fatal.
These accidents are caused by many factors including driver error, vehicle maintenance issues, or the improper loading of cargo.
Some of the common consequences for victims include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and even death. Survivors of underride accident typically have severe injuries including broken bones, neck injuries, and internal injuries, which may cause lifelong physical pain, lost income, and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Though it might seem like the truck driver is always at fault in this case, sometimes truck accident survivors are at fault, too, or at least partially at fault. Other vehicles might be at fault, too.
These accidents are often complex, and a thorough investigation is necessary to determine what caused the accident and who is at fault.

Liability and Legal Process
Since more than one person might be liable, the legal process can be complex. This is why any person driving passenger vehicles that are involved in an underride accident should have an attorney. They an also assist with questions like who is at fault in a roundabout accident Iowa?
An attorney can help navigate the process, even if multiple parties are involved.
A personal injury law firm will help clients by gathering evidence, investigating the case, and collecting police reports, witness statements, medical records, and more. All of this can help to determine fault.
Another thing a lawyer will do is deal with insurance companies.
The insurance company of the truck driver or trucking company will do everything they can to downplay or deny the claim. So, a truck accident attorney can aggressively negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
Types of Damages and Compensation
Truck accident victims are often entitled to various damages including economic damages.
These include medical expenses, property damage, and lost income.
Future expenses are also covered. There are also non-economic damages that victims have the right to. These include pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Punitive damages may also be awarded.
An experienced truck accident lawyer can help determine the damages sustained and fair compensation for those damages. The goal is to hold the responsible party accountable and ensure that the victim gets the compensation they deserve.
This includes lost wages, medical bills, and more.
Role of an Accident Lawyer
An accident lawyer will always play a crucial role in determining who is at fault in an underride accident. They will fight for maximum compensation.
A law firm can help a victim or their family navigate the complex legal process that comes with a semi trailer accident.
A personal injury lawyer can also offer guidance for the victim or other parties involved. They will ensure that the person or company that took negligent actions are held responsible for those actions.
By hiring this car accident attorney in Des Moines, a victim can ensure they get the compensation they deserve, and that the people responsible are held accountable.

Car Accident Statistics and Prevention
According to statistics, underride accidents on Iowa roads are a leading cause of deadly truck accidents. These crashes often result in serious injuries and fatalities.
To prevent these accidents, it is imperative that truck drivers and commercial truck companies regularly inspect their trucks and ensure that they are properly maintained.
Truck drivers also should be properly trained and licensed to operate trucks.
By taking precautions like this, underride accidents can be prevented, or the number of accidents can be reduced. Passenger cars will be safer and fewer people will be injured.
Contact Tom Fowler Law for a Free Consultation
The process of determining fault in an underride accident can be difficult and complex. It almost always requires a thorough investigation and an experienced legal representative.
A truck accident lawyer can help victims navigate the legal process. They will also gather evidence and fight for maximum compensation.
Lawyers will make sure that the person or people at fault will be held liable to the full extent of Iowa law.
Victims of an underride accident, or their family members, need legal representation.
It is essential to seek the help of an experienced truck accident attorney to ensure that their rights are protected.
The team at Tom Fowler Law is here for victims of these devastating accidents. They can help recover damages and ensure that the victim's rights are upheld.
Call today for a free consultation.
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