Truck Underride Accident In Miami Results In Fatal Injuries
Truck underrides are one of the least common types of truck accidents but heavy traffic in Miami makes them more likely to happen. When they do, personal injuries suffered by motorists are often severe. Our Miami truck accident lawyer explains more about a recent, tragic case and what federal officials are doing to reduce the risks.
Former Miami Hurricanes Player Killed In Miami Beach Truck Underride Accident
The Bleacher Report announced the sad news that JoJo Nicolas, a 24-year-old former safety with the Miami Hurricanes, was tragically killed in an underride truck accident in Miami Beach. According to the report, he had been out celebrating the night before his birthday and was navigating through traffic when he crashed into the rear of an 18-wheeler in front of him. The force of the impact caused his vehicle to go under the truck.
Rescuers at the scene had to eventually cut off the roof of Nicolas’ to free him from the wreckage. He was taken to a local hospital but died just a day later. Police are investigating the accident and have not determined whether speeding or alcohol was a factor. However, one thing is sure: underride protection bars required on all trucks should have helped prevent the crash or reduce the severity of injuries the victim suffered.
These are known informally as Mansfield bars, named after the actress Jayne Mansfield. She was killed in 1967 when the vehicle she, her agent, husband, and three children were traveling in slammed into a truck and went underneath. In the aftermath, the U.S. government mandated underride bars on all trucks.
Improving Protections To Prevent Underride Truck Accidents
The average car sits 40 inches from the ground, while the lowest part of a truck sits an additional five inches higher. As a result, a car rear-ending the back may go completely underneath, trapping victims and causing catastrophic personal injuries.
While underride bars mandated in the late 1960s reduce the risks, the U.S. Government Accountability Office reports that more than 200 fatal underride crashes continue to happen each year. Some occur due to failure to install the bars. In other cases, the bar design is not low enough.
In June 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finalized a rule updating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. These improve the size and placement of underride bars. Whether the truck Nicolas hit had updated underride bar protections has not been released.
Contact Our Miami Car Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are among the most complex types of crashes, as well as the most severe. When serious, potentially life-threatening personal injuries happen, the truck driver, the company they work for, manufacturers, or even government officials may be held liable.
At Pita Weber Del Prado, we provide the caring support and professional legal representation victims and their families need in these cases. To request a confidential consultation, call 305-670-2889 or contact our Miami truck accident lawyer online today.
Sources:
bleacherreport.com/articles/1974956-former-miami-football-player-jojo-nicolas-passes-away-after-car-accident
gao.gov/products/gao-19-264
autoweek.com/car-life/but-wait-theres-more/a2142281/heres-why-those-extensions-semi-trailers-are-called-mansfield-bars/
nhtsa.gov/press-releases/underride-protection-truck-trailers
