Rockford Truck Accident Attorney David Monteleone Shares the Standard for Box Truck Underride Guards

Underride truck accidents can be devastating—even fatal. When a car strikes the back of a truck, it can slide underneath, crumpling the front end, shattering the windshield, and shearing off the roof in the process. When we think of a Rockford truck accident, we often think of a collision with a large trailer or a semitrailer. However, an underride accident with a medium-sized truck can be just as dangerous.

Some trucks are required to have an underride guard, a metal bar attached to the rear, to prevent these serious accidents. Following are the U.S. standards that govern underride guards for straight trucks, more commonly known as box trucks:

The underride guard standard that governs box trucks was issued by the Bureau of Motor Carriers in 1953. It also applies to trailers and semitrailers manufactured prior to January 26, 1998. The standard says that a rear underride guard must be installed on any vehicle that has a cargo bed more than 30 inches above the ground when the vehicle is empty. Following are the construction and installation standards for the underride guard:

• The guard must be of substantial construction
• The guard must be either welded to the vehicle or attached using bolts
• The bottom of the guard can be no more than 30 inches from the ground
• The guard must be within 24 inches of the rear of the cargo bed
• The guard must extend within 18 inches on both sides of the vehicle

Some vehicles types are exempt from the underride guard requirement:

• Truck tractors, pole trailers, pulpwood trailers, and trucks in driveaway/towaway operations (trucks being transported to a buyer, seller, or repair facility)
• Trucks where the rear tires are less than 24 inches from the end of the cargo bed
• Trucks with a cargo bed lower than 30 inches
• Trucks with remounted equipment that provides comparable rear-end protection to an underride guard

If you have been severely injured in a Rockford truck accident that was not your fault, you need an attorney you can count on to fight for the compensation you deserve. At The Fisk & Monteleone Law Firm, our compassionate and experienced Rockford accident attorneys have years of experience fighting for Rockford truck accident victims both at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Contact our office 815-962–0044 to schedule a free case consultation—we are standing by to help.