Why Are Underride Accidents So Dangerous in California?

 Posted on July 08, 2025 in Truck Accidents

Few traffic accidents are as horrifying, or as deadly, as underride collisions. In a split second, a car can slide under the rear or side of a massive semi-truck, shearing off the top of the vehicle in the impact. Because the vehicle slides beneath the trailer, it often bypasses built-in safety features like crumple zones and airbags, leaving occupants vulnerable to catastrophic injuries or death.

Underride accidents are a growing concern in California, as commercial trucks frequently travel alongside passenger vehicles on busy freeways and crowded city streets. Despite existing safety regulations, many trucks still lack the equipment needed to prevent these collisions. A South Bay area personal injury attorney can help victims and their families secure justice and compensation from negligent drivers, trucking companies, and manufacturers.

Are Underride Guards Required in California?

Federal law requires most commercial trailers to have rear underride guards, but side underride guards are not yet mandated nationwide. In California, safety regulations are partly addressed through California Vehicle Code § 2813, which requires certain commercial vehicles to undergo regular safety inspections. These inspections include equipment checks that may involve underride guard maintenance.

Although rear underride guards are generally required, many advocates argue that current standards are outdated and not strong enough to withstand real-world crashes. California lawmakers have proposed legislation to improve underride protection, but side underride guards remain optional on most trucks. The lack of uniform standards leaves a significant safety gap on state highways.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Underride Crash?

Determining liability in an underride accident can be complex and may involve multiple parties. Some of the parties who may be held liable include:

• Truck drivers, if they made unsafe stops, failed to use proper lighting or warning signals, or violated traffic laws

• Trucking companies, for failing to maintain safety equipment, properly train drivers, or comply with inspection requirements

• Manufacturers, if the underride guards or other truck parts were defective or incorrectly installed

Each of these parties has legal responsibilities to ensure the safety of their vehicles and operations. When these are ignored, serious accidents can happen.

Can These Accidents Be Prevented?

Many underride accidents are preventable with the help of better equipment and safer driving practices. Some steps that can help include:

• Installing and maintaining rear and side underride guards that meet modern safety standards

• Conducting routine safety inspections as required by the law

• Training drivers to avoid sudden stops and to effectively use hazard lights

Preventing underride accidents also requires stronger regulations and better enforcement. Advocacy groups continue to push for federal and state action to close the safety disparities and improve protections for those on the road.

Contact a Santa Clara County, CA Underride Accident Attorney

If you or someone you care about has been injured in an underride accident, it is crucial to work with a San Jose, CA truck accident lawyer. Law Office of John J. Garvey, III has 45 years of personal injury law experience, so you can feel confident that your case is in good hands. Contact the firm at 408-293-7777 to discuss your legal options and learn how we can support you as you recover. All cases are handled on a contingency fee basis.