Long Beach Underride Accident Lawyer
Underride accidents are some of the most devastating truck crashes, often resulting in life-threatening or fatal injuries. With half a century of combined trial experience and 24/7 availability, our attorneys are ready to take action the moment you call.
Speak with your Long Beach underride accident lawyer from Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP today to connect with your Long Beach truck accident attorney who will stand up for you and your family.
Poor Trailer Visibility Often Leads to Underride Crashes in Long Beach
Most underride crashes happen when a driver cannot see the back or side of a trailer until it is too late. These collisions often occur because reflectors are missing, dirty, or blocked, and the trailer does not appear as a clear hazard. When rear guards or lights fail to do their job, drivers end up paying the price with serious injuries or worse.
In busy areas like Long Beach, where trucks move in and out of the port district, the risk of a rear underride is even higher. Heavy traffic, dark underpasses, and long freeway stretches make it harder for drivers to judge distances.
California Code of Regulations § 393.11 requires trailers to be equipped with proper lighting and reflective materials. When companies fail to meet this standard, they put every nearby driver at risk.
Side Underride Crashes During Wide Turns or Lane Crossings
Side underride crashes happen when a vehicle slides under the side of a moving trailer during a turn or lane change. These incidents often involve low-profile vehicles and are more likely to occur when the trailer has no guard or visible markings.
Underride protection on the sides of trailers is not mandatory in most situations, which leaves many drivers exposed during normal highway travel. If you were seriously injured in an underride collision, a Long Beach car accident lawyer from our team can investigate and help identify what went wrong.
Liability in Trailer Design and Manufacturer Defect Cases
Not every underride crash is caused by a careless driver. In some cases, a driver does everything right but still ends up in a life-altering collision due to faulty trailer design or missing safety equipment. When this happens, the trucking company or trailer manufacturer may be responsible for what went wrong.
Commercial carriers are responsible for maintaining trailers that meet both state and federal safety standards. This includes keeping underride guards, brake lights, and reflective markings in good working order. If a company fails to install the right safety components or lets worn equipment stay on the road, it may be held financially accountable for the crash.
Under California Vehicle Code § 26458, trailers must be equipped with functional brake lights and rear visibility protections. We work with expert engineers to determine whether the trailer’s design, condition, or visibility features contributed to the crash. This is especially important when delayed symptoms are common and injuries do not appear immediately.
Your Long Beach underride accident attorney with Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP will identify every responsible party, even if one of them has no insurance or is trying to avoid accountability. We can build a strategy that accounts for manufacturer defects, corporate negligence, and the full impact of your injuries.
Speak With an Underride Accident Lawyer in Long Beach Today
When a truck’s design or poor maintenance causes harm, you deserve a Long Beach personal injury lawyer who will not back down. Your underride accident attorney in Long Beach with Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP will examine the truck’s safety features, document the damage, and pursue the full compensation you are owed. Contact us now to speak with an experienced trial attorney about your options.