{"id":1257,"date":"2026-10-21T07:30:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T07:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/34-138-224-95.nip.io\/truck-accident-lawyer\/underride-truck-accident-lawyer-california\/"},"modified":"2026-10-24T08:32:47","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T08:32:47","slug":"underride-truck-accident-lawyer-california","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/colvinaccidentlawyers.com\/resources\/truck-accident-lawyer\/underride-truck-accident-lawyer-california\/","title":{"rendered":"Semi Truck Accident Lawyer in Bakersfield, CA | Colvin"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Semi Truck Accidents | Bakersfield, CA<\/p>

Hurt in a Semi Truck Crash? Talk to Colvin Accident Lawyers<\/h1>

Semi truck collisions involve larger vehicles, more parties and more paperwork than ordinary car crashes. Colvin Accident Lawyers, based in Bakersfield, focuses on helping injured people and families understand their options. Your first consultation is free, confidential and comes with no obligation to continue.<\/p>

Get a Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a Free Case Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By Donald Norman Colvin \u00b7 Published October 21, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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A semi truck accident lawyer<\/a> can help when a car or motorcycle slides under the back or side of a trailer. These underride crashes often turn on the guard, the trailer’s condition, and the carrier’s maintenance records. Colvin Accident Lawyers is based in Bakersfield, California. The firm handles truck and other accident claims for people in Kern County, Fresno, Visalia, Lancaster, Palmdale, Delano, and Tehachapi.<\/p>\n

What an Underride Crash Is and Who This Page Is For<\/h2>\n

An underride crash happens when a passenger car or motorcycle slides under the rear or side of a truck or trailer. The car can end up beneath the trailer, which can cause severe injuries or death.<\/p>\n

A rear impact guard is the device meant to limit that slide. Federal rules describe it as a device that limits how far the striking vehicle’s front end slides under the trailer’s rear end. The federal standard at 49 C.F.R. \u00a7 571.223 specifies requirements for rear impact guards on trailers. Federal rules at 49 C.F.R. \u00a7 571.223<\/a> set requirements for rear impact guards for trailers and semitrailers, and they apply to rear impact guards for trailers and semitrailers subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 224, Rear Impact Protection (\u00a7 571.224).<\/p>\n

This page is for injured drivers and passengers, motorcyclists, and families of people killed in underride crashes on California roads. It explains the claim issues so you can ask the right questions early.<\/p>\n\n

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If a car slid under a semi trailer and you or someone you love was hurt, we can talk through whether a claim may be available, and you don't have to face it alone. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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How Guard Defects and Carrier Failures Become Part of a Claim<\/h2>\n

A guard defect or a carrier’s maintenance failure can become part of a claim when the facts support it. Federal rules set measurements for trailer rear guards, which gives investigators a clear checklist.<\/p>\n

For most trailers rated at 10,000 pounds or more and made on or after January 26, 1998, the rule requires a rear impact guard. 49 CFR 393.86<\/a> The guard’s bottom edge may not sit more than 22 inches above the ground. At any height of 22 inches or more above the ground, the rearmost surface of the guard’s horizontal member must be within 12 inches of the trailer’s rear end.<\/p>\n

Missing, broken, sagging, or misplaced guards may point to a defect or a maintenance problem. Whether one does depends on the facts of the trailer and the crash. Side underride protection is a separate issue, judged on the facts of each crash.<\/p>\n

Carriers have their own duties. Federal rules require every motor carrier to inspect, repair, and maintain its vehicles, including frame assemblies, axles, and attaching parts. 49 CFR 396.3<\/a> Motor carriers, except for a private motor carrier of passengers (nonbusiness), must also record inspections and repairs for each vehicle they control.<\/p>\n

Other parties may be involved, such as a trailer owner, a maintenance contractor, or an equipment maker.<\/p>\n

Evidence to Preserve After an Underride Collision<\/h2>\n

Evidence to preserve starts with the trailer, the guard, and the carrier’s records. Trailers get repaired and guards get replaced, so early documentation matters.<\/p>\n