Trucking backing up accidents result in serious injuries or fatalities. These incidents happen when a semi-truck or delivery vehicle reverses and collides with another vehicle, pedestrians, cyclists or objects.
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If you or a loved one was injured or passed away after a backing-up truck crash, you may have the right to pursue legal compensation for damages. Our Fort Worth truck accident lawyers have recovered millions for our injured clients. If you have a case, we are prepared to help you secure the compensation you need for medical costs, property damage and other losses.
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Common Causes of Truck Backing-Up Crashes
Truck backing-up crashes can happen in several ways. Identifying these causes can help you understand truck backing-up accidents and how to avoid causing them or becoming a victim.
Blind Spots
Large semi-trucks have extensive blind spots, significantly larger than those for passenger vehicles; up to 20 feet directly behind the vehicle. These larger blind spots make it harder for truck drivers to see vans, sedans and other passenger cars behind them. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcycle riders, are especially difficult to see.
Inadequate Training
Reversing a semi-truck and other large delivery trucks requires specialized skills and heightened awareness. Drivers must be trained to handle large blind spots and maneuver safely, even when backing up. Drivers without sufficient training may struggle to operate a truck, which could lead to serious or even fatal crashes.
Negligence
Truck driver negligence is a common cause of truck backing-up crashes. Some drivers might rely too heavily on driver-assisted safety technology and fail to include other methods to check their surroundings. For instance, truck drivers should check that the path is clear of cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles before getting into the vehicle. Once in the vehicle, using mirrors and a spotter can further reduce the risk of backing into another vehicle or vulnerable road user.
Faulty Equipment
Modern trucks have backup cameras, sensors and alarms to help drivers reverse. However, the effectiveness of these technologies can be compromised if they become defective or are not adequately maintained. Malfunctioning backup cameras or a sensor failure could prevent a driver from seeing an object or pedestrian, increasing the risk of an accident.
Poor Visibility
Poor weather conditions like fog, rain or snow can significantly impact visibility. These conditions make it harder for truck drivers to see clearly, which can lead to mistakes while backing up. Poor early morning or late evening lighting can also exacerbate visibility issues.
Improper Loading
On trucks with trailers that are not enclosed, warehouse staff or dock workers should upload cargo properly to maintain visibility and vehicle stability. If cargo is too high or unsecured, it can block drivers’ view and create blind spots. A load that shifts while in transit may block the rearview, making it difficult to notice other vehicles while backing up.
Who Is At-Fault in Truck Backing Up Accidents?
Determining liability in truck backing up accidents involves understanding the roles and responsibilities of various parties.
These parties may be liable for the accident, depending on the circumstance.
A Truck Driver
The truck driver is often liable in these accidents. Drivers are held to a higher duty of care for taking proper measures to safely operate their vehicles. This includes taking reasonable steps to safely reverse.
Drivers may be liable if they are:
- Using mirrors improperly or not at all
- Failing to take other necessary precautions, such as using a spotter or making sure their backup camera is working
- Truck driver fatigue and lack of awareness cause a crash
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
The Trucking Company
The trucking company that employs the driver may be liable if the driver received inadequate training. Equipment failures could also occur if the company fails to maintain the truck, causing the company and driver to share liability.
Vehicle Manufacturer
The vehicle manufacturer may be liable if the accident resulted from a defect in the truck’s equipment, such as a faulty backup camera or sensor. A design flaw or manufacturing defect contributing to the accident can lead to a claim against the manufacturer.
Truck Owner
Truck owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicles and equipment are properly maintained. If failure to maintain a commercial vehicle contributes to a backing-up truck crash, the owner could be held liable.
Other Drivers or Pedestrians
Occasionally, other parties on the road may contribute to the accident. If a pedestrian suddenly steps behind a reversing truck or a driver tries to speed past the back of a truck that is already backing up, these individuals might share fault.
Fort Worth Roads Influence on Truck Backing Up Accidents
Fort Worth truck backing up accidents come with a set of unique challenges. Understanding how local roads can contribute to these crashes can make a difference in helping you seek compensation.
Below are how Fort Worth road conditions can influence these accidents.
Local Traffic Patterns
Fort Worth has various roads, from streets designed to accommodate high pedestrian traffic to mixed-use avenues serving commercial and residential traffic. Heavy traffic could increase the likelihood of accidents in areas where trucks back up to loading docks. Understanding the traffic patterns in various regions is vital for taking additional steps to avoid a backing-up crash, such as using a spotter, and for determining fault if one occurs.
City Regulations
Fort Worth has regulations that impact how trucks operate within the city. There may be specific rules about where trucks can park, for instance. There may also be requirements about how trucks are permitted to maneuver in loading zones. Some areas have restrictions on truck traffic in certain areas, which may mean a truck may not be permitted to unload or back-up a truck in certain areas.
Road Infrastructure
Poor road infrastructure can also contribute to truck backup accidents. In Fort Worth, areas with older, torn-down highways are most likely to cause an accident.
Inadequate signage can further complicate truck drivers’ ability to back up safely. An area that has poor signage could prevent drivers from seeing hidden hazards.
Contact Our Trusted Law Firm for Legal Help
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck backing up accident in Fort Worth, we encourage you to seek legal help right away. Calling a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer could greatly benefit you if you have a valid injury case. It is important to remember also that key evidence from a truck crash may get lost, overwritten or destroyed soon after the incident occurs.
At Anderson, Cummings & Drawhorn, we are deeply committed to holding negligent, at-fault parties accountable for their actions. We are prepared to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. If you have a case and choose our firm to represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.
Call our trusted Fort Worth law firm today. (817) 920-9000.