Grapevine Improper Backing Up Accident Lawyer

Have you been involved in an improper backing up accident? Backing up improperly is a leading cause of many car and truck accidents in the Grapevine, TX area. These accidents range from minor fender-benders to major injury collisions. Improper backing up accidents can also be fatal.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 111,000 people injured in large truck crashes in 2014. Over 3,900 people were killed. Many factors can contribute to deadly truck accidents. Sadly, these accidents are often preventable — especially when improper backing up is the cause.

If you’ve been injured in an improper backing up accident with a truck, you may have a long road to recovery. Truck accident injuries can require surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Often, victims become temporarily or permanently paralyzed. You may be unable to work and provide for your family in the aftermath of an improper backing up accident.

That’s why you deserve legal compensation. An accident settlement can help pay medical bills, recover lost wages, and replace damaged vehicles. Don’t let an improper backing up accident disrupt your life. Call (469) 998-4069 to schedule a free consultation with a Grapevine, TX accident lawyer.

Causes of Improper Backing Up Accidents

An improper backing up accident happens whenever a driver collides with another vehicle, object, or pedestrian while backing up. These accidents are common in parking lots, driveways, construction sites, and alleyways.

Usually, improper backing up accidents happen because the driver doesn’t see what’s behind their vehicle. Specific causes include:

Distracted Driving

Everyone can be at risk for distracted driving. Texting or using smartphone apps, talking to a passenger, eating, or operating a GPS can impact driver safety. Truck drivers are often at greater risk of distracted driving if they’re focused on a navigation system or CB radio. They may cause an accident by backing up without being aware of their surroundings.

Reduced Visibility

Reduced visibility is also a leading cause of improper backing up accidents. Large trucks are particularly vulnerable to this. A truck driver may experience reduced visibility because their cargo or trailer blocks the view behind them.

Bad weather also reduces visibility for truck drivers. Heavy rain, snow, and fog can obscure their view. The truck driver may back into another vehicle because they don’t see it.

Blind Spots

Along with reduced visibility due to cargo or bad weather, trucks also have very large blind spots compared to normal cars. On average, a tractor-trailer driver cannot see 30 feet behind their vehicle, one lane to the left, and two lanes to the right. If there’s a car or object in their blind spot, the truck driver can cause an improper backing up accident.

Reckless Driving

Finally, reckless driving behavior also causes many improper backing up accidents. For example, some drivers cause car and truck accidents when they speed. If a driver backs out of a parking space or a driveway at a high speed, they may not have enough time to avoid a collision.

Improper Backing Up Accident Types

Depending on the circumstances, improper backing up accidents can cause multiple types of collisions. Collisions will vary based on the vehicle’s size, speed, and point of impact. Common types of improper backing up accidents include:

T-bone collisions, also known as side-impact collisions
Rear-end collisions
Rollover accidents
Sideswipe collisions

In some accidents, the driver backing up may collide with the front of another car. This may also be considered a head-on collision if the other driver was driving forward. This type of accident can occur in alleyways, construction sites, or areas where the flow of traffic is not carefully marked.

Reduce Your Risk of Improper Backing Up Accidents

Unfortunately, you can’t control another driver’s behavior. No matter how safe you are, there are accidents you can’t prevent. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in an improper backing up accident with a truck.

First, always pay attention to your surroundings. Minimize distractions and keep your eyes on the road. If you see a large truck, give it a wide berth. Remember, if you can’t see the driver, the driver can’t see you. Stay out of the truck’s blind spots to avoid being hit when the driver backs up.

Additionally, you can reduce your risk of causing an improper backing up accident by following safe backup procedures. When you’re backing out of a parking spot or a driveway, make sure you drive slowly. Check your blind spots continuously. It may help to look over your right shoulder as you drive in reverse.

If your vehicle is equipped with backup cameras or other warning systems, make sure they’re turned on. Safety technology can help you avoid causing an accident.

What to Do After an Improper Backing Up Accident Involving a Truck

If you’re involved in an accident with a truck, prioritize your safety and the safety of your passengers. If the improper backing up accident happened on a street or a parking lot with other cars, move your vehicle to a safe location where you won’t disrupt the flow of traffic. Then, check for injuries. Call an ambulance if anyone needs medical attention.

After seeking medical attention for injuries, talk to the truck driver. Get their name, contact information, insurance information, and employer information. In some accidents, the truck driver’s employer may share liability.

You should also take photos and videos of the crash site. Focus on the damage to your vehicle, the truck, and any nearby objects that may have been involved in the crash. Highlight details such as broken rails or skidmarks. This information can be used as evidence in your truck accident case.

If there are accident witnesses, ask for their information, too. Their testimony can help if your case goes to court.

Finally, seek legal assistance from qualified, experienced accident lawyers. A lawyer can answer your questions, determine how much compensation you may be owed, and help you determine your next steps.

Contact our Grapevine, TX law offices today or dial (469) 998-4069 for a 100% free consultation.