Richardson Improper Backing Up Accident Lawyer
Improper backing up is a common cause of truck accidents. In fact, 25% of crashes occur as a result of a driver backing up improperly. Driving a truck in reverse without following safety protocols can be very dangerous.
Backing up accidents are most likely to happen in parking lots, driveways, alleys, narrow one-way streets, or on the side of the road where people parallel park. At some point in their driving career, most adults will bump into another car or an object like a trashcan while backing into a parking spot. Often, these incidents don’t leave any visible damage.
So does improper backing up really cause such a high percentage of accidents involving trucks? Are these accidents actually dangerous? Unfortunately, yes.
Improper backing up accidents cause an estimated 15,000 injuries and 500 deaths per year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 95% of backing up accident fatalities involve children under age 5. Other cars, cyclists, and pedestrians are also injured in these collisions. Sadly, the majority of improper backing up accidents are preventable.
What can you do if improper backing up causes a truck accident? Don’t panic. Call (214) 740-4556 to speak to a lawyer. Our Richardson, TX law office has handled many improper backing up truck accidents just like yours. Consultations are completely free and we won’t charge for our services unless we win your case.
Why Do Improper Backing Up Accidents Happen?
There are multiple scenarios for improper backing up accidents. However, the most common reverse-driving truck crashes happen under the following circumstances:
- Two vehicles are backing out of opposing parking spaces at the same moment in time, and neither driver is paying attention.
- A truck driver backs up without realizing that another car has stopped directly behind them.
- A truck backs into a pedestrian or cyclist without checking their rearview mirror, cameras, and blind spots.
- A truck driver fails to realize their vehicle is close to a parked car, a wall, or other stationary objects.
In other words, improper backing up accidents occur as a result of driver negligence. Except for the first scenario described above, where two vehicles back into each other, liability is usually very clear in a reverse-driving collision.
The truck driver backing up is almost always at fault. Oncoming traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians have the right-of-way. According to the Texas transportation code, a driver backing out of a parking space or reversing out of an alley must yield to oncoming traffic.
When two vehicles are involved, the driver who moved first and caused the impact will likely be declared liable. However, this situation can be legally complex. Other factors will need to be considered to find fault.
There are also a few scenarios where the truck driving forward will be held liable, even if they technically have the right-of-way. If this trucker is breaking the law by being negligent, the accident is their fault.
Speeding, impaired driving, or acting with malicious intent — for example, intentionally stopping behind a parked truck to intimidate the driver — would result in liability.
Inattentiveness, Blind Spots, and Preventing Backing Up Accidents
The collisions described above show that inattentiveness is the leading cause of improper backing up accidents involving trucks. Truck drivers cause these accidents when they’re distracted or impatient and fail to follow vehicle backing safety protocol. By changing your habits to prioritize safety, you can reduce your risk of causing an accident while backing up.
First, always pay attention when you’re backing up. Don’t adjust your radio or use your phone while you’re reversing out of a parking spot or driveway. Adjust your mirrors and check your blind spots. As you reverse, drive slowly. Look over your shoulder for a clear view out of your vehicle’s back window.
If your vehicle has safety features, such as a backup camera or sensors, make sure they’re turned on. Safety systems can prevent deadly accidents. If you approach an object in your blind spot, your truck will warn you. A backup system can also tell you when you’re getting too close to another car.
You can also prevent improper backing up accidents by getting to know your truck’s blind spots. When you buy a new vehicle or borrow a truck, take some time to learn what you can and can’t see.
Practice backing up on an empty street and observe how close you get to the curb, trees, or trash cans. Be sure to notice the limitations of the truck’s mirrors. Most rearview and side-view mirrors are slightly distorted; for example, an object in the mirror may be closer than it appears.
You can also prevent improper backing up accidents by parking defensively. Whenever possible, choose easy parking spaces with fewer nearby vehicles. Many drivers also prefer to back into a driveway so they’re not reversing into busy traffic when they leave.
Finally, when in doubt, get out of your vehicle and ask for assistance. You’ll most likely find someone who can help you back up safely. A valet attendant, construction worker, or a passing pedestrian can ensure there’s nothing behind your vehicle — or direct you to stop if it isn’t safe.
Improper Backing Up Accidents and Injuries
If a truck driver causes an accident by backing into you, you may experience injuries. These injuries can range from mild to severe depending on the impact force of the crash. A heavier vehicle like a truck is more likely to cause more damage, and thus worse injuries. It also depends on which part of your vehicle was struck during the crash.
Common injuries associated with improper backing up truck accidents include:
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash
- Head injuries, including concussions or migraine headaches
- Spinal cord injuries and nerve damage
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- PTSD or other psychological trauma
If you were injured in a backing up accident involving a truck, you may be eligible for compensation. Reach out to a Richardson, TX accident lawyer today. Our team will develop a unique legal strategy for your truck accident. We know how to handle improper backing up accidents and we want to help you.
Call our offices at (214) 740-4556 or use our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
