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Legally Reviewed by:

Jonathan Rosenfeld
J.D

March 2, 2023

Over $400 Million worth of case results

Awarded The Best Lawyer in 2024 by U.S. News

Nationally Recognized in Legal Community

Truck backing accidents are a major cause of vehicle collisions and can result in serious injuries or even death. Truck drivers must always be aware of their surroundings when backing up and ensure there is ample space behind them.

Unfortunately, many truck backing incidents occur due to the driver’s negligence or failure to take proper safety precautions.

Truck drivers need to take extra precautions when reversing and make sure someone is available to provide guidance and help spot any potential hazards that might not be visible from the cab.

Were you moderately or severely injured in a truck accident? The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, advocate for injured victims hurt by negligent drivers.

Call our truck accident lawyers in Chicago, Illinois at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation.

All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.

Truck Backing Accidents Lawyers

Backing Up Accidents involving Commercial Trucks

Backing up accidents involving large commercial vehicles can be particularly dangerous, as these trucks have larger blind spots than passenger cars and can cause severe damage and injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 2019 data, 23 percent of all fatal large truck incidents involved the vehicle’s rear hitting other vehicles.

These accidents caused by negligence are common in parking lots and driveways and can have fatal consequences for victims or their surviving family members.

In Louisiana, victims may be able to seek financial recovery from the truck driver and trucking company due to a statute or case law that recognizes the employer may be vicariously liable in an injury or fatality crash.

Drivers of commercial trucks have a legal duty to take extra precautions when backing up, such as using mirrors and backup cameras to ensure they are aware of their surroundings.

Additionally, drivers of passenger vehicles need to remain alert when driving near large trucks, as they may not be able to see them in their blind spots.

Truck Backing-Up Crashes Are Dangerous

Truck backing-up crashes are incredibly dangerous due to the size and weight of the vehicle. The sheer force of a truck can cause life-altering injuries such as broken bones, internal bleeding, organ damage, crush injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and loss of limbs.

Trucks backing up can cause catastrophic injuries and devastate families, especially if the victim is the primary wage earner. Not only can these accidents occur on highways, but they can also happen in parking spaces or other areas where large semi-trucks are maneuvering.

Difficulty maneuvering a large commercial vehicle means it takes more time and distance to stop than smaller vehicles. Recklessness increases the risk of accidents with injuries and property damage when a driver backs up.

Who May Be Liable for Injuries in Truck Backing Accidents?

Large truck backing-up accidents can cause serious injuries and other losses to victims. Accident victims may be eligible to seek compensation for medical costs, such as surgery, physical therapy, and diagnostic testing.

The truck driver and the trucking company can be held liable for a truck backup accident and the manufacturing company of the truck if a defective part caused the accident. The owner of the cargo being transported by the truck driver may also be liable if they pushed beyond legal bounds.

Truck Drivers

Truck drivers owe a duty of care to pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers on the road. It means that they must drive responsibly and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of others.

Driving carefully in a parking lot and rest area and following traffic laws and regulations are crucial to staying safe. If a truck driver fails to fulfill their duty of care, they can be held liable for any damages caused by their negligence.

Employers and Trucking Companies

Employers and trucking companies are legally obligated to prevent trucks from backing up and crashing into an object or small vehicle. The duty of care includes proper maintenance and servicing of trucks, background checks of employees, and proper training.

Truck drivers also owe a duty of care to pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers when operating their vehicles. Each driver must act responsibly in parking lots and rest areas. If a truck driver fails to fulfill their duty of care, they may be liable for damages caused by their negligence.

What Are the Causes of Truck Backup Accidents?

Commercial truck backup accidents are a serious issue that can lead to fatal injuries. Poor reversing techniques when behind the wheel are the primary cause of these accidents, with 500 deaths and 15,000 injuries occurring each year due to the negligent actions of truck drivers. It includes:

  • Failing to inspect the area before backing up
  • Reversing too quickly in the road or parking lot
  • Crossing multiple lanes when backing up
  • Not checking blind spots
  • Failing to replace broken reverse lights

Technology advancements have made it easier for truckers to be alerted of any passengers or objects in the surrounding areas while backing up, but it does not always guarantee safety. Poor visibility due to environmental factors such as time of day and bad weather can also contribute to tractor-trailer backup accidents.

In addition, large trucks are difficult to steer and often lack backup cameras, increasing the risk of a crash while reversing.

Risk factors for truck backing-up crashes include inexperienced drivers, negligent drivers, experienced drivers becoming complacent, time of day, bad weather conditions, and bright sunlight or dark shadows.

What Are Some of the Injuries Caused by Truck Backup Accidents?

Truck backup accidents can cause various injuries, ranging from minor to life-threatening. Traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries are some of the most common injuries caused by truck accidents.

Amputations, crushed body parts, and even instant death can result from a trucking accident. Internal bleeding and damage to internal organs may also occur, leading to long-term care needs for those affected.

Poor reversing techniques are responsible for 500 deaths and 15,000 injuries annually in the United States alone. Negligent actions of truck drivers, such as failing to inspect the area before backing up or reversing too quickly, can increase the likelihood of an accident.

Technology advancements have made it easier for truckers to be alerted of any passengers or objects in their surroundings while backing up, but it does not always work out as expected.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Truck Backup Accidents?

Truck backup accidents can be devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries and financial losses. The main party that can be held liable for a truck backup accident is the truck driver.

However, the trucking company may also be liable if they employ the driver. Other parties, such as the truck’s manufacturing company and the owner of the cargo being transported, may also be liable in certain circumstances.

Truck backing-up crashes can cause serious injuries, and those affected by such a crash should seek legal help.

Determining liability can be challenging to initiate the claims process. We offer free case reviews with experienced local lawyers who can investigate the cause of a truck collision and identify liable parties.

Our law firm can prepare an insurance claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and file a lawsuit if necessary to secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Hiring Personal Injury Attorneys Specializing in Truck Backing up Accidents

Were you involved in an accident involving a commercial truck? Do you need to file a personal injury claim for financial compensation to recover your damages?

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, our personal injury law firm represents injured victims harmed and backing up accidents. Call us at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free legal consultation.

Our truck accident legal team accepts all accident injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits on a contingency fee agreement. This arrangement ensures you’ll pay no upfront fees until we resolve your case through a negotiated settlement or jury award.

Client Reviews

Jonathan Rosenfeld was professionally objective, timely, and knowledgeable. Also, his advice was extremely effective regarding my case. In addition, Jonathan was understanding and patient pertaining to any of my questions or concerns. I was very happy with the end result and I highly recommend Jonathan Rosenfeld.

- Michonne Proulx

Extremely impressed with this law firm. They took control of a bad motorcycle crash that left my uncle seriously injured. Without any guarantee of a financial recovery, they went out and hired accident investigators and engineers to help prove how the accident happened. I am grateful that they worked on a contingency fee basis as there was no way we could have paid for these services on our own.

- Ethan Armstrong

Jonathan helped my family heal and get compensation after our child was suffered a life threatening injury at daycare. He was sympathetic and in constant contact with us letting us know all he knew every step of the way. We were so blessed to find Jonathan!

- Giulia

This lawyer really helped me get compensation for my motorcycle accident case. I know there is no way that I could have gotten anywhere near the amount that Mr. Rosenfeld was able to get to settle my case. Thank you.

- Daniel Kaim

Jonathan did a great job helping my family navigate through a lengthy lawsuit involving my grandmother's death in a nursing home. Through every step of the case, Jonathan kept my family informed of the progression of the case. Although our case eventually settled at a mediation, I really was impressed at how well prepared Jonathan was to take the case to trial.

- Lisa
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