Accidents Caused by Trucks Backing Up

Large trucks create large potential hazards and, as everyone who has ever driven a car can relate to, the potential for things to go terribly wrong only escalates when you are forced to maneuver in reverse. Trucks backing up may be entirely unable to see things in their path, resulting in accidents or horrific injuries involving cyclists and other pedestrians. If you or a loved one was injured by a truck while it was backing up, contact the Massachusetts-based truck attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP today.

Trucks may have to back up for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, they back up to loading docks to make deliveries, and these are relatively routine maneuvers. However trucks may also have to resort to backing up when they are suddenly caught in a situation where they realize they can no longer move forward or make a sharp turn.

In these cases, drivers may become flustered and angry, which may result in hasty decisions and a lack of proper precaution during their movements, which may increase the likelihood of a collision with a pedestrian or vehicle. A failure to check blind spots may contribute to this situation as well.

The degree of difficulty in operating a big rig while backing up is significant, and drivers should have received adequate training from the trucking company prior to being put in a situation where they had to back up. Inexperienced drivers may block traffic, including oncoming lanes of traffic, if they take a bad approach to backing up, putting many vehicles at risk of collisions. They may also try to utilize sidewalk space for more room to maneuver, putting pedestrians at risk as well.

Similar to other mechanical malfunctions related to truck accidents, if a truck’s reversing alert system (which everyone can recognize by the loud BEEP BEEP noises made while a truck backs up) is not working or malfunctions at the wrong time, a cyclists, pedestrian or driver or another car may not be alerted of a truck backing up and may be struck. Perhaps the truck is backing out of a narrow Boston alleyway, or the pedestrian is wearing headphones while on a run – resulting in a serious accident.

Who is liable in such an instance

Truck drivers have a high burden of responsibility to safely operate their vehicles, and this includes in the difficult instances where they must operate their trucks in reverse. Accidents stemming from the reversal of trucks may be caused by operator error (not checking blind spots), operator negligence (such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driving while distracted) or a combination of factors.

In the instance a key piece of equipment malfunctioned while reversing, the parts manufacturer or trucking company may be held liable for allowing an unsafe truck to operate. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Altman & Altman LLP have over 50 years of experience, and will be able to find the party responsible that contributed to your accident and hold them accountable.

Truck reversal accidents can result in permanent injuries and even fatalities, and we do not take our pursuit of responsible parties lightly. We will pursue every legal avenue to secure you financial compensation to help pay for your costly medical bills, rehabilitation and make up for money lost from being unable to work for an extended period of time.

With offices in Boston, Cambridge and Salem, Massachusetts, Altman & Altman attorneys are standing by to help you with your case.

Call us for a free consultation to go over the details of your specific situation today at 617.492.3000 or toll-free at 800.481.6199. We are available 24/7.