(845) 802-0047The improper backing up of a large commercial vehicle like a big rig, semi tractor-trailer, double trailer, or other box truck can result in serious collisions. Even at low speeds, the large size and weight of commercial trucks generate significant momentum and force. This momentum can easily tear through smaller passenger vehicles and cause catastrophic harm to occupants in a New York trucking accident. This is particularly true because the back of most trailers also contains a metal ledge or step-up which is incredibly destructive and usually at the height of the passengers.
Not only is improper backing up into another vehicle dangerous and even deadly, but improperly backing up can also poke into oncoming traffic. This could result in a large tractor-trailer blocking oncoming traffic. An oncoming vehicle might not be able to avoid a collision with the truck that is sticking out after an improperly backing up. This types of collisions are particularly devastating because it is like the motorist is hitting a brick wall head-on.
Causes of New York Trucking Accidents Due to Improper Backing Up
The most obvious causes of New York trucking accidents due to a truck driver improperly backing up are due to driver inexperience, skill, and blatant error. While all truck drivers must pass a written and practice test to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL), many truck drivers get by with the bare minimum in order to pass the test and to start earning money. This is dangerous because it puts grossly inadequate truck drivers on the roads with innocent people.
Not only is driver inexperience an issue, but also driver skill. Backing up a large tractor-trailer, especially a double trailer, is a difficult skill that even experienced truck drivers could struggle with. Nonetheless, this is not a free license to make a mistake during a difficult maneuver. Truck drivers are expected to understand how to properly back up a big rig without putting other motorists or pedestrians at risk of injury.
Finally, just blatant errors and mistakes could be the reason for New York trucking accidents caused by improperly backing up. These errors could be failing to look both ways, backing up too quickly, failing to gauge the mirrors properly, not seeing what there is to be seen, and just rushing the entire maneuver due to pressure from other drivers, pressure from the trucking company to hurry up, or stress from driver inexperience.
Where Improper Backing Up Trucking Accidents Occur
Simply put, anywhere that trucks drive and operate could be an area for a New York trucking accident caused by a truck driver improperly backing up.
The most common places for a truck driver to cause a semi tractor-trailer accident due to improperly backing up include the following:
- Parking lots;
- Factories or warehouses were trucks are loaded;
- Private driveways or alleyways for deliveries;
- On busy roads;
- In cities, particularly congested cities;
- Anywhere at nighttime where visibility is lower;
- On rural roads where visibility is made more difficult by curves, hills, or other geographical features;
- On two-lane roads where a large truck is forced to double park or maneuver close to the curb or other vehicles;
- In dead ends like cul-de-sacs, hammerheads, or other similar roadway patterns; and
- Other places on or near the roadway.
Victims of any New York Trucking Accident Caused by an Improper Backing Up Big Rig Should Call Our Law Firm
When a truck driver improperly backs up into another vehicle or when a truck driver improperly backs up and blocks traffic, victims may be entitled to compensation for their damages. Under New York law, damages including past pain and suffering (from accident to recovery), future pain and suffering (recovery to end of natural life), lost wages, lost future earnings, medical bills (past and present), loss of consortium (loss of affection and services by spouses, children, and other dependents), and other personal injuries, property damage, or financial injuries.
If you or a loved one were seriously injured or if a loved one was wrongfully killed, please call our New York trucking accident lawyer to learn how we can help protect your rights to damages under New York law. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation to learn what we can do for you.