Backing-up truck accidents in Mobile pose serious risks to other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. The injuries resulting from a backover crash are often catastrophic or fatal, leaving victims and their families to deal with devastating circumstances.

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, our experienced Mobile truck accident attorneys understand the complexities of commercial vehicle accidents and what it takes to secure the compensation you need. Take the first step forward in your recovery by contacting our law offices for a free, no-risk case review. We can answer your questions and discuss your legal options at no cost.

Call our firm at 251-888-8888 today to request your free case review.

What Is a Backing-Up Crash?

A backing-up crash occurs when a truck collides with another vehicle, pedestrian or object while moving in reverse. These accidents commonly happen in loading docks, parking lots and other areas where large trucks have to maneuver in tight spaces.

Hitting an object, vehicle or pedestrian is much more likely in these areas due to the size of the commercial vehicle creating much larger blind spots trucks than the blind zones of smaller cars.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Backing-Up Truck Crashes

Even if liability for a truck crash seems straightforward, a full investigation is necessary. Crash scene investigators will review all of the evidence from the scene and obtain statements from those involved. Multiple parties may share responsibility for a backover truck accident, including:

Truck Driver

Truck drivers must follow safety precautions to prevent backover crashes when reversing commercial vehicles. If drivers ignore these protocols, such as failing to check mirrors or skipping other safety procedures before reversing, they may be liable.

Trucking Company

Trucking companies may be liable when crashes occur if they failed to provide adequate training, pushed unrealistic schedules or failed to properly maintain the vehicle.

Maintenance Providers

Third-party maintenance companies may share liability if faulty repairs or poor maintenance of backup cameras, sensors or other safety equipment contributed to the crash.

Loading Dock Operators

Facility operators who manage loading zones can be liable if poor lighting, inadequate signage or unsafe dock conditions contributed to the accident.

Common Causes of Backing-up Accidents

These accidents are often the result of a combination of poor visibility, inexperience and truck drivers failing to follow proper safety protocols when operating large commercial vehicles in reverse. 

Here are some primary causes of backover accidents:

• Truck Driver Fatigue – Exhausted truckers have slower reaction times and may misjudge distances when reversing.
• Inadequate Training – Inexperienced truck drivers attempting difficult reverse maneuvers without proper instruction or certification.
• Missing or Broken Safety Equipment – Malfunctioning backup cameras, damaged mirrors or non-working warning signals.
• Rushed Procedures – Skipping safety checks or proper protocols due to tight delivery schedules.
• Environmental Factors – Poor lighting, bad weather or cluttered loading zones that reduce visibility.

How Can Truck Drivers Prevent Crashes While Backing Up?

Reversing commercial trucks requires extreme caution and proper technique to prevent costly accidents and injuries. Here are precautions truck drivers can take to prevent back-up crashes:

• Have a Trained Spotter Help You: When working with a spotter, establish clear communication ahead of time, including honking the horn and using clear hand signals before beginning the maneuver. Maintain visual contact with your spotter at all times or stop immediately if you lose sight of them.
• Get Out And Look (GOAL): Make this your non-negotiable first step. Conduct a thorough walk-around inspection before every backing maneuver, regardless of familiarity with the location or time constraints. Look for low obstacles, overhead hazards, and ensure there is adequate clearance on all sides.
• Set Up Wide for Success: Position your truck with ample space for your intended backing path. A proper setup angle gives you better visibility and more adjustment options. Too many drivers rush into tight spots without proper positioning, leading to preventable accidents.
• Establish a Mirror-Checking Pattern: Develop and maintain a consistent rhythm: left mirror, right mirror, backup camera (if equipped). Never fixate on one mirror, as obstacles can quickly appear in other zones. Remember that mirrors have significant blind spots.
• Account for Environmental Conditions: Adjust your backing procedures based on weather, lighting, and surface conditions. Poor visibility or slick surfaces require extra caution and may necessitate multiple GOAL checks.
• Plan to Minimize Backing: The safest backup is the one you do not have to make. Proper trip planning and route selection can often eliminate unnecessary backing maneuvers. When possible, identify pull-through parking spots during your pre-trip planning.

How Can Other Drivers, Pedestrians and Cyclists Avoid Being Hit by a Reversing Truck?

Stay alert for signs that a truck is about to back up, including brake lights, reverse lights and audible warning signals. Always maintain a safe distance when trucks are maneuvering in parking lots, loading zones or construction areas. Additionally:

• Never drive or walk behind a parked truck without confirming the driver sees you
• Watch trucks’ blind spots, especially in loading zones and construction sites
• Pay attention to truck drivers’ hand signals and spotters directing traffic
• Give trucks extra space to complete their reverse maneuvers
• Use extra caution in areas where trucks commonly back up, like delivery zones and warehouses
• If you must stop near a truck, position your vehicle where the truck driver can see you in their mirrors
• Avoid distractions that could prevent you from noticing a truck’s backup warnings

Contact a Trusted Law Firm Today

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, our skilled attorneys have built a strong history of securing favorable results for injured victims in Mobile, including those harmed in truck crashes.

Our legal team understands the complex factors involved in any type of truck accident, and we are prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf to recover the compensation you deserve. We are deeply committed to holding at-fault truck drivers and trucking companies accountable for their negligence.

Worried about cost? We take truck accident claims on contingency, which means there are no upfront costs or fees to pay.

Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys. We win or you don’t owe us a dime. 251-888-8888