Do Tractor Trailers Use Backup Cameras for Safety?

The trucking industry is heavily regulated, with many protocols in place to keep our roadways safe.

Other tools, like backup cameras, are also utilized to assist commercial truck drivers. Despite safety regulations, tractor-trailer accidents still occur far too regularly here in Georgia. If you have been injured, contact The Mike Hostilo Law Firm today!

Do Tractor Trailers Have Backup Cameras?

Yes, all tractor-trailers are equipped with backup cameras. In 2018, the Department of Transportation mandated that all commercial vehicles, including those under 10,000 pounds, must have backup cameras installed. This mandate was put in place to prevent trucking accidents.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents are often caused by one of the following:

Impaired driving (alcohol and/or drug use)
Driver fatigue
Speeding
Dangerous highway conditions
Lack of traffic signaling
Inadequate driver training
Driver inexperience
Negligent vehicle design and/or manufacturing
Poor truck maintenance
Truck driver following too closely
Shifting cargo

Common Injuries in a Tractor Trailer Accident

Trucking accident victims may suffer one of these common injuries:

Back and neck injuries
Broken bones
Whiplash
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Amputation
Internal injuries
Burns
Cuts, bruises, lacerations
Disfigurement
Paralysis
Rib and torso injuries

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Trucking Accident?

One or more of the following parties may be deemed liable for causing a trucking accident:

The truck driver
The trucking company
The truck owner
The truck manufacturer
The vehicle maintenance provider
The cargo loader
The other motorist

What To Do After a Tractor Trailer Accident

If you have been involved in an accident, our Georgia truck accident lawyers recommend the following:

STEP 1: Call the police.

Call 911 immediately after your accident. If possible, move to a safe place while you wait for emergency responders to arrive.

STEP 2: Seek medical attention.

If necessary, receive medical care on the scene. Even if you do not think you are injured, be sure to visit your doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be evident right away, so it is important to get checked out by a medical professional.

STEP 3: Document the evidence at the scene.

Take photos and video of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and any other factors that contributed to your accident. Document your accident injuries as well.

STEP 4: Write down contact information for witnesses.

If there were any witnesses present, get their contact info. Their testimony could play an important role in your accident claim, so be sure to convey these details to your Georgia truck accident lawyer.

STEP 5: Get your vehicle appraised.

Find out how much vehicle repairs or replacement will cost. This quote will help determine how much your accident claim is worth and how much compensation you deserve.

STEP 6: Do not speak to the insurance company.

Never give a statement to the insurance company without first consulting a trucking attorney. Remember, the insurance adjuster is NOT on your side. Trust the Mike Hostilo Law Firm to handle all communication with the insurance company.

STEP 7: Avoid posting to social media.

Anything you say on social media could be used against you. The trucking company’s insurer, for instance, may misconstrue a post to prove that you are not as injured as you claim.

STEP 8: Call a truck accident lawyer.

If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, you need trusted legal representation on your side. Here at the Mike Hostilo Law Firm, our trucking attorneys will advocate on your behalf and offer quality legal advice when you need it most.

How to File a Claim in a Trucking Accident

Your Georgia trucking accident lawyer will handle the process from start to finish, so you can focus on recovering from your accident injuries. While no two trucking accident cases are exactly the same, they typically progress through these three steps:

STEP 1: File an accident claim.

Our team will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance agency, demanding fair compensation for your accident injuries and vehicle damage.

STEP 2: Gathering evidence.

Next, our Georgia trucking accident lawyers will collect the evidence needed to prove that the truck driver caused your wreck. This often involves the analysis of police reports, black box data, witness testimony, accident reconstructions, and more.

STEP 3: Negotiating a fair settlement.

Here at the Mike Hostilo Law Firm, our trucking attorneys are strong negotiators. Through mediation, we will negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

STEP 4: File an accident lawsuit if an agreement cannot be reached.

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, our trucking attorneys will file an accident lawsuit and prepare for trial.

Keep in mind that the settlement process is often more complicated than that of a general car accident. Here’s why:

There are typically more parties involved.
The investigation may be more involved or complicated.
Federal trucking laws are involved.

To Prevent Trucking Accidents, Do Tractor Trailers Have Backup Cameras?

More Questions? Discover A Georgia Truck Accident Lawyer Near You