If You Drive a Semi Truck, a Backup Camera Can Protect You - Hensley Legal Group, PC
Backup cameras are standard in new vehicles. Many drivers love having them because it greatly decreases the risk of accidentally backing over something. Drivers without them will need to be extra careful when putting their vehicles in reverse. This is especially true for semi truck drivers.
It’s not currently a federal requirement for semi trucks to have backup cameras, though policy ultimately varies from company to company and from rig to rig. Not every truck driver drives the same rig every time. On one trip the driver may have a backup camera on their truck, the next trip they may not.
But truck drivers could benefit from having backup cameras when it comes to protecting themselves from liability.
Backup cameras provide valuable evidence
Trucking companies are very concerned about driver liability – and rightly so. Indiana semi truck accidents can cost trucking companies a fortune in settlements and legal fees. As a result, many companies will invest in things that can help prove their drivers were not at fault, such as backup cameras.
Video evidence can help determine exactly what happened in an accident. Eyewitness testimonies aren’t always reliable and memories can fade over time. But when an accident is captured on camera, the tape can be reviewed as many times as necessary. This evidence can be used in court to determine liability.
Truck accidents can be extremely dangerous and expensive, so having a video to help prove a truck driver’s innocence is really in the truck company’s best interests. Some trucking companies have started looking into driver-facing cameras. These cameras are installed inside the cab and can keep an eye on the drivers while they are behind the wheel. If the driver is operating the vehicle while under the influence, is distracted while driving, or falls asleep behind the wheel, this camera will pick it up.
While great for disproving claims that drivers were distracted or sleeping at the time of the accident, most drivers feel conflicted about letting their employers install cameras inside the cab as they essentially live in their cabs during trips.
But backup cameras are just as handy for preventing accidents. Heavy trucks and commercial vehicles have large blind spots. Even the most experienced drivers sometimes struggle to check for cars in certain areas. A backup camera can help give the truck driver an extra set of eyes on their blind spots. And when cars follow semi trucks too closely and don’t give them enough space to brake or switch lanes, always-on backup cameras could be instrumental in preventing a serious traffic accident.
If a driver owns their own truck, a backup camera could be a worthwhile investment. Trucking companies will not hesitate to distance themselves from you and try to get you to accept fault for an accident if that means they can keep their money in their pockets. A backup camera not only makes driving safer, but can provide valuable evidence if you are ever involved in an injury lawsuit.
Whether you were in the cab or in a car, hire an attorney
Accidents happen on the road every day and the best thing you can do to prepare is to have a plan. If you ever are in an accident with an Indiana semi truck, make sure to alert your own insurance company. You also should also seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible. Hiring an experienced, qualified Indiana personal injury attorney means there is someone on your side, who can prepare your case and help you deal with uncooperative trucking companies and their insurers.
If the semi-truck driver was 51 percent or more at fault for the accident, their insurance should cover your damages. However, getting money from trucking insurance can be a long and difficult process. The insurance company’s job is to protect their own interests, just as your Indiana personal injury attorney will protect yours.
When you hire your own personal injury attorney, they will speak with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf. All you need to do is make sure you hire an attorney who is invested in your success. They’ll help you gather the evidence you need to strengthen your case, and this includes video testimony.
Help from Indiana semi truck lawyers
Having an experienced Indiana personal injury attorney can help, but it will also help if you have irrefutable evidence to prove you were not at fault for the accident. If you have video evidence that the other driver ran into you, it’s very hard for the insurance company to claim their client had no fault in the accident. The courts can plainly see from the video tape the other driver hit you and are more likely to rule in your favor.
Were you injured in a semi truck accident that wasn’t your fault? If so, please get in touch with us. At Hensley Legal Group, we will do everything in our power to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to tell us about your case.