Get the Truth on Tape: How Side-View Cameras Protect Fleets

Lane-change incidents and sideswipe collisions are increasingly common but rarely clear-cut.

Nearly 75% of large trucks involved in fatal crashes collided with another vehicle, which includes sideswipe and merging accidents. In 63% of fatal crashes, the critical precrash event involved another vehicle, person or object entering the truck’s lane, while 32% had at least one driver-related factor, such as distraction or inattention.

With so many variables in play and legal liability often assumed before facts are confirmed, fleets need more than just eyewitness accounts. They need clear evidence so a defense can be built based on the facts. Side-view cameras are an increasingly essential tool for providing clear, unbiased evidence to protect drivers, verify what really happened and resolve claims quickly.

Common crash scenarios where blame isn’t always clear

Large truck drivers navigate road challenges daily in which cameras can make a significant difference when it comes to blame. Think tight right turns, impatient drivers at intersections, fast-moving vehicles weaving through highway lanes — and more. And while experienced operators know how to handle these conditions, that doesn’t always protect them or the business when something goes wrong.

These are some of the most common scenarios where crashes occur and blame gets complicated:

• Right-hand squeeze accidents: As a truck prepares to turn right, especially at an intersection, passenger vehicles often misjudge the available space and try to pass on the right. This results in a sideswipe. These accidents are particularly common when drivers fail to account for the wide turning radius of an 80-foot vehicle.
• Trailer tail swing during intersection turns: Even when executed correctly, wide right or left turns may result in the tail end of trucks momentarily crossing into adjacent lanes, creating risk if nearby drivers aren’t paying attention or try to beat the turn.
• Lane changes on interstates: A car speeding up from behind can easily disappear into a truck’s blind spot, especially on large highways with multiple lanes. Even if the driver checks their mirrors, vehicles traveling at 80 to 90 mph can close the gap too quickly for them to react.

These events unfold in seconds and often in blind spots. Even when your driver followed protocol, it’s not uncommon for the trucking company to be blamed first. Without video evidence, disputes become a matter of word against word, and that uncertainty drives up the cost of claims through lengthy legal proceedings and inflated settlements. Murky liability cases are high risk and high cost, placing pressure on both carriers and policyholders to find better ways to verify and defend the facts.

Real-world example: When video made the difference

In a recent incident, an independent single-unit owner-operator found himself in a familiar but frustrating situation — another driver attempted to squeeze into the front right lane of his truck, resulting in a minor sideswipe. Fortunately, the driver had installed a basic three-camera system on his truck, with coverage on both sides and the front. He captured the entire incident on video.

When law enforcement arrived, the truck driver simply played the footage from his SD card. It clearly showed the other driver was at fault and that there was little, if any, contact between the vehicles. Based on that evidence, the officer issued the citation to the other driver. The claim for physical damage and bodily injury was denied.

When asked why he installed cameras, the driver didn’t hesitate: “It was just common sense.” With over 20 years behind the wheel, he’d seen too many situations where “other drivers do crazy things around trucks,” and with constant lawyer ads targeting trucking companies, he knew it was only a matter of time. He didn’t let cost stand in the way, either — he chose three $50 units and large SD memory cards for complete side and front coverage. In his words, it was “certainly a good payback.”

Best practices for using side-view cameras

Mounted on both sides of the truck, side-view cameras provide visibility into merge zones, turning paths and adjacent lanes. When paired with dash cams, they offer near 360-degree views and footage to help defend drivers and resolve claims faster. In some cases, drivers have even shown law enforcement video footage at the accident scene to clarify the facts and avoid unnecessary citations.

To maximize the value of your investment, here are key best practices for selecting, installing and using side-view cameras:

• Install on both sides: To capture turning and merging events accurately, you need coverage on both the left and right sides of the vehicle.
• Pair with front-facing cameras: Side-view cameras are helpful, but they’re most effective when paired with a front-facing camera — which is an essential, initial installment — to provide full context.
• Account for trailer swaps: If your fleet frequently changes trailers, mount cameras on the tractor — not the trailer — to ensure consistent coverage. Adding a rear camera may also be a good idea for fleets that keep trailers attached (like some moving and storage companies).
• Opt for cloud-connected systems: Some systems use onboard SD cards, while others offer cloud-based access. Cloud-connected systems can provide real-time footage at the scene and reduce the risk of data loss.
• Know your vendor: Look for trusted providers who offer commercial-grade systems, mobile access and integration with other fleet management tools.
• Use footage for more than claims: Video footage isn’t just for accidents. It can help you coach drivers, identify near misses and improve safety practices across your fleet.

Control your claims, no matter who’s at fault

Adding side-view cameras isn’t just a tech upgrade — it’s a smart risk management move. The cost is often far outweighed by the savings in claims resolution, legal fees and reputation protection. Even when your driver is at fault, clear video evidence allows you to assess the situation quickly, take accountability and settle the claim in a way that avoids unnecessary disputes and drawn-out litigation.

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