Backover accidents are a major concern in the U.S. The issue is so severe, vehicle manufacturers are now required to add rearview cameras on all new models as of May 2018. Backover accidents accounted for 12,000 pedestrians and cyclists injures in 2015, according to the National Highway and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Two hundred eighty-four more passed away. These statistics are troubling.
How can we address this problem? The following article offers simple precautions you can take to help prevent backover accidents, plus helpful resources if you need to file a claim.
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Parking lot and driveway crashes can be devastating, even though they happen at lower speeds than most collisions.
If you or a loved one were involved in a backover accident and have questions about insurance or legal remedy, the attorneys at The Flood Law Firm sympathize and can help. Call the Connecticut car accident attorneys at (860) 346-2695 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
Every year, over 2,400 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms after being struck or rolled over by a reversing vehicle (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).
Adults account for 50% of fatalities from backing up accidents (National Highway Traffic and Safety).
While backover accidents can happen in an instant, the consequences can be life-changing.
Pedestrians who are victims of backing up accidents may escape with minor injuries such as cuts and bruises. However, broken bones, concussions, brain injuries, or even death are not uncommon. Children are especially susceptible to severe injury from a backover due to their small size.
At least 60,000 people are injured and more than 500 more are killed in parking lots each year (National Safety Council).
Driveways are another common area of backing up accidents. Even though these crashes take place at low speeds, serious damage can occur. No matter the speed, drivers are always responsible for checking mirrors and ensuring the road is free of oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or hazards.
Whether parking, exiting a driveway, or turning, drivers have limited visibility when backing up.
Though drivers tend to slow down in parking lots, there are no traffic signals to direct drivers. Instead, drivers must navigate parking lots at will. Crowded lots force drivers to monitor more activity in a limited window of space and time. Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists may be backing out or traveling in different directions simultaneously.
Backover accidents often happen because of:
Accident prevention can help save lives. Follow the tips below to avoid getting into a wreck:
Even parking lot crashes can be severe. The following steps can help keep you and your loved ones safe after an accident:
Establishing total liability in any accident is a challenge, even with what may appear to be a cut and dry case.
A driver who is backing up is immediately responsible for ensuring that the area is clear and safe before moving. However, attributing accident liability depends upon the specific circumstances of the crash.
Most backing up accidents happen when a vehicle reverses and hits another car. A driver backing up would typically be at fault for colliding into something. However, in some instances, such as when speeding is a factor, the speeding driver could be held liable.
Some simplified examples explain fault in a crash:
Backing up crashes may be as shocking and harmful as high-speed crashes. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a backover accident, call Connecticut’s car accident attorneys at The Flood Law Firm at (860) 346-2695 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
Our team has decades of experience handling vehicle collisions of every type. We know the safety regulations and laws as they pertain to driver responsibility, and we have access to resources and information to help you win a claim.
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Middletown, CT 06457
P: (860) 346-2695