Compared to rear run-ins or sideswipe collisions, backover accidents aren’t as notable. However, they are more common than some may think. In most cases, individuals back out of parked positions slowly, so it cuts down on potential accidents.
On the other hand, the restricted view creates a higher risk of a collision. Read on to learn more about backover accidents.
What are Backover Accidents?
Backover accidents involve a driver or bicycle rider getting hit. In all cases, the victim does not have the safety that a car offers and is, therefore, more vulnerable. Since they entail a car going in reverse, backover collisions frequently occur at slow speeds.
Common Causes of Backover Accidents
Backover accidents happen for many reasons. A common cause of back-up crashes is pedal confusion. This is scenario is when the pedals are confused by a driver and they reverse rapidly instead of slowly inching backward from their parking position.
Drivers can fail to change their gear as well, too. In this situation, their car moves in fast reverse, colliding with unsuspecting pedestrians or cars behind them instead of driving forward after backing out of a parking spot.
Distracted driving is another frequent cause of a backover collision. They are unlikely to have awareness of what is behind them, which causes a crash. This is usually because drivers use their cell phones, look around for things in their vehicle, or connect their seat belt when backing out.
Ways to Avoid a Backover Accident
Although backover accidents are pretty common, there are ways to avoid them. Here are a few tips to follow:
- Before getting into your car, make sure to check your environment. Before you get in and start the ignition, it’s important to take a short walk around where you are located and check underneath your vehicle. This is especially important if there are kids playing nearby.
- Always drive back with caution. If you reverse from a parking spot or driveway, always drive your vehicle with maximum power and be able to brake automatically if necessary.
- Never rely entirely on rearview cameras or sensors—While the detectors or monitors on most new vehicles are helpful, particularly when detecting children, they are not absolutely foolproof.
Backup Cameras Aren’t FoolProof
We mentioned above that rearview cameras arent’ foolproof, and that’s indeed true. Although backup cameras are helpful, they shouldn’t be used individually. Backup cameras are placed on the rear of a car, usually just above the license plate. The blind spot, including the area on the ground, is recorded right behind the vehicle.
But you should always use your side mirrors, as well as look over your shoulders when backing out. Backup cameras won’t capture everything in your rearview.
If you’ve been in a backover accident and need legal advice, visit Schultzmyers.com.
Get Help After a Motor Vehicle Crash
The good thing about backover accidents is that they can be avoided with extra caution. But if you’ve been the victim of a negligent driver that carelessly backed out of a parking spot, let an attorney help you. Getting legal counsel is the best way to get to the bottom of what happened and receive compensation for your injuries.
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