Back-Over Accident News
WCTC TV reported on Friday about a back-over accident where a man backed his vehicle over a one-year-old girl. According to police reports, the man accidentally backed over the child when she ran after him as he left home. The police spokesperson indicated that the man apparently did not realize he had struck the girl with his SUV and continued down the road a short distance before realizing that the accident had occurred. Sadly, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Back-Over Accidents In The United States
Tragically, every year, thousands of children are killed or seriously injured in back-over accidents. These accidents are surprisingly common and a few years ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 2,400 children were treated in emergency departments every year for back-over or roll-over injuries when the child was hit by a vehicle moving in reverse. This equated to approximately 50 children being backed over by vehicles every week.
A back-over accident occurs when a person, typically a child, is struck by a vehicle that is traveling in reverse. They usually happen when the driver is backing out of a driveway or parking space because the driver did not see the pedestrian in the blind zone behind the vehicle.
The word “blind zone” is not the same as “blind spot.” The “blind spot” is located to the side of the vehicle, whereas the “blind zone” is the area behind (or in front) of the vehicle where the driver lacks visibility. The average blind zone behind a vehicle measures approximately 7-8 feet wide and 20-30 feet long.
Back-over accidents occur more frequently with larger-size vehicles, such as SUVs, trucks, or vans because of their size. While back-overs can happen with any type of vehicle, the blind zone behind bigger vehicles is greater. This means that the driver cannot see behind the vehicle for certain distance, depending on the dimensions of the vehicle and how high the driver is seated.
Back-over accidents can occur to anyone, young or old. However, young children tend to be the most common victims because of their height. Young children often do not understand the meaning of back-up lights and may not perceive a car starting to move in reverse like an older child or adult may.
Back-over Injuries In Children
When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examined the types of injuries that were sustained by children in back-over and roll-over accidents, it found that the following types of injuries were most common:
– Head, neck and facial injuries (28 percent)
– Legs and arms (53.6 percent)
– Bruises (contusions) and scratches (abrasions) (49.1-62.5 percent depending on victim’s age)
– Fractures and internal injuries (28.0 percent)
Tallahassee Legal Help For Back-Over Accident Victims
Every driver has a duty to exercise reasonable care when backing up a vehicle. If a driver operates a vehicle in a negligent or reckless manner, the driver can be held liable for the injuries he or she causes. Backing up, in particular, creates additional risks because of the blind zone behind vehicle and requires additional care to check behind the vehicle both before getting in and again before putting the car into gear.
The skilled auto accident attorneys at the Tallahassee Law Firm of Fasig & Brooks are available to help you file a claim for damages if you or your loved one have been injured in a back-up or back-over car accident. We are available to listen to your situation and help you determine the best course for receiving maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Call us today at (850) 222-3232 or use our online contact form for prompt assistance.
