Pedestrians and Bicyclists Especially at Risk of “Back-Over” Accidents!

Pedestrians and bicyclists are often injured in parking lot and driveway accidents caused by vehicles backing over them. As a result of these accidents, victims may suffer devastating injuries that will require costly medical procedures and a lengthy recovery period. The attorneys at GTS can assist you in obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.
BECOMING FAMILIAR WITH BACKOVER ACCIDENTS
95% of back over injuries and 78% of back over deaths are caused by passenger vehicles. In the period between 2002-2006, large passenger vehicles such as pickups, vans, and utility vehicles accounted for approximately 44% of all back over fatalities. In contrast, cars caused approximately 54% of injuries. Pedestrians and bicyclists are at increased risk of being struck by cars backing out of driveways and parking spaces, for many reasons:
- Cars, trucks, and SUVs all have blind spots, some bigger than others
- Pedestrians and bicyclists are small and sometimes hard to see for motorists, who are oftentimes looking out for other vehicles rather than bicyclists and pedestrians
- Some vehicles still do not come equipped with backup cameras or sensors that warn the driver if someone is behind their vehicle
A back-over crash poses the greatest risk of injury or death to children under the age of 5 and adults over 70. Young children are difficult to see and do not understand the risk of vehicles backing up, while those over 70 are physically more vulnerable to sustaining serious injuries.
IS THE DRIVER BACKING UP ALWAYS AT FAULT?
Most back over injuries and deaths can be prevented by drivers. As drivers back out of parking spaces and driveways, intoxication, distraction, and drowsiness prevent them from paying attention to their surroundings. There are times when drivers forget to change gears or confuse their pedals, especially those who are inexperienced drivers. However, pedestrians and bicyclists do have an obligation to be aware of their surroundings when walking past a backing up vehicle.
BACKING UP CAR ACCIDENTS CAN RESULT IN INJURIES
Accidents resulting from backing up can result in serious injuries, or even death. The following are some of the most common injuries sustained in back over accidents:
- BROKEN BONES
- SOFT TISSUE INJURY
- ORGAN DAMAGE
- LACERATIONS
- HEAD OR SPINAL INJURY
These serious injuries often result in hefty medical bills, intense pain, and a lengthy recovery process. Rehabilitation, subsequent surgeries, and physical therapy may be required as part of ongoing medical treatment. Serious, permanent injuries also bring about significant changes in lifestyle. An experienced lawyer with GTS can help you seek damages for all current and future medical treatment, pain and suffering, income loss, and enjoyment of life if you are seriously injured in a back over accident.
Get in Touch with GTS for Assistance
Learn how our experienced, Southwest Florida personal injury lawyers at Goldman, Tiseo, and Sturges, P.A. can help you recover appropriate compensation during a FREE consultation by dialing (941) 625-6666. We receive no payment until we win your case!
Share This Post:



