Thousands of children are hit by cars every year, with many resulting in fatalities. Many of these deaths are caused by backovers. A backover occurs when a car, typically backing out of a parking space or driveway, doesn’t see a child behind the vehicle and runs over him or her.
Statistics show that in the United States, 50 children are victims of backovers each week. Of these, at least two are fatally injured. Most of these children are between 1-2 years old, with 96% of them under 5 years of age.
If you or a loved one was injured or killed in a backover accident, contact Nadrich & Cohen Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Call us now at 1-800-718-4658.
Approximately 70% of the drivers behind the wheel are parents, grandparents or other relatives. Most of these incidents involve a truck, van or other large vehicle.
The area behind a vehicle is called a blind zone, appropriately named because the driver is essentially blind to any small objects located directly behind the car. With so many incidents occurring on a weekly basis, how can drivers better see what is behind them?
First of all, it’s important that parents and caretakers know where children are at all times. When backing up, children should be kept as far away from the vehicle as possible, or seated and buckled inside the vehicle itself.
Backover Statistics
California has the highest rate of backovers. Between 1990 and 2012, the state had 214 incidents. This is almost double the amount of Texas, which had the second-highest rate at 119, and three times the amount of Florida, which had 71 incidents. Rhode Island and the District of Columbia had zero incidents during the same time period.
Preventing Backover Accidents
After-market devices are available for drivers, particularly elderly drivers who have difficulty seeing or turning their head to look behind them. Larger rear-view mirrors are available. In addition, many newer vehicles are equipped with backup sensors and cameras to aid the driver when traveling in reverse.
Over the years, our lawyers have represented hundreds of injured pedestrians. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a backover accident, contact Nadrich & Cohen Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Call us now at 1-800-718-4658.
Jeffrey Nadrich
Jeffrey Nadrich is a nationally-recognized California plaintiff’s personal injury attorney. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and UC Hastings College of the Law. He has successfully represented thousands of injury clients over the last 40 years.
