Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding Back-Up Accidents in Georgia
Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys Answer Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Back-Up Accidents
Many people underestimate the frequency and risk posed by motor vehicles that are backing up, but these types of collisions can be fatal for small children. While any vehicle blind spot is dangerous because it limits a driver’s ability to perceive and respond to hazards, blind spots behind the rear of a vehicle are particularly problematic. Most motorists only think about blind spots adjacent to a motor vehicle, but these blind spots can at least be visually checked if a driver turns and looks through the windows of a vehicle. Blind spots directly behind a vehicle cannot be checked either by turning and looking or through the use of a mirror. The popularity of lifted trucks and SUVs with larger rear blind spots has only increased the danger to small children. In this article, our experienced Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys have provided answers to common questions about these types of crashes.
What is a “back-over accident?”
Back-over accidents are collisions that occur when a driver is backing a vehicle and cannot see a pedestrian, bicyclist, or object behind the vehicle. These types of collisions commonly occur when vehicles are backing out of driveways in residential areas but can occur in other settings. Unfortunately, they are more common in families with young children who may not be visible behind one’s car.
How common are back-over accidents?
Each year, there are an estimated 18,000 people injured in accidents that involve vehicles backing up and almost 300 fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Do these types of accidents cause significant injuries?
There is a common misconception that back-over accidents are unlikely to result in serious injury because they occur at slow rates of speed. However, this assumption is inaccurate because the victims of back-over accidents are usually pedestrians and bicyclists who have virtually no protection from injury during a collision with a motor vehicle. Even collisions at low rates of speed can result in permanent debilitating injuries when thousands of pounds of steel collide with someone who does not have the protection that a motor vehicle provides to occupants.
Does the type of motor vehicle affect the probability of a back-over accident occurring?
SUVs and pickup trucks pose a greater danger when backing up because the vehicles are higher off the ground, making it more challenging to see persons or objects behind them. The fact that drivers are seated higher in the vehicle means that the area where there is no visibility behind the vehicle is larger. This blind spot is even larger if the driver is shorter in stature, or the vehicle has a lift kit installed so that the passenger compartment sits higher off the ground.
Put Our Law Firm's Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!
If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else's negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811144
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333