Where Do Most Backover Accidents Occur?

Some of the most devastating and preventable car accidents are backover accidents. Backover accidents happen at low speeds and often occur on private properties. These incidents occur most often when a vehicle is backing out of a parking space or in a driveway, though they also often happen on construction sites and in school zones.

Understanding where most backover incidents occur, what factors contribute to them, and what legal options are available for victims is important.

Understanding Backover Accidents

Backover crashes occur when a vehicle is driven in reverse and strikes a pedestrian. This often occurs because the driver is unable to see the victims behind them. In most cases, the injuries are serious, but even fatal injuries, severe head injuries, and broken bones occur. This is especially true when the victim is a child or elderly person.

According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), hundreds of backover fatalities occur each year in the US, and thousands more people end up with a severe injury. Though there is technology like backup cameras and backup alarms available, backover collisions still occur. For more information, car accident law firms in Des Moines may be able to help.

Where Do Most Backover Accidents Occur?

Backover incidents often occur in familiar and safe environments like residential driveways. However, they can occur anywhere on the road. Here are some of the most common places backover accidents occur:

1. Residential Driveways

Residential driveways are the most common place where backover incidents occur, and they also are the most devastating as small children are often involved. To make matters worse, the drivers in backover accidents that occur in driveways are usually a parent, family member, or neighbor of the victim.

Why are driveways so dangerous and often lead to devastating consequences? Because of the following:

• Children often play behind cars, and the driver may not see them due to their small size.

• Blind spots are found on larger vehicles like pickup trucks, SUVs, and vans.

• Drivers become complacent because they are in a private, low-traffic areas.

• There are obstructions like trees, garbage cans, toys, or other objects.

2. Parking Lots

Commercial parking lots are another high-risk zone for backover accidents. Accidents often occur in:

• Grocery store parking lots

• Shopping malls or strip malls

• Apartment complexes

• Office buildings

• Schools and daycare centers

In busy parking lots, visibility is limited, and pedestrians may walk behind a reversing car without the driver even realizing it. This is especially true with small children who may not be seen.

3. School Zones and Daycare Centers

Locations where there are a lot of kids are common spots for backover accidents. Parents are dropping off or picking up their children, people are rushing, and children are often distracted and may run into traffic. Even when there is proper signage and safety protocols, backover incidents can still occur.

4. Worksites and Industrial Areas

Construction sites, warehouses, and other industrial areas often involve large commercial vehicles like delivery trucks or forklifts. These vehicles have larger blind zones and drivers have to maneuver their vehicles in tight quarters. Workers on foot—particularly those not wearing high-visibility gear—may be hit by a reversing vehicle.

Who Is Most at Risk in Backover Accidents?

Knowing where these incidents occur is important, because it also shows who is the most vulnerable:

• Children under the ages of 5 are the most at risk of getting hit by moving vehicles that are backing up because they are small. They may not be visible even if the driver uses a backup camera or mirror.

• Elderly and disabled people are also at a heightened risk of being hit. They may have slower reflexes and mobility, and they may not be able to get out of the way even if they see a car coming at them.

• Pedestrians in crowded areas sometimes get hit, too, especially in places like school zones and parking lots.

Contributing Factors to Backover Accidents

No matter where a driver is, there are several factors that can increase the risk of a backover accident:

Driver Negligence

Many drivers don't always pay attention like they should in areas like driveways and parking lots because they feel safe. This is a false sense of security, though.

Driving a Large Vehicle

The larger the vehicle is, the larger the blind spot is. Trucks, vans, and SUVs are more likely to be involved in a backover incident.

Lack of Backup Technology

Backup cams and backup alarms are more common now than ever before, but not all cars have this technology, and not all drivers actually use the technology as they should.

Obstructed Views

Landscaping, fences, parked cars, and garbage cans can all block a driver’s view of what’s behind their vehicle. In residential and commercial areas, an obstruction can reduce visibility.

Legal Liability in Backover Accidents

In most backover accidents, the driver is the at-fault party because they did not ensure they had clearance before backing up. However, liability might fall on other people or entities, too:

• Vehicle owners or employers, if the driver was operating a company vehicle

• Property owners, if parking lot design or poor visibility contributed to the accident

• Manufacturers, if a backup camera or sensor failed to function properly

What to Do After a Backover Accident

In a backover accident, it's important to act quickly, especially if someone has suffered injuries.

First, call 911 to get medical and police assistance. Next, try to document the scene as well as possible. Photos and videos can be evidence in a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death case.

Gathering contact information from everyone involved, including witnesses, is also important, and no one should admit fault or speak with insurance adjusters without legal counsel.

Finally, reach out to a personal injury attorney like Tom Fowler Law to recover compensation. They can help with questions such as what is a backover accident?

Seeking Compensation After a Backover Accident

Victims of backover accidents may have a legal claim and be able to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses/medical bills

• Pain and suffering

• Lost income/lost wages

• Property damage

• Future care needs

• Funeral and burial expenses (in fatal cases)

How to Prevent Backover Accidents

A driver backing up can be held liable in a backover accident, but it's best to prevent accidents when possible.

Here are some tips to eliminate common distractions and how to avoid a backing accident:

• Drivers should walk around the car to make sure there are no obstacles

• Use a rearview camera and sensors

• Keep children safe by teaching them to stay away from parked vehicles

• Trim trees and bushes near driveways to improve visibility

• Reverse slowly and always check mirrors

Final Thoughts - Where Do Most Backover Accidents Occur?

Backover accidents are most likely to occur in residential driveways, parking lots, school zones, industrial areas and other places where pedestrians and vehicles frequently share a close space. Children and elderly adults are the most vulnerable victims, and many of these incidents happen because of driver inattention, blind spots, or lack of proper safety technology. Unfortunately, the driver is often a close family member.

Tom Fowler Law in Des Moines, Iowa, is committed to helping victims of backover accidents and their families understand their legal options. The legal team is available for a free consultation, or fill out the form online.