PREVENTING BACKOVER ACCIDENTS — PROTECT CHILDREN FROM NON-TRAFFIC INJURIES

Not all injuries caused by a motor vehicle occurred in a traffic accident. Thousands of children have been injured and killed in the United States in non-traffic motor vehicle accidents. Backover accidents are a type of non-traffic accident that claims the lives of children each year. According to Kids and Cars, 1,366 children have died in backover accidents since 1994. In 2016, 59 children lost their lives in backover accidents. It is estimated that 50 children are involved in backover accidents each WEEK in the United States.

Preventing Backover Accidents Involving Children

Because children are small, and they do not understand the dangers posed by vehicles, children can be at an increased risk of being injured in a backover accident. Even though newer vehicles have technology to help prevent these types of accidents, drivers must continue to be diligent in taking steps to avoid accidents. Technology cannot avoid all accidents — drivers must check all blind spots before putting a vehicle in gear.

Things you can do to help decrease the possibility of a backover accident include:

• Before entering your vehicle, look at all sides of the vehicle, including underneath your vehicle, to make sure a child is not hiding or playing near your vehicle.
• Turn down your radio, roll the windows down, and listen. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by anything when you are backing out.
• When possible, back into parking spaces and driveways to avoid backing out.
• Be prepared to stop quickly if you hear or feel anything.
• Never rely solely on backup cameras, sensors, and mirrors. These devices are not foolproof. However, they can be useful, so consider these options when purchasing another vehicle.
• Teach children not to play near vehicles.
• When children are in parking lots, make sure they hold hands with an adult.
• If you have a passenger in the vehicle, have the passenger stand outside while the vehicle is in reverse to look for children.
• Keep bicycles, toys, and other items that children would play without of the driveway. Place these items away from the driveway.
• Keep landscaping trimmed around the driveway, sidewalk, and street to help increase visibility of pedestrians and children.
• Install extra locks and childproof door handles in your home to help prevent a young child from sneaking outside.

For more information, you can visit the Kids and Cars website.

Compensation for Non-Traffic Motor Vehicle Accidents

If your child is injured in a backover accident or other non-traffic motor vehicle accident, your child may be entitled to receive compensation for his or her injuries. However, you need to take steps to protect your child’s legal rights. Our Sacramento child injury lawyers can help you take the steps you need to take to recover the money you need to pay medical expenses and compensate your family for other losses.

Contact The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website to request a free case evaluation and no-obligation legal consultation with a Sacramento child injury lawyer. You cannot undo the pain and suffering your child has endured, but you can seek justice from the person or party responsible for your child’s injuries.  Our law firm serves clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.