Backing-Car Accidents

You may know from experience the sinking feeling you get when you put your car in reverse, hear a crunching sound, and discover that you’ve just backed into a pole or another vehicle. Backing-car accidents are an incredibly common type of accident, and while many of them result only in property damage, if a driver fails to see a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another vehicle in their blind spot, it can lead to serious injuries. With so many active people in Newport Beach, the most serious of these accidents commonly occur in beachfront parking lots and other spots with heavy foot traffic. If you suffer injuries after of this kind of accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local lawyer. Jamal Injury Law P.C. has handled many of these cases and can help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.

No matter how safe a driver someone is, all vehicles have blind spots in the rear which make it difficult for the driver to see. If the driver is reversing as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another vehicle enters the picture in their blind spot, an accident often occurs.

Although most of these accidents happen at low speeds when a Newport Beach resident is backing out of a parking space at a beach or local shopping center and there are not major injuries, this doesn’t mean these accidents cannot be serious.

In fact, in 2015, the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reported that at least 500,000 backing accidents happen each year. Even worse, they cause 15,000 injuries and over 200 deaths annually, most of which affect children under five years old and the elderly.

When we think about backing-car accidents in light of these statistics, they become much more worrisome and we can see why many people who are involved in them need the help of a Newport Beach car accident attorney. If this happens to you, the team of lawyers at Jamal Injury Law P.C. will defend your rights and ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your losses.

While drivers are ultimately responsible for paying attention while they are driving and ensuring that backing-car accidents don’t happen, there are also things pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers can do to reduce the likelihood of these accidents occurring.

First, if you are driving, make sure to check all mirrors and look over your shoulder whenever you are about to back up. By checking your blind spots, you will be more likely to see everything you need to see to stay safe. Although many new cars have backup sensors and cameras, it is still a good idea to check everything manually, especially since distances can be hard to judge when using the cameras.

If you have children, make sure your kids play in the back yard. Many back-up accidents occur in residential areas, so keeping play spaces away from nearby driveways is a good idea. In addition, teach your kids to be on the lookout for backing cars near driveways and alleyways.

If you are a pedestrian or bicyclist, always be aware of vehicles that may back up without warning. Be especially observant of driveways and alleys where vehicles are likely to emerge.

If you or someone you love was injured due to a backing driver, it is imperative that you speak to an attorney. A good lawyer can help you recover compensation from the responsible driver’s insurance company, prove the other driver’s negligence, and ensure that your case runs as smoothly as possible.

At Jamal Injury Law P.C., our team has special expertise in helping Newport Beach residents in these types of cases. For assistance, call us at 714-907-1021.