Since 2018, all new vehicles are required to have backup cameras. Dispute the fact that an increasing number of vehicles have backup cameras, there are still an alarming number of back-over accidents in New York. A back-over accident occurs when a driver causes a collision while driving in revere. Even though most back-over accidents occur at low speeds, victims of this type of car accident often suffer serious injuries. For example, it is not uncommon for back-over car accident victims to suffer brain injuries, broken bones, contusions, abrasions, neck injuries, or back injuries. These types of injuries typically involve long recovery times, requiring the victim to miss a significant amount of work. However, under New York law victims of vehicle accidents are allowed to seek compensation from the person whose negligence resulted in the accident. If you were seriously injured in a back-over car accident, contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates who will explain your options for seeking compensation for the losses you suffered as a result of the accident.
Common Causes of Back-Over AccidentsOne of the most common causes of back-over accidents is a driver failing to see someone because the person is in the driver's "blind spot." The blind spot is that area behind a vehicle that a driver cannot see when looking in the rearview mirror, side mirrors, or through the back window. Larger vehicles have larger blindspots. Because there is always a blindspot when driving in reverse, drivers must take care to proceed cautiously when backing up. While backup cameras help, it is still necessary for drivers to look around carefully to make sure the path is clear for backing up.
Other causes of back-over accidents include failing to look to make sure that no one is behind the car. In parking lots there is often a lot of pedestrian traffic walking behind cars, directly in the path of drivers who are attempting to back up. As a result many parking lot accidents are back-over accidents. Drivers must look before and while driving in reverse, and must proceed cautiously in order to avoid hitting a pedestrian or another vehicle. If you were injured in a back-over accident, contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there are an average of 290 deaths and 18,000 injuries each year in the United States caused by back-over accidents. Most victims are over 70 years old or under 5 years old. Most back-over accidents occur in parking lots and residential driveways. Tragically, many kids of have been seriously injured or killed in backover accidents because they were too small to be seen in a vehicle’s rearview mirror.In addition to pedestrians, bicyclists are also frequent victims of back-over accidents.
Consequences of Back-Over Car AccidentsBack-over car accidents often leave victims with serious injuries such as crushed bones, head injuries, and damages to the spinal cord. Such serious injuries require extensive costly treatment and rehabilitation. Through a personal injury claim filed with the help of an contact an experienced car accident attorney in New York, there are several types of damages that you may be able to recover from the person responsible for the accident.
You may be entitled to receive compensation to cover your medical bills- past and future. If you missed worked while recovering from your injuries, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the wages you lost as well as loss of future earning capacity. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. In special cases punitive damages may be available as well.
Timeframe of Filing a ClaimIn New York, the timeframe for filing a personal injury claim for a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations is a legal time limit within which an injured party must initiate legal action. For car accident claims in New York, the statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the accident.To ensure compliance with the statute of limitations and to pursue a successful personal injury claim, it is advisable to consult with an experienced car accident attorney in New York as soon as possible after the accident. The attorney can provide guidance, protect your rights, and advocate on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Contact Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesBack-over car accidents can have serious consequences. Under New York law you can pursue compensation from the party responsible for your injuries. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident contact an experienced car accident attorney serving New York who understands both the legal issues associated with vehicle accidents. Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident. We serve clients in the following locations: Manhattan, Westchester County, Suffolk County, Staten Island, Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Nassau County, and Queens.