Back-Up Accidents

Most people think of accidents as occurring when two vehicles collide head-on. However, this is not always the case. Back-up accidents are another type of accident that can occur and can be just as dangerous as other types of accidents.

If you have been involved in a back-up accident, it is important to contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you protect your rights. Contact Mountain States Injury Law to request a free consultation and get the support you deserve throughout the insurance claims process.

Common Causes of Back-Up Accidents

A back-up accident occurs when one vehicle backs into another vehicle. These accidents often occur in parking lots or driveways but can also occur on the road.

Back-up accidents can be caused by several factors, including:

Distracted Driving

When a driver is not paying attention to what they are doing, they may not see another vehicle behind them. This can lead to an accident in any number of ways. Suppose you were in an accident with someone who was distracted — whether using their cellphone or any other activity that takes their eyes and mind off of the road. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation since the accident was a result of their negligent behavior.

Poorly Marked Roads Or Parking Spaces

If a parking space or road is not properly marked, it can be difficult for drivers to know where they are supposed to stop. This can lead to back-up accidents if a driver backs into another vehicle because they were not able to see it. A situation where the road conditions contributed to the accident can further complicate matters because the at-fault driver may be able to make the case that the entity in charge of maintaining the road is responsible for the crash.

Reversing Out of Blind Spots

Most drivers are aware of the blind spots on either side of their vehicle, but they may not realize that there is also a blind spot directly behind them. This can be especially dangerous when backing up, as another vehicle in that blind spot could be hit. Drivers need to take extra care when backing up to ensure no other vehicles are in the vicinity.

Defective Brakes

If a vehicle’s brakes are not working properly, the driver may not be able to stop their car while in reverse. This can lead to an accident if the driver of the defective vehicle backs into another car. In these cases, it may be possible to hold the manufacturer of the defective vehicle responsible for the accident.

However, if the brakes simply were not working because the owner of the vehicle didn’t properly maintain them, then their negligent maintenance is likely the main cause of the crash.

Accidentally Putting the Car In Reverse

In some cases, a driver may accidentally put their car in reverse when they meant to put it in drive. This can obviously lead to a back-up accident if there is another vehicle behind them. Whether they are drunk, distracted, or simply forgot, there is no reason why someone should have to cover the costs when another person accidentally drove into their vehicle because the car was in the wrong gear.

What Are the Injuries Associated with Back-up Accidents?

Back-up accidents can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Some of the most common injuries associated with these accidents include:

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked forward or backward. This can happen in a back-up accident if the driver hits their head on the steering wheel, dashboard, or seat in front of them. Whiplash can cause a great deal of pain and may require extensive medical treatment.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are some of the most serious injuries that can occur in a back-up accident. If the driver hits their head on something in the car, they may suffer a concussion or other traumatic brain injury. In severe cases, head injuries can even be fatal.

Broken Bones

Broken bones are another common injury associated with back-up accidents. This is often the result of the driver hitting their knees or legs on the dashboard or steering wheel. In some cases, the force of the impact may even cause the airbags to deploy, which can result in broken bones.

Bruising and Contusions

Bruising and contusions are common injuries that occur when the body is hit with force. This can happen if the driver is thrown around the car during the accident or if they hit their head, knees, or legs on something in the vehicle.

Lacerations

Lacerations are cuts that occur when the skin is hit by a sharp object. In a back-up accident, this may happen if the driver hits their head on a window or if they are cut by broken glass. While some lacerations may be minor and barely require cleaning, others can require immediate and intensive medical care to ensure that the victim does not go into volume shock from blood loss.

Internal Bleeding

Internal bleeding is a serious medical condition that can occur if the victim hits their stomach, spleen, or liver on something during the accident. This type of injury may not be immediately apparent, but it can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are some of the most serious injuries that can occur in a back-up accident. This is because the spinal cord is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. If it is damaged, the victim may suffer paralysis, loss of sensation, and other debilitating symptoms.

Emotional Suffering

These accidents can also cause psychological injuries, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. If you have been in a back-up accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not think that you are injured. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not present symptoms immediately after the accident.

Contact Mountain States Injury Law Right Away To Request a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been injured in a back-up accident, Mountain States Injury Law can help. We have extensive experience handling these types of cases, and we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we do not collect any money unless you win, and the money we do collect is a predetermined percentage of your overall award.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.