Back-Over Accidents

Back-over accidents can happen in an instant but often lead to serious injuries and sometimes fatalities. These accidents occur when a driver reverses their vehicle and strikes a pedestrian, bicyclist, or another car. Whether in driveways, parking lots, or busy streets, back-over accidents are more common than most realize. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our experienced Prince George’s County car accident lawyers are here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process if you’ve been injured in a back-over accident. We are dedicated to helping accident victims in Prince George’s County get the compensation they deserve.

A back-over accident happens when a vehicle strikes a person or another car while reversing. These types of accidents can occur anywhere but are most frequently seen in residential areas, parking lots, and busy intersections. Back-over accidents often involve pedestrians, particularly small children or elderly people who may be harder for drivers to see. Even at low speeds, back-over accidents can cause severe injuries, given the weight and force of a reversing vehicle.

Back-up accidents can occur in several different situations. Some common examples include:

• Driveways: A driver may back out of their driveway without noticing a pedestrian walking behind the vehicle or a child playing in the area. These accidents often involve neighbors or family members and can result in tragic consequences.
• Parking Lots: Parking lots are another frequent site of back-over accidents. Drivers backing out of parking spaces may not see pedestrians walking between cars or other vehicles pulling out at the same time.
• Residential Streets: In neighborhoods, drivers may back out onto the road without properly checking for pedestrians, cyclists, or oncoming traffic. The presence of children playing in these areas increases the risk of a back-over accident.

Whether caused by distracted driving or a driver’s failure to check the surroundings, these accidents often end in tragedy.

In most cases, the driver of the vehicle that was reversing is held liable for a back-over accident. This is because drivers are responsible for ensuring that the area behind their vehicle is clear before backing up. Failure to do so is considered negligence.

However, determining liability in a back-over accident can become complicated, especially if there are multiple factors involved, such as distractions, weather conditions, or visibility issues. In some cases, the pedestrian or another party might share responsibility for the accident. This can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of a back-over accident lawsuit.

For example, Maryland follows a strict contributory negligence rule. Under this law, if you are found to be even the slightest bit at fault for an accident, you may not be able to recover any damages.

For example, if a pedestrian was distracted by their phone and did not see the car backing up, they could be found partially at fault for the accident. If so, the doctrine of contributory negligence could prevent the pedestrian from receiving compensation.

Given the harshness of this rule, it’s important to work with a skilled lawyer who can build a strong case to prove the other party’s full responsibility. At Foran & Foran, P.A., we have extensive experience successfully handling car accident cases and can help you bring a compelling case that maximizes your compensation award.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a back-over accident, the team of Prince George’s car accident lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A. is here to help. With approximately 85 years of combined experience representing car accident victims in Maryland, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our dedicated Maryland car accident lawyers. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and work with you to build a strong claim. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation today, call us at 301-441-2022, or you can connect with us through our secure online contact form. We also represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville and the surrounding areas.