Being injured in a backover accident can instantly turn your life upside-down. When you have suffered the devastating consequences of a backover accident in North Carolina, you need a dedicated attorney to fight for your rights. The experienced car accident lawyer at Kreger Brodish LLP is committed to helping victims seek the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
What Is a Backover Accident?
A backover accident occurs when a vehicle moving in reverse hits another car, a person, or an object. These collisions often occur while backing out of a driveway. As backover accidents typically occur at low speeds, it can be difficult to see that one is about to happen. They often involve small children or elderly individuals who may not react quickly enough to avoid the vehicle.
Common Causes of Backover Accidents
Backover accidents often arise from driver negligence. An inattentive driver might not thoroughly check their rearview mirrors or backup cameras before reversing. Drivers who rely solely on their mirrors and don’t physically look over their shoulders while backing up can also cause these accidents.
Sometimes, distractions within or outside the vehicle contribute to backover accidents. Whether it’s a phone call, a text message, rowdy passengers, or just a busy street, tragic outcomes can arise from a momentary diversion of attention.
Impairment also plays a significant role in causing backover accidents. Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs have slowed reaction times and impaired judgment, increasing the risk of vehicle backover accidents.
Vehicle design flaws and malfunctions can contribute to these accidents too. When parking sensors or backup cameras malfunction, drivers may unintentionally back into individuals or objects. Similarly, vehicles with large blind spots may make it harder for drivers to see small children or objects directly behind them.
Common Injuries Sustained in Backover Accidents
While backover accidents usually occur at low speeds, the injuries sustained can be severe and even life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries resulting from backover collisions include:
- Broken bones – Fractures are a common injury in backover accidents. Depending on the vehicle’s speed and the point of impact, a victim might sustain broken bones in their arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
- Spinal cord injuries – Damage to the spine is another common injury in backover accidents. These injuries can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis, affecting the victim’s quality of life and leading to significant medical costs.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – Traumatic brain injuries can also result from backover accidents and range in severity from concussions to more serious brain damage. The aftermath can involve memory loss, cognitive impairment, and other long-term complications.
- Organ damage – Victims can suffer from internal organ damage due to the force of the impact. These injuries often require immediate medical attention and can lead to long-term health issues.
- Death – Backover accidents can result in fatalities in the most tragic instances. This is especially true when small children or pets are the victims, as they are less visible to drivers and may not realize they should move out of the way.
Proving Fault in a North Carolina Backover Accident
Your lawyer must present compelling evidence to prove the driver was at fault in a backover accident. Building a compelling case requires diligent investigation, a careful gathering of evidence, and persuasive representation.
Our skilled attorneys at Kreger Brodish LLP excel in these areas. We’ll use various methods to gather different types of evidence that support your claim, such as:
- Accident investigation – When you hire us, our team immediately starts an investigation to gather crucial evidence. We collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, who use their specialized knowledge to recreate the accident’s scenario and identify the contributing factors. The investigation helps us understand the specifics of the accident and who was responsible for causing it.
- Visual evidence – We also secure and analyze any accident scene photographs and videos available to provide a visual representation of the accident scene. These visuals often reveal important details about the incident and can be instrumental in corroborating your claim.
- Witness statements – Witness testimonies are a crucial part of our evidence gathering. Witnesses can provide a firsthand account of the incident, which can support your claim and shed light on the behavior of the other party involved in the accident.
- Vehicle data – In cases where technological malfunctions play a role in the accident, we work to obtain vehicle data. This information can often demonstrate whether the driver used the car’s safety features correctly or if a defect in the vehicle contributed to the accident.
- Documents – We will collect and review medical records, police reports, and any other documents demonstrating the severity of your injuries and the accident’s impact on your life.
Using this evidence, our attorneys meticulously build your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and argue your case in court if necessary. We remain committed to pursuing the maximum compensation possible for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
Is There a Deadline for Filing My Backover Accident Lawsuit?
North Carolina’s statute of limitations law typically allows three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, contacting a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible is essential to ensure all necessary procedures and filings are handled correctly and on time.
What Compensation Can I Receive Through a Backover Accident Lawsuit?
In a successful backover accident lawsuit, victims can receive compensation for various losses. These might include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Contact a North Carolina Bacover Accident Lawyer Today
If you have suffered injuries in a backover accident, call Kreger Brodish LLP. Our experienced Durham personal injury lawyers will give you the compassionate representation you need to get through this challenging time. We’ll diligently fight for your rights and work tirelessly to demand the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
