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SME Insurance Index. Natural Disaster Preparation. Avoiding Reversing Collisions. By Vero Insurance 01 February Reversing a vehicle and the law In all states, the road rules clearly state that a driver must not drive a vehicle in reverse unless it is safe to do so. Backover accidents can take many forms. Pedal confusion is a common cause of a backing up accident.
This happens when a driver mixes up the pedals, and reverses quickly instead of inching slowly backward out of their parking spot. Drivers may also forget to change their gear. Instead of pulling forward after backing out of a lane, their car moves in quick reverse, colliding with unsuspecting people or vehicles behind them.
Another common cause of a backover accident is distracted driving. If drivers are using their phones, reaching for something in their car, or fastening their seat belt while backing out, they are unlikely to have sufficient awareness of what is behind them and cause a collision.
Backover accidents also occur as a result of drivers having blind spots. Larger vehicles, such as pick-up trucks or vans have larger areas of blind spots that are called No Zones.
Notably, Rearview Safety states that over 60 percent of backing up incidents involve a larger size vehicle i. In general, the vehicle traveling in the lane of traffic has the right of way.
The vehicle backing out will be primarily responsible for the crash. This type of backing up accident most often occurs in parking lots. You've probably been in this experience yourself. It's a busy Saturday at your local grocery store, and all the parking spots are full.
You check your mirrors to make sure it's all-clear and start backing out. Meanwhile, the car in your blind spot was attempting to reverse at the same time you were. Since both vehicles were moving, both drivers will take responsibility for the accident.
In most cases, the driver backing up will be partially at fault, if not entirely at fault. That said, there are a few exceptions to the rules when making a determination of fault.
In some situations, the driver backing up may be the victim of another driver's negligence, despite failing to comply with the right-of-way rules. You can't always prevent a back-up accident from happening. Still, there are some simple ways to reduce your risk of being a victim or being at fault for the collision.
If you are involved in a backing up car accident, make sure to exchange contact information with the other driver. Ask for their insurance information and take photos of any property damage. You'll also want to request a police report if a police response to the situation was necessary. If you suffered an injury from the accident, a car accident attorney can help you explore your legal options and compensation eligibility.
Especially if you have medical bills or other damages resulting from the crash, an experienced attorney can help during this stressful time. Determining fault in a backing up car accident is usually straightforward, but not always. If you were involved in an accident and have suffered an injury or property damage, a personal injury lawyer can help you explore your legal options.
Essentially, when only one car is in motion, that car is most likely at fault for the collision. The second key factor in determining fault for a car accident when backing up is: who had the right of way? The driver with the right of way will generally not be at fault for the accident.
Determining the right of way will depend on the traffic signs, patterns and rules enforceable in the area. Car accidents which involve one or more drivers backing up typically occur in specific locations.
For example, parking lots are a prime location for backing up, as drivers are exiting their parking spots. Another hotspot for this type of accident involves drivers who are backing out of their driveways and into a lane of traffic. In these situations, the right of way may be ambiguous. The following is a list of common scenarios and a general guideline for determining fault in each situation.
Backing out of a parking space and into a parked car will most likely make you at fault for the collision. However, when backing out and colliding with an oncoming vehicle, determining fault is not so clear cut. Since both vehicles are moving, it is likely you will share fault with the other driver to some degree.
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