Oklahoma Wrongful Death Law Library TOPIC: Wrongful Death: Back-Over Accidents

Back-over accidents occur each year, causing serious injury and death. These types of accidents are exactly what they sound like: A vehicle backs over the victim. Those who are most vulnerable are children, especially those under five-years-old. Large vehicles with big “blind spots” and very quiet vehicles like hybrids are particularly dangerous. Most back-over accidents happen in driveways and parking lots, but they are preventable.

While a driver who is driving in reverse cannot always see everything, they must be very careful, especially around young children. Negligence in these kinds of accidents may lead to claims of wrongful death. As a family member whose loved one has been killed in a back-over accident in the Oklahoma City area, you are entitled to certain rights. Self & Associates will discuss your wrongful death claim during your free consultation

What You Can do to Prevent a Back-Over Accident

As a driver, be sure to look carefully behind your vehicle before you get in. If possible, walk around and behind the vehicle. Measure the blind spot on your vehicle by placing a cone behind the vehicle and see how far forward you must drive before you can see the cone. Take a look up and down the street for children on bicycles or playing in the area. Before you start moving, have children move away from the vehicle to a location where they are in full view. Always back up slowly and carefully.

As a parent or guardian, teach your children that just because they can see a vehicle doesn’t mean that the driver can see them. Teach children never to play behind a vehicle, and that a parked vehicle might start moving at any time. Make the driveway a no play zone. Trim landscaping around the driveway to ensure a clear sightline. When walking in parking lots, teach your children to hold your hand and walk carefully.

Even with all these precautions, accidents can still happen. A wrongful death lawyer can help if a family member has been killed in a back-over accident by a negligent driver.

If you need a wrongful death lawyer in the Oklahoma City area, please contact Self & Associates for a free initial consultation.