Backup Car Accidents in Massachusetts
Motor Vehicle Collision Attorneys Serving People in the Boston Area
Backup accidents are some of the most dangerous types of accidents, but they are also completely avoidable. The operator of a car has a duty to back up carefully, checking in all directions for possible safety problems. Backup accidents are especially common in large parking lots where there are lots of pedestrians and traffic. If a driver negligently causes an accident when backing up, they should be held responsible for the injuries they caused.
Even if a backup camera is installed on a vehicle, a driver may fail to see pedestrians and especially children immediately behind the vehicle. In fact, studies have shown that the increase in the number of backup cameras has not decreased the prevalence of backup accidents. When drivers start to rely exclusively on these cameras, they may fail to check other mirrors on the vehicle, leaving pedestrians in blind spots at a huge risk of injury.
At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our Boston car accident lawyers can counsel victims regarding their rights after a backup accident. While your family and you are coping with the injuries resulting from the accident, we can ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Advance Your Right to Compensation After a Backup Accident
After any car accident, it is critical to understand your legal rights and to know whether there are any time limits that may apply to your ability to bring a claim for compensation. There are many issues to consider, such as how to deal with insurance companies, how to approach your medical treatment, and how to preserve evidence in the event that you decide to bring a personal injury claim.
If you do proceed with a lawsuit, your attorney will need to show that the driver who caused your injuries failed to use adequate care and skill. In general, drivers owe a duty to other motorists and pedestrians to be cautious and prudent in operating their vehicles. This means refraining from distracted driving activities like texting, as well as checking that the way is clear before engaging the vehicle. A careful driver would also refrain from driving under the influence, which is a common cause of backup accidents. A drunk driver is often too impaired to remember to check their mirrors or to notice nearby pedestrians. In another situation, a prudent driver would also use heightened attention when navigating a crowded parking lot, where pedestrians are more common.
After establishing that the defendant drove their vehicle in a negligent manner, your attorneys must prove that the accident was the cause of your injuries. In other words, you must prove that you would not have been hurt but for the defendant’s negligent behavior. If you have proven causation, the main issue will be determining the amount of compensation that you are entitled to receive from the defendant.
There are several different categories of compensation that a plaintiff can recover. For example, a victim may be able to recover medical expenses, such as ambulance fees and hospitalizations, as well as future estimated medical care for serious and permanent disabilities. Backup accidents can lead to catastrophic consequences, such as spinal cord injuries, amputations, or cognitive disabilities. To ensure that you receive the maximum amount of recovery that you deserve, your lawyer can retain experts such as life care planners to help estimate the future financial costs associated with the accident. In the unfortunate event that a backup accident results in a fatality, such as the loss of a child, you can bring a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for the loss of your loved one.
Retain a Skilled Attorney in Boston for Your Car Crash Claim
Backup accidents can be traumatic events for the victim and their family. This is especially true when the accident involves injuries to a child. Although no amount of compensation can make up for the pain and frustration that you feel, it can help you cope with the unanticipated expenses that you incur.
At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our car crash lawyers have proudly served victims and their families in Boston, Cambridge, Waltham, Lowell, Newton, Somerville, Quincy, Dedham, Norwood, Brookline, Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Plymouth, Worcester, Lawrence, and Springfield. Our team offers a free consultation to discuss your situation and how we can help you. Call us now at 1-800-379-1244 or contact us online to get started.