Is the Driveway the Most Dangerous Part of a House?

Most people never think about the driveway being an unsafe place; if you’re anything like us, the driveway was where you shot hoops with your friends, or where you were allowed to draw with colored sidewalk chalk. It’s where you were learned how to ride your new bike or roller skates before you could take off with your friends.

But the truth is that driveways can become very dangerous, especially for small children who enjoy riding their bicycles, drawing with chalk, and playing basketball. According to KidsandCars.org, around 50 children are backed over in a driveway or parking lot each week across the United States. Although driveway accidents occur for various reasons, they mainly happen because an individual did not take the proper precautions or pay attention when driving into or backing out of the driveway. In fact, backover accidents are one of the most common accidents to occur in a driveway or on personal property. These car accidents happen when the car runs into a person or vehicle while in reverse.

Who’s at greatest risk of a driveway accident?

Children, of course, face the greatest risk of being hit by a car backing out of a driveway (or even one driving too quickly into it). The reason is simple: they’re small and hard to see. They’re also more likely to dart into a driveway if they see something they want (like that chalk we keep mentioning), despite their parents’ best efforts to hold their hands while walking. If your driveway does not have a clear line of sight, and/or you don’t have a backup camera, you can easily miss a child even if you’re not distracted behind the wheel. Most vehicles have very large blind spots behind them, which is one reason it’s so important to back out of your driveway slowly, and to keep checking your rear and side windows.

Pedestrians and cyclists are at risk for the same reason as children; they may only come into view as the car is already moving. Cyclists in particular – especially those riding on sidewalks, whether or not they’re supposed to – can seemingly come out of nowhere. Pedestrians who use walkers or canes, or have other mobility challenges, may be more focused on the road in front of them than on the driveway to the side of them, as even a small change in the sidewalk can pose a challenge to navigate. Others who may be distracted by phones may miss the sound or visual cues of a vehicle moving nearby.

Have backup cameras reduced backover accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every new vehicle in America must have backup cameras installed. This requirement started in May of 2018. A backup camera is described as a “rearview video system” that helps drivers avoid backing over a person or rear-ending another vehicle. The backup camera provides a clear picture of the area behind the car, giving the driver an idea of whether they can back up or not without hitting anyone.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) stated that backup cameras reduced backover accidents by five percent. However, the IIHS also pointed out that cars that have both parking sensors and backup cameras reduced backover accidents by more than 40 percent.

Even though it is great that vehicles are being equipped with backup cameras to prevent accidents, it is recommended that drivers do not solely rely on these devices when putting their vehicle in reverse. Instead, they should continue to look over their shoulders, look in their mirrors, and check their blind spots in addition to using the backup cameras. The reason for this is because the backup cameras come with their own set of issues, including:

• They can stop working properly at any time.
• They can provide the driver with a false sense of protection and security.
• They do not help prevent accidents that occur when going forward.

The types of injuries that victims of driveway accidents suffer

Anyone can become a victim of a driveway accident within seconds. And while most driveway accidents (at least, those involving cars backing up) don’t happen at high speeds, that doesn’t mean they can’t cause severe injuries. Remember, most victims are children; that means any damage caused by the collision can compound over time and become far worse for the victim. Some of the most serious injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Crushed bones or organs
• Permanent disfigurement
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Skull and head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Neck injuries
• Amputations or loss of limbs
• Emotional and mental trauma
• Death

Who can be held liable for Tulsa driveway accidents?

Many people assume that drivers are always responsible for driveway accidents. However, there can be other parties who are responsible or share responsibility for these accidents. While it may be difficult to determine who is liable for any type of accident, the lawyers at Biby Law Firm have the experience, knowledge, and skills to help you find out this information. Here are some of the other parties we may investigate when determining liability for a driveway accident:

• Owner of the vehicle
• Manufacturer of the vehicle (if there’s a defective part)
• Homeowner or property owner
• HOAs (if road design plays a role)

In addition, your attorney will investigate the property where your accident occurred to determine if there was a possible obstructed view or other defects that could have caused your accident. If there was, the owner of the house or property may share responsibility for your loss. As you can see, there are many different factors that go into these types of cases, which is why it is highly recommended that you work with and have the support of a Tulsa personal injury lawyer from Biby Law Firm.

The losses you can claim in a driveway accident case

If you or your child have been hurt in a driveway accident, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Your Tulsa personal injury lawyer will listen to your story, look over the facts of your case, and help you collect evidence to support your claim. We will also help you determine your economic and non-economic losses, which are the negative effects that arise out of the collision. These are some of the losses our clients typically claim from these types of accidents:

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Doctor appointments
• Ambulance expenses
• Lost income
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Home modifications
• Prescriptions costs
• Surgeries
• Rehabilitation
• Counseling
• Occupational therapy

The personal injury lawyers at the Biby Law Firm represent those harmed in driveway accidents in Tulsa, Oklahoma. These cases are often complex and require experienced legal counsel, which is why we are here to help our clients navigate the obstacles and challenges that arise throughout the process. While you focus on healing, our team will handle all forms of communication with insurance companies as well as work tirelessly to protect your rights. Call our office or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.