Facing the prospect of being struck by a vehicle in reverse is undeniably one of the worst car accidents, especially when it’s a small child, elder, or infant run over. And it can happen in a driveway or at a fast food drive-through. In such collisions, the human body is left profoundly vulnerable to the immense force exerted by a two-ton vehicle—a force that can exact catastrophic consequences. Despite these incidents typically occurring at low speeds, often below 15 mph, the aftermath is characterized by swift and extensive bodily harm. Injuries can include shattered bones, grievous organ damage, a fractured ribcage, pelvic fractures, and even lasting spinal and cerebral trauma.

Losing a limb is also a grim possibility in these backing-up accidents as well. On the upside, we regularly help victims with car accident claims throughout California—safety defects, including automotive backup camera warning failures that injure or kill people. Suppose a pedestrian or the driver can establish that the backup camera was faulty and directly contributed to the accident. In that case, they may have grounds to pursue a legal claim or counter against the responsible parties.

All About Our Experienced Car Accident Attorney

You can depend on our most experienced car accident attorney, Michael Ehline, to determine whether the automaker, parts manufacturer, or other defendant was responsible for the car crash. He has won clients over $150 million in verdicts and settlements since 2005. He also has received awards and industry accolades from a broad spectrum of clients and peers. Our most substantial hope and desire is that he can help you get the meaningful compensation you and your loved ones deserve.

We offer all new clients a free consultation and never charge attorneys’ fees unless we recover for your losses from a car accident. Contact our Los Angeles law firm today to start the legal process for personal injury claims.

Statistics Regarding Pedestrian Car Accidents Are Telling

The inception of automotive backup cameras has emerged in the press as a potential panacea against car accidents, especially in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, CA. Remarkably, the genesis of this technology traces back to 1956, when the first vehicle backup camera was developed for a Buick Centurion concept car. But in the last few decades, substantial technological advancements have fundamentally transformed the landscape with AI car accident avoidance systems.

Are Cameras Reducing Auto Collisions?

A pertinent question lingers: In today’s landscape, are backup cameras genuinely elevating pedestrian safety as anticipated? This query prompts us to delve into the efficacy and impact of these safety innovations in contemporary society on car accident injuries overall. Our best car accident lawyer has handled many child backover accidents, and he remains hopeful this tech will reduce the overall number of car accident victims with traumatic brain injury in California and other states.

Pedestrian Car Crash Data in Los Angeles

Pedestrian studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that 80% of all pedestrian mishaps happen in urban zones. Drawing our focus on Los Angeles, a city characterized by its vibrant urban landscape, a compelling narrative emerges about serious injuries or death to people on foot.

Typical Yearly Figures?

In a typical year, Los Angeles witnesses around 225 traffic-related fatalities. Remarkably, nearly one-third of these fatalities—approximately 75—comprise pedestrian victims. This unsettling statistic underscores the gravity of the issue, with pedestrians accounting for a significant share of the city’s traffic fatalities in a car accident claim. Reverse camera or not, distracted driving is the main reason cars back over pedestrians.

When people rely on collision avoidance systems, they are careless towards others. Because of this, they can be held liable in court to cover the plaintiff’s damages, including pain and suffering, medical expenses, and even lost time from work. Our car accident lawyer can order the police report and negotiate your car accident claim with the defendant’s insurance company on a contingency fee basis.

Among the cases examined at Ehline Law, a distinct pattern emerges involving pedestrian backover injuries:

1. Trapped Beneath the Vehicle: Instances where pedestrians, especially kids, can become ensnared beneath a backing vehicle. Reverse cam accident prevention technology is supposed to prevent car accidents like this. Sadly, when it fails, victims can face wrongful death or be left with traumatic brain injuries or some other serious injuries.
2. Dragged Across Pavement: Car accident scenarios where a pedestrian is struck by a reversing car and subsequently dragged along the pavement can be gruesome. These are often connected with drunk driving. However, the automaker could face liability along with the at-fault, distracted driver.
3. Struck by Tires: Particularly prevalent in car accidents involving big rig trucks are pedestrians, including joggers and bike riders, struck by the vehicle’s tires.
4. Crushed Against Obstructions: Pedestrians being pinned against adjacent structures like light or sign poles are among the worst types of crushing car accidents. The at-fault driver may not always see everything if the backup camera fails. Most car accidents can be prevented by paying attention. But if the driver had reasons to rely on the camera, your legal team may have a cross-claim against the automaker.

An extensive 35-year study conducted by the NHTSA provides further context. Notably, while pedestrian fatalities declined until 2009, insurance company personnel and actuaries have observed a reversal in the trend since then. This shift is due to more walking and running for health benefits and elevated pedestrian activity during nighttime hours when vehicle drivers can’t see as well, especially in poorly lit areas.

Raising Awareness

To heighten awareness, individuals with a car accident case must be prepared. For example, some who traverse during the evening—whether returning from work or enjoying the city’s offerings—must exercise caution, especially in car reversing situations. Intriguingly, over 60% of pedestrian fatalities transpire between 6 p.m. and 3 a.m., underscoring the heightened risk for Los Angeles car crashes during these hours.

Do Backup Cameras Provide a False Sense of Security?

Backup cameras have revolutionized vehicular safety by allowing otherwise negligent drivers to view their vehicles’ rear and side areas. Sadly, this technology is not designed for head-on collisions, as it typically offers just 80 degrees of perspective to a driver or onboard AI. The remaining 80 degrees remain unmonitored by the camera’s lens, meaning there is a risk of rear-end collisions when a vehicle tries backing out.

Motor vehicles that rolled off the assembly line after May 2018 are likely equipped with a standard backup camera. This inclusion is mandated for all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds, a regulatory decree established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

They May Create False Security

Nonetheless, mounting evidence indicates that backup cameras may inadvertently foster a misleading sense of security among drivers. Notably, while manufacturers underscore that these cameras aren’t substitutes for checking blind spots, many motorists employ them as such.

A compelling study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed a disturbing reality—drivers frequently misuse in-car technology. This phenomenon, characterized by overreliance on these devices, leads drivers to divert their attention from the road and adopt a detached demeanor while driving. Regrettably, this behavior accentuates the risk of backover incidents involving pedestrians.

Curiously, the efficacy of backup cameras in safeguarding pedestrians remains contentious. A comprehensive four-year pedestrian study unveils an intriguing trend: during this period, the prevalence of vehicles equipped with backup cameras surged by 36%, encompassing a substantial 68% of all vehicles. However, counterintuitively, the corresponding decline in pedestrian backover injuries amounted to less than 8%, dwindling from approximately 13,000 to 12,000 incidents.

This intricate interplay between the proliferation of backup cameras and the limited reduction in backover injuries beckons us to ponder the complex fusion of technology, human behavior, and road safety and how to get victims paid when it backfires and hurts people.

Honda’s 1.2 Million Vehicle Backup Camera Glitch Recall

The automotive industry is abuzz with news of Honda’s recent recall, stemming from equipment defects and malfunctioning car parts. The company faces mounting concerns primarily attributed to rear-end camera failures and image-vanishing acts. Honda is taking a massive step by recalling over a million vehicles to address this pressing issue.

If you own a Honda vehicle, you must acquaint yourself with this matter’s details. Delving into the article will offer comprehensive insights into the unfolding narrative.

Key Points of the Honda Recall

In mid-June 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall notice concerning three Honda models. This recall encompasses a significant number—approximately 1.3 million vehicles—with the lion’s share distributed in the United States (1.2 million). This action triggered an alarming influx of warranty claims connected to rearview camera malfunctions. Astonishingly, from May 2017 to June 2023, the company confronted a staggering 273,870 claims related to this issue.

The company extended its warranty period in response to this tide of complaints. Yet, the persistent recurrence of problems rendered this measure insufficient. In the wake of these challenges, Honda has decided to initiate a recall for select models. The affected vehicles include the Honda Odyssey (2018/23), Honda Pilot (2019/22), and Honda Passport (2019/23).

Unraveling the underlying cause behind these pervasive malfunctions, the inspection yields a consistent root—improper design of the Communication Coaxial Cable. The inherent design flaw necessitates prompt action, prompting the comprehensive recall effort. Honda has not received any reports of accidents or injuries stemming from this issue so far.

This substantial recall highlights the critical importance of addressing automotive defects promptly to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers.

Common Threads Among Backover Accidents

Backover accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians, often unfold along a familiar trajectory. Picture this: you’re strolling or momentarily halted behind a vehicle, and abruptly, the driver shifts into reverse and presses the accelerator.

Perhaps you were nestled in their blind spot, or the driver scarcely glanced backward before impact. Alternatively, your movements could have occurred beyond the periphery of the backup camera’s range.

In these unsettling scenarios, the pedestrian often appears as an afterthought in the driver’s consciousness. This is why it’s a frequent refrain to hear drivers exclaim, “I never saw you!” Yet, it’s imperative to recognize that such assertions hardly suffice as valid excuses.

As a pedestrian, navigating the impending threat of an approaching vehicle in reverse leaves you with scant recourse. You may attempt evasive maneuvers, but time may be a scarce commodity. Some law enforcement agencies suggest striking the car or flinging an object at it—an effort aimed at alerting the driver to your presence. However, the window of opportunity for such actions is exceedingly brief.

Emerging trends spotlight a surge in injuries linked to self-driving cars, alongside instances of ride-sharing drivers, like Uber, becoming preoccupied with their apps rather than focusing on the road. A pervasive theme unfolds—a modern landscape populated by technologically immersed drivers whose attention is often fragmented. Consequently, this reality escalates the vulnerability of pedestrians to injuries and fatalities, compelling a renewed emphasis on road safety and vigilance. At the end of the day, forward collision systems, rearview video systems, alarms, and other safety features are no substitute for common sense.

Here’s a guide on how to navigate the aftermath of such an incident:

• Prioritize Safety: Immediately assess your safety and that of others involved. If you’re injured, seek medical attention promptly. If possible, move to a safe location away from more traffic accidents that could occur due to slowing, distracted driving behaviors nearby.
• Notify Authorities: Contact local law enforcement and report the accident. They will dispatch officers to the scene, and their documentation can be vital for insurance and legal purposes.
• Exchange Information: Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle details with the driver involved and any other accident victim, even if they need medical treatment. Obtain the names and contact information of witnesses as well. Your car accident lawyers will need this information later to help you recover damages for personal injury cases arising from an auto collision.
• Preserve Evidence: If you can, take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, the vehicle, and the surroundings. These visuals can serve as valuable evidence when researching your auto accident and show whether various safety features failed.
• Refrain from Admissions: Avoid admitting fault or making statements about the car accident until you consult legal counsel. Police can twist leading questions around to make it appear you engaged in reckless driving or that you walked behind the backing-out car on purpose.
• Medical Care: Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention. Some injuries might not manifest immediately, and medical records can be crucial for legal claims. Your injury lawyer will appreciate your help.
• Contact Insurance: Once you get a free case evaluation and hire our legal team, we will notify your insurance company about the car accident. Your job is getting stabilized and nursing any broken bones or spinal cord injuries. However, avoid giving extensive details until you’ve consulted a Los Angeles car accident attorney.
• Legal Consultation: Contact a top Los Angeles personal injury attorney experienced in pedestrian accidents and Los Angeles County car collisions to help you understand your rights and assess the situation.
• Obtain a Police Report: Request a copy of the police report from the Los Angeles car accident scene. This document can provide essential details for legal proceedings in the Los Angeles Superior Court if we can’t settle the matter with the insurance company.
• Document Details: Keep a detailed record of your injuries, medical treatments, expenses, and any impact on your daily life. This information will be valuable for compensation claims.
• Notify Your Employer: If your injuries affect your ability to work in Los Angeles, inform your employer about the situation. We may need them to provide evidence of lost wages to support your injury claims, so play nice.
• Consult Medical Specialists: If you were injured in an accident recently, it is vital to consult with a medical specialist who can provide you with comprehensive evaluations and therapeutic treatment plans. Our safety technology experts may even be able to refer you to a specialist physician who can work on a lien and get paid later.
• Adhere to Medical Recommendations: Follow the prescribed treatment plans and attend all medical appointments to ensure proper healing and documentation.
• Preserve Communications: Keep track of all communication related to the accident, including interactions with insurance companies, medical professionals, and legal representatives. Buried in police reports may be evidence of human error or a rear-end collision from failure to maintain a safe following distance, etc. If you have proof that dynamic brake support failed to kick in, we need it. When seeking legal representation, you should have all this evidence in an accordion folder to educate your legal team.

Remember that when you seek compensation, each case is unique, and consulting an attorney can provide tailored guidance based on the specific circumstances of your Southern California pedestrian backover accident.

Entrust Your Pedestrian Camera Defect Backover Accident Claim to Our Los Angeles Attorneys

When faced with the aftermath of an injury, you can rely on the team’s legal expertise at Ehline Law Personal Injury Lawyers. Our comprehensive legal practice encompasses various aspects of the law, including cases involving rear backover accidents in Los Angeles. During your recovery, your attention should be on healing while we navigate the treacherous legal intricacies on your behalf. Our client commitment extends deeply into Los Angeles, California. We stand ready to face the challenges and complexities of any Los Angeles pedestrian camera defect backover accident case.

Embarking on this journey with us means benefiting from a dedicated team that values your recovery and peace of mind. We invite you to contact us for a free consultation and case review 24/7. Our experienced and aggressive legal team is ready to give you the legal support and representation you or your loved ones deserve during this challenging time. Contact our best Los Angeles car accident attorney today to take the first step toward seeking the justice you rightly deserve during our no-cost consultation.