Pedestrian crashes can occur at intersections or in parking lots. Any place where people on foot cross paths with vehicles can become the site of a devastating pedestrian collision.
In recent years, changes in vehicle design have led to an increase in frontover pedestrian collisions. These unique crashes are different than other pedestrian collisions and can have devastating consequences for the pedestrian.
Understanding the mechanics of a frontover collision can help people stay safer in traffic and take appropriate actions in response to a recent crash.
Frontover crashes often involve children
A frontover crash occurs when a driver moves forward in their vehicle and goes directly over a pedestrian. Frequently, these crashes occur because a pedestrian is in the blind spots at the front of the vehicle.
Especially when the vehicle is tall and the pedestrian is a child, a driver pulling forward out of a parking spot or driveway may not notice the pedestrian who is near the front edge of their bumper. They may then slowly drive directly over the pedestrian.
Frontover collisions can cause fractures, internal bleeding and brain injuries. They can also prove fatal, even at low speeds. Drivers with large vehicles that have bigger blind spots should be especially fastidious about checking their surroundings before proceeding out of a parking space or a driveway.
Drivers who fail to properly check their surroundings can injure people in their families or their neighbors due to their negligence. Filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit can help people cover the medical expenses and other costs generated by a frontover pedestrian collision.