Will “Backup Cameras” Reduce The Number Of Car Accidents?

Nashville Car Accident Attorneys Provide Legal Representation to Injured Victims

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “In the first half of life, more Americans die from violence and injuries – such as motor vehicle crashes, falls, or homicides – than from any other cause, including cancer, HIV, or the flu.”

Some of the new technology in passenger vehicles today is tailored to increase highway safety and prevent backup accidents from occurring. However, are these new technologies preventing accidents or becoming a distraction for drivers?

Back-up cameras are an increasingly common rear visibility technology found in many new motor vehicles, and they are intended to mitigate the risk of backover accidents. However, backup accidents can still occur despite these rearview cameras.

At Mitch Grissim & Associates, we understand how tragic and impactful an accident can be for an individual and their family. Car accident cases have hidden details that must be reviewed to determine if an individual can obtain compensation for what they endured.

If you or a loved one sustained injuries caused by the negligent actions of another motorist, our Nashville car accident attorneys offer free consultation while helping you file a personal injury claim. It can be challenging to navigate the legal process alone, but our team is ready to evaluate your case.

Can Backup Cameras Prevent Accidents?

An article by USA Today reported that modern vehicles must now be equipped with backup cameras.

Vehicles equipped with a rearview camera could potentially reduce the number of backover accidents. According to CBS News, “Rear automatic braking, an option in just five percent of new vehicles sold, is linked to a 63 percent drop in reported backup accidents having that equipment. Combining automatic braking with rearview cameras and sensors reportedly cut reverse crashes by 78 percent.” Backup cameras are now considered standard equipment to help avoid a backover accident by providing drivers with a rearview.

The Benefits of Backup Cameras

Backup cameras have multiple benefits for motorists and even larger vehicles, such as:

• Bringing awareness to your surroundings – When you attempt to back up in parking lots, it can be challenging or even impossible to see people, items, or animals beneath your windshield due to blind spots. However, a backup camera paired with side mirrors and a rearview mirror allows you to see straight behind and below you. This can potentially prevent you from hitting small children or other vehicles.
• Helping with parallel parking – Parallel parking can be difficult, especially in a tight spot. A backup camera can minimize your rear blind spot and help you see the amount of space you have between vehicles while parking.
• Cost-effective – Since new cars require backup cameras, you don’t have to pay additional money to install one.

Although backup car cameras have numerous benefits, they have less beneficial aspects.

The Downside of Backup Cameras

Some of the downsides of having a backup camera can include the following:

• False confidence – Although backup cameras can help you see behind your vehicle, relying solely on them can create a false sense of confidence in many drivers. The cameras are helpful, but they can’t display everything and are only meant to aid drivers. Unfortunately, most drivers fully trust this technology and fail to double-check blind spots that the camera may not capture.
• It does not provide a front view of the vehicle – Backup camera technology captures the back of your car; however, it can also be challenging to see what’s in front or to the sides of your vehicle.
• Does not completely prevent accidents – Even with backup cameras installed, backup accidents can still occur. For example, younger drivers rely solely on their cameras and don’t check their rearview mirrors, which can result in a collision.

While backup cameras can reduce such accidents, they will not completely eradicate them. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, it’s important that you know how to proceed.

What Steps to Take if You’re Involved in a Collision

An accident can cause an array of emotions all at once. However, it’s imperative to attempt not to make any decisions based on your feelings. If you implement the following tips, it may increase your chances of receiving any compensation you may be entitled to after an accident:

• Remain calm- Remember to remain calm and wait for help to arrive.
• Contact emergency responders- Even if you assume you did not suffer any severe injuries, it’s in your best interest to be evaluated by a medical professional after an accident. Also, when the police arrive, they can examine the collision scene and write a report.
• Gather evidence and contact information—Evidence such as photos of the accident scene and any injuries you endured is essential. Also, make sure to ask for the contact information of the other drivers or drivers involved. This can include their phone number, insurance number, and driver’s license number.
• Contact an attorney- If you suffered a personal injury or property damage, call one of our lawyers. We can help you with your claim and ensure your insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.

Following these suggestions may help if you file a claim to seek compensation for your injuries and damage.

Purposeful. Passionate. Persistent.

Although backup cameras are intended to reduce car accidents, it does not mean accidents will not happen. At Mitch Grissim & Associates, we believe in helping injured victims receive the justice they deserve. We highly recommend that you talk with our experienced Nashville car accident attorneys before making any decisions that could impact your potential claim. Our experience handling insurance companies has equipped our team to fight on your behalf.

Our team will need to examine the different factors affecting your situation to determine what legal options are available for your unique case. The severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other costs will determine the compensation you’re entitled to.

If you were injured in an automobile accident, call our law firm today at 615-255-9999 or fill out our free consultation form.