Plant City Toddler Killed After Being Backed Over by Vehicle: Understanding Legal Rights After Driveway Tragedies

A devastating accident in Plant City, Florida, claimed the life of a baby boy on Tuesday morning when a woman accidentally backed over him with her vehicle, according to the Plant City Police Department.

Police say the tragedy occurred around 10:00 a.m. in the area of East Ohio Street, when a woman was backing out of a driveway and did not see the toddler behind her vehicle. The boy suffered grave injuries and died shortly after the incident, despite emergency response efforts.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details about the driver’s identity or possible charges have been released.

Backover accidents are among the most tragic and preventable roadway incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Approximately 266 people are killed and 12,000 injured in backover crashes each year in the United States.
• Children under 5 years old account for nearly 40% of fatalities in these cases.
• Blind spots in SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans make it difficult for drivers to see small children directly behind the vehicle.

While federal regulations now require all new vehicles to be equipped with rearview cameras, visibility issues remain a serious problem. Driveway accidents often occur in residential neighborhoods, where children may be playing or walking behind vehicles without the driver realizing.

Legal Considerations After a Backover Fatality

When a child is killed in a backover accident, families may have important legal rights under Florida law. Possible legal issues include:

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members may seek damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Mental pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship and support

If the driver failed to use reasonable care when backing up — such as not checking mirrors, failing to look around the vehicle, or backing out too quickly — they may be held liable for negligence.

If visibility limitations contributed to the crash, questions may arise about whether the vehicle’s design was defective. Automakers can sometimes face liability if their vehicles lack adequate safety systems or warnings.

While Florida law may examine the supervision of the child at the time of the accident, the primary duty of care lies with the driver operating a vehicle in reverse. The law generally expects drivers to anticipate pedestrians, especially in residential areas.

These heartbreaking tragedies highlight the importance of safety precautions, such as:

• Walking around the vehicle before backing out
• Using mirrors and backup cameras together, not relying on one system alone
• Backing out slowly and cautiously, especially in residential neighborhoods
• Supervising children closely when vehicles are moving nearby

The sudden loss of a child is one of the most devastating experiences a family can endure. Beyond the emotional toll, families often face overwhelming medical and funeral expenses. An experienced attorney can:

• Investigate the circumstances of the crash
• Determine whether negligence, product liability, or other legal violations contributed
• Pursue a wrongful death claim for full compensation under Florida law
• Hold all responsible parties accountable to prevent similar tragedies

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we provide compassionate representation to families who have lost loved ones in preventable accidents. We understand the sensitive nature of cases involving children and approach every case with care, respect, and dedication.

If your family has suffered the loss of a child in a backover or driveway accident, call us today at 305-638-4143 for a free, confidential consultation. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for your family.