What Is a Blind Spot Accident?
When driving a vehicle, you know the importance of checking all sides before you switch lanes, but some areas are tougher to see than others. A blind spot accident is one that often occurs when a person does not observe what is occurring within that space and, as a result, does not see a car or object there. This can lead to numerous types of accidents, some of which may be significant.
At Glisson Law, we work with clients facing a wide range of challenges related to blind spots. If you are a victim of such a car accident, set up a free consultation with us to discuss your case.
What is a blind spot?
A blind spot describes the area around the car that the driver cannot easily see. This is an area of the car that, even if you check your mirrors, you may not be able to see well enough to know if there is a car present. As a driver, it is critical to know where these blind spots are so that you can visually determine if someone is in that location before merging or turning. All vehicles have blind spots, and all drivers are responsible for ensuring nothing is in that location before they move in front of it.
Truck accidents are often caused by blind spot accidents. They have some of the largest blind spots, depending on the type of truck. This includes the area that is directly in front of the vehicle and directly behind the vehicle. In addition, there are blind spots down the sides of the vehicle with more area that is difficult to see on the right side. Because of these high-risk areas where the driver cannot see well, it is critical that anyone driving next to a truck monitor their actions to avoid an accident.
What is a blind spot accident?
A blind spot accident is one that occurs when the driver of a vehicle does not check the blind spots on their vehicle and proceeds with some action. These accidents may lead to striking another vehicle, a person on a bike, or a person walking. The collision can range in severity from mild to severe, and there are instances in which a person may die as a result of such accidents.
All cars have blind spots. The larger the vehicle, the more blind spots are present and the larger they are. This makes driving a larger vehicle more challenging. However, remember that the driver of a vehicle is absolutely responsible for their actions and keeping other drivers safe on the road.
Why blind spot accidents occur
There are various reasons why a blind spot accident can occur, and in every situation, the details of the case will ultimately determine responsibility and liability. Some of the most common causes of blind spot crashes include:
- Merging from one lane into the other
- Backing up
- Changing lanes during high-speed freeway driving
- Pedestrians not in a bike lane
- People walking outside of a crosswalk
If you are the driver, make sure you are checking all areas around you before you make any moves with your vehicle, including your blind spots. If you were hit by a driver who did not see your vehicle in their blind spot, you may be able to obtain financial compensation for your losses.
Who is responsible in a blind spot accident?
When a blind spot accident occurs, pull over and contact the police. You will want to document what occurred fully and, when it is safe to do so, take photos of the surroundings, the damage, and the other driver’s car. Then, provide only facts to the police that outline the specifics of what occurred.
Most of the time, the police will assign fault based on the evidence in the case. If a vehicle collided with your vehicle, and that is what caused the accident, that driver may be liable for your damages and losses. However, the nature of a blind spot accident often makes it look like you struck the other car.
For example, if you are driving behind and next to a truck, and they merge into your lane, striking you because they did not see you in their blind spot, it may look like you hit that truck. The reality is that their actions led to this incident.
Because of these complexities, we recommend working closely with our Alton car accident attorney to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. We will work to gather evidence to prove what occurred, including:
- Witness statements
- Data from cameras nearby
- With commercial trucks, there may be navigational cameras or sensors that are available
- Expert insight based on the damage to the cars
- Police reports
There are times when liability may involve both parties. If you are assigned a percentage of responsibility in the case, that may impact your ability to obtain compensation for your losses. Our team will work closely with you to ensure that you are not taking blame that is not yours – we will work to prove otherwise when possible.
How we can help you in a blind spot accident
Our attorneys will gather all evidence and prove what occurred in your case. Clearly defining liability in your case takes careful consideration of all aspects of the matter. Let us use the tools available to us, such as expert statements and accident recreation, to demonstrate who is at fault so we can help you obtain maximum compensation in your case. Contact us now to learn what we can do to help you through this legal matter.
At Glisson Law, we understand how devastating a blind spot accident can be. We are here to help you. Set up a free consultation to discuss your case with our car accident attorneys. We are in Alton and proudly serve Belleville, Edwardsville, St. Clair, and Madison Counties, all of Southwestern Illinois and Missouri. Call our office or submit our contact form now for a consultation.