What Is a Blind Spot?

Good driver visibility is essential to safe road traffic in Port St. Lucie, Florida. A driver must ensure that nothing interferes with their ability to see and identify objects around their vehicle. Unfortunately, blind spots are a severe car accident risk. Victims of blind spot accidents can contact a Port St. Lucie car accident lawyer to protect their rights.

Blind spots are areas in a driver’s range of vision that they cannot see while driving. As a result, they cannot see other vehicles approaching them from the side of or behind them. Even with the advancement of blind spot detectors and warning systems, drivers are still at risk of blind spot crashes. Therefore, before a driver moves sideways to change lanes, they need to ensure that there is nothing in the way.

Unfortunately, negligent drivers fail to look around before changing lanes. This can result in significant damage to the vehicles involved and catastrophic injuries. Thankfully, injured victims can seek financial compensation from the driver who caused their damages.  

What Causes Blind Spots in Cars?

Every part of a vehicle that isn’t glass can be a blind spot. As previously mentioned, blind spots are areas outside a car that a driver cannot see. They can be in the front of a driver when the windshield pillar, side, or rearview mirror blocks their view of the road. They can also be behind the driver, cargoes, headrest, passengers, etc., and reduce visibility.

In most cases, blind spot crashes involve large trucks. A truck blind spot, also known as “No Zone,” is one of the most common causes of blind spot collision. Truck drivers have a hard time managing their blind spots because of the size of their vehicles. However, any car is susceptible to a crash if the driver is negligent.

This is why it is dangerous to change lanes without looking to the left or right. Also, when a driver is speeding, it may be difficult for them to know if the road is clear. 

Vehicle drivers are advised to check their blind spots before they:

• Pull out of a curb
• Park or leave a parking lot
• Change lanes, including when they pass or overtake another vehicle
• Merge with other traffic
• Reverse their vehicle
• Make a three-point turn or U-turn, etc.

Common Causes of Blind Spots Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie, Florida

Generally, human error is the cause of the majority of blind spot crashes. Blind spot collisions are more common than most people think. This kind of crash occurs when one or multiple vehicles change direction while driving. 

If a driver fails to notice other cars in their blind spot, it can result in a collision. However, accidents can be preventable if drivers pay attention to traffic around them. Accidents resulting from unchecked blind spots include sideswipes, rollovers, rear-to-side collisions, etc.

After a collision, victims may be dealing with their injuries, and deciding what caused the crash may not be their priority. However, identifying the cause of the collision will help determine who should be held liable.

Common causes of blind spot collision in Port St.Lucie, Florida, include:

• Distracted or fatigued driving
• Driving too fast for road conditions
• Traffic violations
• Reckless driving
• Driving while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or other substance
• Improper lane changes
• Defective vehicle parts, etc.

Potential Injuries Suffered in a Blind Spot Accident

The severity of blind spot accident injuries are unpredictable. Victims can suffer minor to severe injuries, depending on the circumstances. Common wounds associated with blind spot accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Back and neck injuries
• Seat belt abrasions
• Laceration from broken glass
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
• Whiplash
• Internal bleeding or trauma
• Burns and scars, etc.

How to Prevent a Blind Spot Accident in Port St. Lucie, Florida

A motorist cannot control the actions of other drivers. However, taking steps to eliminate one’s blind spot and paying attention when driving can help avoid collisions.

The following safety tips can help avoid blind spot collisions.

• Check blind spots by adjusting your mirrors properly
• Add blind spot mirrors (small circular mirrors) to your existing mirror
• Slow down when merging or changing lanes
• Use blind spot deductions and system
• Pay attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, etc., around your vehicle
• Be aware of the actions of other drivers on the road
• Take glances over your shoulder before changing lanes

Proving Liability and Fault in a Blind Spot Collision

Proving fault for a blind spot car accident can be complex. Sometimes the at-fault party is not immediately apparent. Also, there might be more than one at-fault party. To determine who is at fault in a blind spot collision, one must understand the role of negligence.

If a negligent driver caused the crash, victims can file a claim with their insurance company. However, Florida is a no-fault state, so in the event of a collision, both parties must turn to their insurance policy to make claims. This is regardless of whichever party is at-fault. Florida drivers must carry a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance policy to implement this.

The no-fault law makes it easier for injured victims to seek medical treatment and recoup financial losses. However, PIP insurance has a limit of $10,000, and if the victim’s injuries exceed their coverage, they can assert their rights.

Injured victims can file a liability insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver. A successful accident claim should establish the key elements of negligence. Victims must prove that:

• The driver owed them a duty to exercise reasonable care
• That the driver breached their duty of care
• That they suffered injuries because of the breach
• That the injuries resulted in damages

Building an accident claim can be complex without legal representation. Firstly, victims must gather compelling evidence to prove their case. In addition, they must assess the total value of their claim to fully recover.

With the help of a Port St.Lucie car accident lawyer, victims will have their best interests represented. A personal injury lawyer’s goal is to help you seek the compensation you deserve while you can focus on recovering. Lawyers will carry on in-depth investigations and review all the available evidence to help prove who was liable.

What Compensation Can a Blind Spot Car Accident Lawyer Get for Victims?

Victims of blind spot collisions may be entitled to compensation for their wounds and losses. A lawyer will help assess their economic and non-economic losses to determine their claim’s worth. In addition, they will help victims seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity, etc.

Talk to a Port St. Lucie Blind Spot Accident Lawyer for Free Today

Accidents can have devastating effects on the health and finances of a victim. Our car accident attorneys understand the suffering that results from a personal injury. Victims have a right to seek financial compensation to recover from the costs they have incurred.

At Frankl Kominsy Injury Lawyers, we have an excellent track record of successfully fighting for our clients. We will actively pursue your blind spot accident claim while you heal. Contact our firm at (561) 800-8000 to speak to a Port St. Lucie car accident lawyer today about how we can help.