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Blind Spot Car Accidents
A blind spot is an area surrounding a vehicle that cannot be seen by the driver while looking forward or using a mirror. While most people think of large trucks when considering blind spots, passenger vehicles also have blind spots which cause accidents every day. Part of learning to drive is understanding where these blind spots are in a vehicle and how to check around them. When a driver fails to take these steps and causes an accident, he or she can often be held responsible in a negligence lawsuit. At Gerson & Schwartz, P.A., our knowledgeable Miami blind spot accident attorneys can review the situation that caused your accident and help you protect your rights.
Car Blind Spots Endanger Pedestrians and VehiclesIn a passenger vehicle, there are three main areas where the structure of the car creates blind spots and can lead to accidents. The first and most major blind spot is along the sides of the vehicle. When side view mirrors are not properly adjusted, vehicles in adjacent lanes can disappear from a driver’s vision. If the driver isn’t paying attention, then maneuvers like turning or changing lanes can cause a collision. Second, passenger cars have a blind spot directly behind the rear bumper. While this area may not cause much trouble while driving on the highway, it can be dangerous when backing out of driveways or parking lots. Finally, a car has smaller blind spots in areas where the windshield is attached to the structure of the vehicle. These areas, known as A-pillars or windshield pillars, block a driver’s line of sight at a forward angle.
In addition to blind spots created by the car itself, the things that the driver chooses to put inside the vehicle can also block visibility. For example, a vehicle stacked with boxes, stickers or shades on windows, or abnormally large headrests or seat additions can also obstruct the driver’s view.
Drivers owe a Duty of Care to People in Blind SpotsNo matter what the reason for the blind spot, drivers owe a duty of care to the people around them and their car. When a driver fails to check his or her blind spot, or drives with obstructions that block the view, he or she is breaching that duty of care and may be liable for negligence in a personal injury lawsuit.
Drivers who fail to check their blind spots may cause an accident by striking a motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, or other vehicle. Factors that contribute to blind spot car accidents include:
- Driver experience (or inexperience)
- Driver distraction
- Poor vision
- Fatigue
- Lack of knowledge regarding a vehicle’s blind spots
New drivers should be taught about the dangers of failing to check blind spots as part of their driving education. More experienced drivers should always make sure that their mirrors are correctly adjusted every time they get into their vehicle, and should check for blind spots whenever they drive a new or unfamiliar car.
Get the Help You Need After a Blind Spot Car AccidentBlind spots in cars are an unavoidable consequence of their construction. This does not excuse driver negligence in failing to check these spots while driving. At Gerson & Schwartz, P.A., our attorneys have worked on hundreds of cases involving driver negligence, and know what to look for when evaluating your accident.
Gerson & Schwartz PA represents clients injured in car accidents in Miami Florida. Our attorneys have litigated numerous car accident injury claims due to the negligence of others. From car accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, and victims of crime, our law firm will fight hard to enforce your legal rights. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, our car accident lawyers can review your case for free and help you get justice. For more information on how we can help you call (305) 371-6000 or email us directly about your case at info@gslawusa.com. Se Habla Español.
