Not knowing the area covered by blind spots is one of the most common causes of lane-changing accidents in the U.S. These unfortunate events occur due to smaller cars being hit by massive trucks on highways. However, motorcycles and lighter automobiles can also be prone to catastrophic accidents.
Where are blind spots in a car? How many blind spots does a car have? How can drivers tell who's changing lanes when they can't even see anything? These are recurring questions many defendants have after becoming involved in a highway collision.
Avoiding Blind Spots While Driving a Vehicle
Blind spots are tricky areas that drivers can't see when looking in their side or front mirrors. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that over 300 head-on-collisions are caused by blind spot crashes annually in the U.S. alone.
Large cargo trucks and private cars are the most involved in such accidents, mainly during lane changes and sharp turns on busy roads.
It can be hard to avoid blind spots, especially on multi-lane roads. However, there are a few techniques drivers can use to travel safely without harming others:
Finding Blind Spots
The first thing drivers can do is identify where the blind spots in their cars are. Being behind the wheel is essential when finding areas drivers can't see.
Indicating Early
It doesn't matter if the turn drivers are going for is still more than a hundred yards away. Motorists must indicate lane changes at least 10 seconds sooner than they initially would've to alert passersby.
Slowly Changing Lanes
All automobilists must maintain and stay within range of the speed limit, regardless of driving on the highway or private roads. On top of that, drivers must slow down significantly while changing lanes, allowing the vehicle behind to switch paths too.
If the vehicle owner is unable to see cars behind, it's best to wait until the automobiles pass through and then change lanes or make turns.
What to Do After an Accident Involving Blind Spots
Drivers involved in highway accidents involving the failure to identify blind spots must take necessary action if they want to receive maximum compensation from insurance companies.
Collecting Evidence
It's crucial to gather proof of innocence immediately after a collision if physically and mentally capable of doing so. The evidence can include videos of the clash through dashboard cams, bystander witnesses, captured images of the crash, etc.
Seek Medical Help
Injured individuals involved in automobile collisions should seek immediate medical attention. Drivers should visit the hospital or have someone call 911 and an ambulance. Depending on the severity of the issue, documenting medical conditions can also work as evidence following an insurance lawsuit.
Contact Law Enforcers
It's crucial to have legal evidence of innocence following any blind spot-related accident. Motorists should call 911 and have a police recording of the conversation. This can assist defendants in presenting a solid case against at-fault parties.
Collect Information
Drivers should collect information regarding the at-fault driver and vehicle being operated in an accident. Plaintiffs can note the license number and registration, ask to see insurance documents, etc.
On the other hand, automobilists should collect information on the company and their insurance policy if the collision was with a large cargo truck. Large cargo truck accidents are often caused by long driving hours, learn more about how many hours a truck driver can drive a week.
Being At-fault of a Blind Spot Accident
More often than not, the truck or tractor driver is at fault for a blind spot-related highway collision. In this case, motorists should know their rights and what they might be liable for if proven guilty:
Medical costs
Property damage and expenses
Emotional compensation
Physical distress and compensation
Lost wages
Permanent disability
Mental trauma, etc.
How Proper Legal Representation Can Help
Should drivers be liable for the collision, the defendant must hire one of the many auto accident lawyers in Long Island. Legal representation can assist defendants in lessening their liability and possibly reclaiming compensation from insurance companies.
A qualified lawyer can also fight for justice on a case-by-case basis and present vital information that can be used as evidence.
Contact and Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in New York
People can get in touch with the qualified lawyers at The Law Office of Carl Maltese for expert legal advice on blind spot-related accidents.
They can call (631) 857-3703 for a free evaluation.
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