Avoiding a Car Accident Caused by a Blind Spot | Harold J. Gerr Law Firm

How Do I Avoid a Car Accident Caused by a Blind Spot?

While most car accidents are unforeseen and startling, blind spot accidents can be especially jarring. In a blind spot accident, a driver who collides with an undetected nearby vehicle only becomes aware of the car once contact has been made. In the United States, more than 800,000 of these accidents occur each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some of the most dangerous blind spot accidents involve big trucks or large passenger vehicles. The blind spots that exist around these larger vehicles can easily obscure an entire car.

What is a Blind Spot?

A blind spot is an area that the driver cannot see either directly or by using the vehicle’s mirrors. Typically, a blind spot occurs in an area that is behind the driver and off to one side of the car. Larger vehicles are more prone to bigger blind spots because the body of the car obscures the view of surrounding motorists.

Also, the height of the vehicle can make it harder for a driver to see vehicles below where they are seated, such as in the elevated driver’s seat of a truck’s cab. In large trucks, blind spots may also exist in the space that can extend several feet behind the truck’s trailer, which makes tailgating behind a truck extremely risky. The front of a big truck, or even a smaller vehicle, may also have a large blind spot.

What Typically Causes a Blind Spot Car Accident?

Although this type of accident is possible when a car first starts, such as when a vehicle is in reverse and backs over something in the driveway, blind spot accidents often occur when the car is moving on a busy road. Blind spot accidents frequently happen when drivers are merging or changing lanes. These accidents are more likely to happen on highways, where travelling at high speeds makes maneuvers even more perilous. Additionally, blind spot collisions commonly occur in roundabouts and intersections.

A blind spot accident typically occurs because a driver does not properly check all mirrors and angles to ensure that the area around the vehicle is free of other cars or obstructions. Before driving, it is important to adjust all mirrors to reduce the likelihood of an accident.

Preventing a Blind Spot Collision

Some ways to prevent a blind spot crash include:

Create a Routine: A driver should make it part of their routine to check mirrors and evaluate all sides of the car before merging or making a lane change. Leaning up or back to check from a different angle can make the difference in whether or not a blind spot safety check is executed effectively. The routine should include the inspection of mirrors, as well as over-the-shoulder glances to check for clearance to merge with traffic or to switch lanes.

Use Mirrors: A motorist should adjust their rearview mirrors before starting the vehicle every time they get behind the wheel. Even if no one else drives their car, a quick pre-drive mirror check can ensure that the mirrors are properly positioned, which can be useful if one of the mirrors was accidently moved. Opting to install a wider mirror or adding a small convex add-on mirror can also improve visibility.

Remain Attentive: When a motorist remains mindful of their surroundings, the chances of a blind spot accident is reduced. A driver who is aware of their surroundings will be able to change lanes safely. Successful defensive driving also involves keeping out of other drivers’ blind spots. Keeping a distance from other drivers also allows for more reaction time if they make a sudden shift into a neighboring lane.

Obey Traffic Rules: Adhering to conventional rules of the road is still the best way to avoid any type of accident. When a driver can predict the actions of other motorists, they are able to enjoy a safe driving experience. A prudent motorist obeys traffic laws, such as driving according to the posted speed limits, using turn signals appropriately, and observing lane markings and road signs. In addition to abiding by these laws, maintaining a consistent speed can also help. This allows all cars in the vicinity to adjust to each other without encountering surprises that can cause accidents.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident?

If a driver was hit by another motorist because that motorist entered their lane, they may be able to collect compensation. After a collision, it is important to collect evidence at the car accident scene after medical attention is received. Contacting a lawyer is another important step. A lawyer can help the victim recover damages for their losses, including payments for on-scene medical attention, follow-up care, or ongoing medical issues stemming from the accident. A victim may also be able to collect lost wages and other available compensation.

If you were seriously injured in a blind spot car accident, we can help you with your case. Our Highland Park car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr help injured car accident victims obtain compensation after serious collisions. Contact us online or call us at 732-537-8570 for a free consultation today. Located in Highland Park, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.