After a car accident in Carlsbad, you might be confused about your legal rights and options, especially if you think the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, such as if they failed to check their blind spots. At the Miller & Steele Law Firm, our experienced Carlsbad blindspot accident attorneys understand California traffic and personal injury laws and how to use them to secure meaningful compensation for our clients. Contact us today to get started with a free case review.
What Is a Blind Spot Accident?
All vehicles have so-called blind spots, which are areas around your car where you cannot see other motorists in your mirrors. A car’s blind spots are beside and slightly behind the vehicle, located at the rear corners and next to the vehicle’s front doors. These spots may be blocked by the car’s body, pillars, or headrests.
Commercial trucks have even larger blind spots due to their larger size and carrying a trailer. A semi-truck’s blind spots extend to:
- 20 feet in front of the vehicle
- 30 feet behind the vehicle
- One lane width to the left of the vehicle
- Two or three lanes to the passenger side of the vehicle
Blindspot accidents occur when a driver does not check their blind spots and collides with another vehicle they do not see. This may occur when the driver is merging or changing lanes.
Common Causes of Blindspot Accidents
Blindspot accidents usually occur because a driver is not monitoring their surroundings, is distracted, or is not paying attention. Some drivers rely on their blind-spot detection software in their vehicle, and if it does not indicate someone is in that lane, the driver may cross into the path of oncoming traffic.
Who Is Responsible for Blindspot Accidents in Carlsbad?
California traffic laws require drivers to operate their vehicles in a safe manner that avoids collisions with others. Motorists are expected to monitor the traffic around them. The driver who failed to monitor their blind spot or check by turning their neck before changing lanes could be responsible for these accidents.
However, it’s possible that the other driver was distracted, speeding, or also driving unsafely. If the accident victim contributed to the collision, California’s comparative negligence rules apply. Under this rule, your compensation is reduced by your degree of fault.
Common Injuries in Blindspot Accidents
Blindspot accidents tend to be sideswipe accidents, which commonly cause the following types of injuries:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries, caused by the sudden back-and-forth jerking in the accident
- Back injuries, including herniated discs and spinal cord injuries, are due to the force of impact
- Internal injuries, which can occur due to crushing in the accident, and the lack of side protection in vehicles
- Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis
- Soft tissue injuries to ligaments and tendons
After a blind spot accident, seek medical attention immediately. Then, take steps to protect your legal rights by contacting an experienced personal injury attorney in Carlsbad.
Contact Our Carlsbad Blindspot Accident Lawyers for Legal Assistance
If you were injured in a blind spot accident caused by someone else’s negligence, an experienced Carlsbad blind spot accident lawyer can help. We have a proven track record of success in car accidents and pride ourselves on the personal attention we provide to all our clients. Contact the Miller & Steele Law Firm today for a free consultation.