Blind Spot Accidents: What You Need to Know
Imagine you’re driving when a nearby vehicle changes lanes and slams into your car. The accident is traumatic, and you have no idea who is at fault. It’s possible that the reason you don’t know what happened is because you were involved in a blindspot. You’ll need to work out what happened to find out who is at fault and whether you can pursue compensation.
If you want legal help following an auto crash, partner with experienced car accident attorneys in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Your lawyer’s role is to learn about your collision and identify any liable parties.
What is a blind spot?
Blind spots are areas around your car that you can’t see even if you adjust your vehicle’s mirrors. To see a blind spot, you may have to glance to your left or right while driving, and in some cases, even then, something might be blocked from your view. Glancing over your shoulder can take just a few seconds. Sometimes, that glance makes all the difference in terms of avoiding an accident.
Some cars have a blind spot warning feature to assist drivers. The feature uses sensors to detect vehicles or objects in a car’s blind spot. Thus, if you want to change lanes and a nearby vehicle is in your car’s blind spot, the feature will warn you. This feature could also automatically steer your car or cause it to brake if it detects a vehicle or object in your blind spot when you are trying to shift from one lane to another.
Who is responsible for a blind spot accident?
It is a driver’s responsibility to check their blind spot when moving between lanes. If a motorist chooses not to do so and they crash their car into yours, they can be liable for the collision.
To find out who is responsible for your blind spot collision, consult with a Tuscaloosa car accident lawyer. Share information about your accident with your attorney. Your lawyer can analyze who is to blame for your crash and, if warranted, help you request compensation from the liable party.
How can you get compensation for a blind spot accident?
A Tuscaloosa car accident attorney can help you get compensation through an auto insurance claim or lawsuit. They can explain the verdicts and settlements available to blind spot crash victims and their victims. Your lawyer can guide you through the process of requesting compensation.
If you live in Alabama and drive a car anywhere in the state, you must purchase mandatory liability insurance. This at-fault coverage protects you financially if you are responsible for a blind spot car accident. If another party is at fault, you should be able to recover compensation from their insurer following a blind spot collision.
After a blind spot accident, you should tell your auto insurance company what happened but do not take responsibility for the crash. Even if the other driver attempts to blame you, don’t admit fault or apologize.
An investigation could reveal the other motorist caused your accident. In this scenario, the liable motorist’s insurance company should cover your accident-related losses. However, an at-fault motorist’s insurance carrier will be more focused on its bottom line and its client’s best interests than covering your crash-related losses. They might contest your claim or offer a settlement that is well short of what you should recover for your injuries. A car accident attorney in Tuscaloosa can help you deal with this situation.
With help from personal injury attorneys in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, you can be well-equipped to negotiate a fair settlement. On the other hand, if no settlement is reached, your attorney can submit an injury lawsuit. They can put you in a position to secure economic and non-economic damages.
How much time do you have to file a blind spot accident lawsuit?
According to Alabama Code § 6-2-38, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years. You have two years from the date of your blind spot crash to ask for compensation from any liable parties. By submitting a lawsuit, you could recover damages for several types of losses, such as:
- Auto repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Loss of enjoyment
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral or burial expenses
Submitting a blind spot accident lawsuit and receiving compensation for these and other losses are two very different things. It is your responsibility to prove that a party was liable for your collision and that they should have to pay damages. Your lawyer can help you build a body of proof to support your case, which could include:
- Accident scene photos and videos
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Police report
- Cell phone records
- Pay stubs
The proof you collect can make a world of difference relative to your case. If you have an overwhelming amount of evidence, it becomes difficult for a liable party or their insurer to dispute your claim. This could prompt a reasonable settlement offer.
Tips to help you with your blind spot accident case
It’s best to meet with an auto accident lawyer within days of your blind spot collision. You can discuss your collision with your attorney, and they can explain your legal options. In addition, your lawyer can provide legal tips to assist you with your case, including:
Do not share content about your case on social media
Resist the urge to post case updates on X, Facebook, and other social networks. What you share online is publicly accessible, and an at-fault party or their insurer could try to use your social posts against you.
Let your lawyer handle your case communications
If an at-fault party or their insurance company contacts you, tell your lawyer. Allow your attorney to speak to a liable party or their insurer about your case. Your lawyer should keep you in the loop regarding all case communications.
Remain open to a settlement
Trust your lawyer to negotiate a settlement for you. Just because you get a settlement offer doesn’t mean you have to accept it. If you receive a proposal, evaluate the offer with your lawyer. You have the option to approve, reject, or counter the proposal.
If your blind spot crash case is not settled prior to your trial date, your attorney will present your argument to a judge or jury. Your lawyer can make sure you are ready for your trial. If you have any concerns or questions leading up to it, your attorney should be happy to address them.
Work with Tuscaloosa car accident lawyers who are committed to seeking justice and serving others
Prince Glover Hayes is a leading choice for those who want professional legal representation in an Alabama blind spot accident case. For more than 40 years, we have helped auto accident victims and their families recover compensation from liable parties.
We are available to examine your blind spot collision case. Request a free case consultation today.