What Are Blind Spots?
Blind spots can have a dramatic impact on the safety of drivers and motorcycle riders on the road. Motorcycle drivers are often impacted by accidents caused by blind spots. A blind spot is an area of the road that cannot be seen by a driver. Blind spots frequently arise when an individual drives a truck due to the size of the truck. As a truck turns, a driver is literally cut off from being able to see certain parts of the road or other vehicles that may be behind the truck. A truck driver may run over a cyclist as he or she makes a wide turn.
There are numerous blind spots that drivers can have. The most frequent blind spots occur in the context of wide turns or other automobiles that follow a truck too closely. Motorcycle riders need to be aware of the size of their vehicle in comparison with other vehicles on the road. Cyclists can easily be caught in many different blind spots that surround a truck or car. Blind spots make it difficult for a truck driver to see other cars on the road or available space on the road. Accidents frequently arise when a truck driver inadvertently turns into a car or brakes too suddenly on the road. When the truck driver suddenly brakes, a cyclist may rear-end the truck. In the worst instances, a truck may topple over a motorcycle due to a blind spot accident.
Blind spot accidents are tragedies and can cause permanent injuries to the victims who are involved in them. If you have been injured in a blind spot accident, you may have the legal right to recover damages. You should consider speaking with a personal injury attorney if you have been injured in a blind spot accident. An attorney can help you understand the various forms of damages that may be available to compensate you for your injuries.
The Occurrence of Blind Spots While Driving
Motorcycle riders should be well-versed in the blind spots that surround a vehicle. If cyclists are unaware of blind spots, they may be prone to crashes or accidents. There are some blind spots that are unavoidable, no matter how careful a driver maneuvers a vehicle on the road. Truck drivers may also have a responsibility to post warning signs or stickers on a truck to put other automobile drivers on notice in regards to blind spots.
Some of the “permanent” blind spot areas include those that are directly in front of the truck, behind the truck and to the side of the driver side window. Car drivers may also have blind spots in the rear of the vehicle. Cyclists should do their best to avoid driving in areas where blind spots may occur.
If a driver has failed to properly check blind spots before making a turn, then he or she may have been negligent. This negligence may become an issue if an accident has resulted. A driver may inadvertently crash into a motorcycle that was unseen due to his or her failure to perform due diligence in making a wide turn.
Injuries Resulting from Accidents Arising from Blind Spots
Severe injuries can result due to accidents that arise from blind spots. Everyone can be a victim in blind spot accidents. A truck driver can be severely harmed by his or her own negligence. The driver in a small vehicle may suffer from permanent disabilities, lacerations or even death in the worst cases. Automobile drivers can be completely crushed in accidents that result from blind spots.
In some cases, a cyclist may completely crash into a truck at a high speed. If a truck suddenly brakes without considering whether there are other drivers behind the truck, a serious accident can result. A sudden stop on a high-speed freeway can cause a massive pile-up crash that involves several other car drivers. These drivers may all suffer from injures such as broken bones, concussions, gashes, lacerations, burns or death.
If you have been involved in an accident involving multiple drivers, then it is in your best interest to speak with a personal injury attorney. Several drivers may be at fault for the injuries that you have suffered. An attorney can help you understand how to file a lawsuit against multiple parties.
Blind Spot Accident Statistics
TheNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that over 840,000 accidents arising from blind spots occur every year. This statistic shows that blind spot accidents continue to be a serious issue in the United States. The statistic also shows that there is a real need for providing truck drivers with the proper training on blind spots. Drivers need to be aware of how to use caution when utilizing cars that have blind spots. They need to understand the protocol for performing checks on the road to reduce the risk of blind spot accidents and to avoid accidents with cyclists.
The NHTSA also provides numerous guides that can assist truck drivers and other types of professional drivers in utilizing safe driving behaviors on the road. These guides also contain tips to reduce the risk of accidents caused by blind spots. Some of these tips guide drivers in the proper adjustment of mirrors or assist drivers in how to check for cars in nearby lanes.
Damages Available in Accidents Caused by Blind Spots
Injured victims should be informed about their legal rights. Various forms of damages may be available in one’s case. Actual damages may be available for those who have suffered injuries in blind spot accidents and incurred medical expenses as a result. Actual damages may also provide compensation for surgery expenses, doctor visits, physical therapy appointments and other direct expenses resulting from the injury.
General damages are not quantifiable in nature and refer to more abstract concepts. General damages may be available when a victim has incurred “pain and suffering” as a result of a blind spot accident. Depending on one’s jurisdiction, the jury may play a critical role in determining whether one has endured damages in the form of “pain and suffering.”
Punitive damages may be available in those cases where a defendant’s negligence has been egregious in nature. Depending on one’s jurisdiction, there may be no cap on punitive damages. An attorney may be able to help maximize your recovery by helping you to choose the most favorable jurisdiction for asserting your claim.
Contact the Doan Law Firm for Assistance Today
If you have been involved in a blind spot accident, call the Doan Law Firm for assistance today. The Doan Law Firm is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are here to provide you with support during your time of need. There are no fees charged unless we win your case. Feel free to call one of our assistants to set up a free phone consultation. We believe in providing excellent customer service and responding to the needs of all clients. When you have been injured in a blind spot accident, it is vital that you do not wait to learn more about your legal rights. You may only have a limited amount of time to assert a legal claim due to the statute of limitations. Call one of our attorneys today to receive the assistance that you need.
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