Usually, the driver who fails to check their blind spot and hits another vehicle is liable for a California blind spot car accident. However, specific instances exist where other entities may be responsible for such a crash, depending on the circumstances.
In this article, you will learn the dangers of driving in a car’s blind spots and how to defend your rights if involved in a California blind spot car accident.
Do All Vehicles Have Blind Spots?
No matter how small or big a car is, all vehicles have blind spots. While blind spots are more significant on larger vehicles, such as trucks, smaller cars, like sedans, have areas around the vehicle that are difficult to see. However, the size and location of these blind spots can vary depending on the vehicle’s design.
Where Are the Blind Spots on a Car?
Most drivers often ask, “Where are the blind spots on a car?” With a smaller vehicle, its blind spots are relatively shorter.
Blind spots in cars are usually found at their back corners, stretching from the side mirrors to the back bumper or slightly behind the driver. They may also be seen behind the car, particularly in more oversized vehicles like SUVs and trucks. Blind spots can also develop on the car’s sides, especially in the direction of the back quarter panels.
Where Are the Blind Spots on Larger Vehicles?
Because of their size and height, blind spots are usually more prominent and noticeable on larger cars like trucks, buses, and SUVs. For example, a truck has the following blind areas:
- Front: Truck drivers have limited visibility of vehicles within 20 feet ahead of them. If you can’t see the truck’s headlights in your rearview mirror, you’re likely in the driver’s blind spot.
- Rear: Remember that a vehicle trailing 30 feet behind a truck may go unnoticed by the driver.
- Right side: A blind spot extends from the side to the rear of the truck’s passenger side.
- Left side: Similarly, there’s a blind area on the truck’s driver’s side, reaching towards the rear. Although smaller than the right-side blind spot, objects within it might still be obstructed from the truck driver’s view.
Regardless of their vehicle’s size, drivers must exercise caution and install car blind spot mirrors or video systems to reduce difficult-to-see areas and ensure safe maneuvering.
Is It Illegal to Drive In Another Car’s Blind Spot?
Although it’s not entirely prohibited, driving in another car’s blind spot is regarded as risky. Drivers should try to avoid blind zones to reduce the chance of accidents. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers must avoid staying in the blind spot of another vehicle. Don’t drive up next to other cars directly. Even though you have the right-of-way, give way to vehicles entering freeways.
Moreover, accidents occur when vehicles change lanes without checking their surroundings, precisely the blind spots on a car. Under California Vehicle Code 22107, drivers are required to signal appropriately and effectively when making lane changes. The law specifies that drivers must not change lanes unless they ensure it is safe and their actions do not disrupt the safe operation of other vehicles.
How Do I Know If I’m In a Car’s Blind Spot?
If you can’t see the driver’s face in the side mirror, you may be in their blind area. Furthermore, you’re probably in a car’s blind spot if you follow it and can’t see its side mirrors. Remember that it is essential to use caution and avoid blind spots to reduce the chance of blind spot car accidents. This is why it is always best to check the vehicle’s side mirror in front or beside you to know if you are in their blind spot.
Can I File a Claim for a Blind Spot Car Accident in California?
In California, if you’ve been involved in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you can typically pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages. It’s essential to provide evidence supporting several vital elements to establish negligence:
- The driver had a responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
- They failed to fulfill this duty.
- Their breach of duty directly led to the accident.
- The accident caused injuries and other damages.
In a blind spot car accident, you may receive compensation for the damages if the driver fails to check their blind spot and causes a crash. Note that when proving the elements of negligence, you must have sufficient evidence to support your claim, such as:
- Photos of the accident.
- CCTV, surveillance, or dashcam footage.
- Witness testimonies.
- Police reports.
Who Is Liable for California Blind Spot Car Accidents?
Although drivers are responsible for checking their blind spots to avoid traffic accidents, negligence from other parties can also contribute to blind spot car accidents.
The Driver With the Blind Spot
Liability is frequently owed by drivers who failed to check their blind spot and caused the collision. Before changing lanes or maneuvering, a driver may be held accountable for any collisions if they neglect to assess their blind spots adequately. Similarly, they may be held responsible for a blind spot collision if they neglected to indicate that they intended to change lanes.
Remember that you may only change lanes if you correctly indicate your intention to do so and if the circumstances are safe. So, if the driver fails to check their blind spot and hits a motorcyclist in such a risky area, they may be liable because they did not check their surroundings before changing lanes.
The Driver in the Blind Spot
If a driver in another vehicle’s blind area causes a collision and does not use reasonable care, they may be held accountable for the crash.
For instance, you are in the blind spot of another vehicle. The said car indicated its intention to change lanes. Despite having ample time and space, both of you collided since you ignored their signal and increased your speed. In such a situation, you are liable for the blind spot car accident.
What Happens If I’m Partially At Fault?
You may share responsibility for a blind spot car accident if your actions contribute to the crash. For example, if you suddenly sped up while staying in the blind spot, and the vehicle abruptly changed lanes, both may share liability.
In California, you can still pursue a personal injury case regardless of your level of contribution to the crash. However, under the principle of pure comparative negligence, your settlement may be reduced proportionately to your degree of fault. For instance, if the court determines you are 15% at fault, you may receive an 85% settlement, while the other driver could claim 15% of compensation for the damages.
This is why hiring an auto accident lawyer in California who can evaluate the specifics of your case, establish liability, and advocate on your behalf is crucial.
Lawyer’s Tip: In addition to economic and non-economic damages, car accident lawyers can assess your personal injury claim to determine if punitive damages may be applicable. If the court agrees, they can increase your settlement and add punitive losses.
Can an Auto Accident Lawyer in California Defend My Rights?
Dealing with a blind spot car accident can be challenging. Since most drivers are not aware of all vehicles having blind spots, they may assume that they are at fault for driving near the car. Few know that drivers must always check their blind spots before maneuvering, regardless of their vehicle size.
An auto accident lawyer in California possesses the knowledge, capabilities, and tools essential for a comprehensive evaluation of your case. They are ready to pursue legal action, including trial, to obtain crucial documents validating the other driver’s accountability.
Moreover, they can perform the following actions to optimize the outcome of your case:
- Collect evidence to prove your claim.
- Establish liability on the part of the responsible party.
- Maintain clear communication, keeping you updated on legal proceedings.
- Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
- Protect your legal rights by pursuing litigation if deemed appropriate.
Many legal firms across California assist individuals seeking compensation for accidents. However, Jacoby & Meyers stands out by offering an exceptional legal process dedicated to protecting your rights, making us the preferred choice for accident victims.
Since 1972, Jacoby & Meyers has consistently advocated for the legal rights of individuals involved in amusement park accidents, securing substantial settlements. Our proven track record, which exceeds $2 billion in settlements, underscores our commitment to our clients.
If you’ve sustained injuries in a California blind spot car accident, Jacoby & Meyers is ready to assist you. We offer complimentary consultations for injury victims and operate on a contingency fee basis.
Jacoby and Meyers. Because You Deserve Justice.
Hear From Our Past Clients
Instead of relying just on our guarantees, consider what satisfied clients say about our services.
“Jacoby & Meyers made this whole process a breeze for me! From the start of the case with Nancy D. By offering crucial information to understand better how an injury claim works, to the finish line with Christine B. by helping settle my case and officially close it. I would recommend this firm to anyone! They have a great team behind them!” -Brayan
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have further questions regarding personal injury claims? We got you! Here are some frequently asked questions from injured victims that may help explain some aspects of your case.
- Can I File a Car Accident Claim if I’m an Undocumented Immigrant in California?
- How Do I Include Lost Wages in My Personal Injury Claim?
- My Personal Injury Settlement Check is Late; How Long Will It Take?
- Can I Receive a Settlement from an Accident in California after I Sign a Liability Waiver?
- Can an Impaired Driver be Liable for a Self-Driving Car Accident?
Works Cited
“Before Your Teen Begins Driving: Lesson 10 – NSC.” National Safety Council, https://www.nsc.org/road/safety-topics/before-your-teen-begins-driving/lesson-10-blind-spots. Accessed 30 April 2024.
“comparative negligence | Wex | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute.” Legal Information Institute, https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/comparative_negligence. Accessed 30 April 2024.
“Section 22107 – Turning from direct course or moving left or right upon roadway, Cal. Veh. Code § 22107.” Casetext, https://casetext.com/statute/california-codes/california-vehicle-code/division-11-rules-of-the-road/chapter-6-turning-and-stopping-and-turning-signals/section-22107-turning-from-direct-course-or-moving-left-or-right-upon-roadway. Accessed 30 April 2024.
“Section 8: Safe Driving.” California DMV, https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/safe-driving/. Accessed 30 April 2024.
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