Accidents can happen in a split second, often leaving victims overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Blind spot accidents, in particular, can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars on the parties involved.
If you or your loved one has been involved in a blind spot accident, it's important to understand your legal rights. At the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C., our goal is to provide compassionate legal guidance to help you overcome the incident and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Blind Spot Accidents
Blind spot accidents occur when a driver fails to see another vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian in an area that is not visible through their mirrors. These blind spots are particularly prevalent in larger vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs. However, all vehicles have blind spots, though they will differ depending on the type of vehicle.
When drivers fail to check these blind spots before changing lanes, merging, or turning, the consequences can be severe and can lead to potential injury or damage.
Common Causes of Blind Spot Accidents
Blind spot accidents often result from a combination of driver inattention and environmental factors. Understanding the common causes behind these accidents is necessary for promoting safer driving practices and preventing collisions.
Driver negligence: Failing to check mirrors or perform a shoulder check
Poor vehicle design: Some vehicles have limited mirror visibility or outdated technology to alert drivers of nearby hazards
Distracted driving: Using a phone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other distractions while driving, which makes it more likely for drivers to miss vehicles in their blind spots.
Staying vigilant, utilizing modern vehicle technology, and maintaining focus while driving are crucial steps toward preventing these types of collisions.
Potential Injuries from Blind Spot Accidents
Like any other car accident, blind spot accidents can often lead to various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Some common serious injuries that stem from blind spot accidents include:
Whiplash and spinal cord injuries
Broken bones or fractures
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Soft tissue damage
Emotional trauma and PTSD
Recovery from these injuries often requires expensive medical care, time off work, and emotional resilience. But you shouldn’t have to bear these burdens alone. With over 15 years of experience, our personal injury attorney is ready to help you recover.
Determining Liability After a Blind Spot Accident
Determining fault after a blind spot accident is not always straightforward. Liability depends on the circumstances of the crash, and multiple parties may share responsibility. Common liable parties in these types of accidents include:
The at-fault driver: Drivers often fail to properly assess blind spots or neglect their duty of care.
Pedestrians: If the accident occurred in a parking lot, pedestrians may share some blame if they were not aware of their surroundings.
Vehicle manufacturers: If inadequate vehicle design or defective technology contributed to the accident, manufacturers could be partially liable.
Commercial driving companies: Companies employing truck or rideshare drivers can also share responsibility if negligent hiring practices or improper training played a role in the accident.
Evidence for Establishing Liability:
Having strong evidence is critical for building a strong legal case. Examples include:
Dashcam footage showing the driver’s actions leading up to the accident
Police reports documenting the accident scene and initial findings
Eyewitness testimonies that corroborate your version of events
At the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C., we analyze every piece of available evidence as we work to prove negligence and pursue the compensation our clients deserve.
Common Legal Challenges for Victims
Victims of blind spot accidents often face hurdles when pursuing compensation for injuries or damages. Some common legal challenges include:
Difficulty proving negligence: Establishing fault isn’t always straightforward, especially if the at-fault driver denies responsibility. You may also encounter challenges such as insufficient evidence or conflicting witness accounts, making it harder to pinpoint liability.
Insurance company tactics: Insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts, like undervaluing claims or shifting blame to victims. Without skilled legal representation, many victims accept settlements far below what they deserve.
Illinois-specific laws: Blind spot accident claims in Illinois must adhere to the state’s comparative negligence rule. This means if you were partially at fault (e.g., 20% responsible), your compensation could be reduced by that percentage.
These laws can be difficult to understand, which is why working with an experienced Illinois-based attorney is invaluable.
Potential Compensation Following a Blind Spot Accident
If you've been involved in a blind spot accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. The common types of compensation include the following:
Medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, physical therapy costs, and any long-term or ongoing treatment as a result of your injuries.
Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working or returning to work, you can claim compensation for lost income.
Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages such as physical pain, emotional distress, or loss of quality of life are also compensable.
Property damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement as well as damage to personal property may also be included in your claim.
Proper documentation plays an essential role in securing fair compensation. Keep detailed records of your medical treatments, expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident. Photos of damage and injuries can also fortify your case.
Why Choose the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C.?
When faced with the aftermath of an accident, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. At the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C., we are dedicated to fighting tirelessly for you. With extensive knowledge of personal injury law, we know how to pursue maximum compensation for our clients.
Our attorney also has experience defending insurance companies against personal injury lawsuits, so he can incorporate that knowledge into his representation. Based in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, we serve accident victims across Arlington Heights, DuPage County, Lake County, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Cook County, Hoffman Estates, McHenry County, Northbrook, Schaumburg, and Wheeling.
If you've been involved in a blind spot accident, don’t wait. Contact us for a free consultation to better understand your rights and options.
Protect Yourself and Take Action
Blind spot accidents can upend lives, but we believe victims should have the power to seek justice and rebuild. Understanding your legal rights and options is the first step toward holding negligent parties accountable.
At the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C., we’re committed to helping our clients pursue fair compensation and the peace of mind they deserve. If you or someone you know has been affected by a blind spot accident, contact us today for a free consultation.
