Being involved in a car accident can be a frightening and disorienting experience, especially when it’s caused by a blind spot. These accidents often happen suddenly, leaving little time to react and causing significant damage to your vehicle or injuries to yourself and others.
It’s important to know your rights and the options available. I understand that having the right legal support matters.
Having the support of a car accident lawyer at the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C. in Buffalo Grove, Illinois can make the difference in protecting your interests and recovering damages. Reach out today to get started on your case.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After an accident caused by a blind spot, your first priority should always be your health. Injuries aren’t always immediately apparent, and symptoms like whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries may not show up right away. Getting checked by a medical professional as soon as possible is critical.
Prompt medical attention also strengthens your case if you pursue a claim later. Records from a doctor provide proof of the injuries caused by the accident, which can be essential for compensation.
Even if you feel fine at the scene, a medical evaluation can identify hidden injuries and provide documentation for your claim. Skipping this step can make it harder to demonstrate the full extent of your injuries later.
Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
Accidents caused by blind spots often involve disputes over how the collision occurred. Gathering evidence at the scene can make a significant difference in establishing fault. I always advise my clients to take the following steps immediately after the accident:
Take photos and videos: Capture the vehicles involved, the point of impact, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions. Visual evidence is invaluable for your case.
Collect witness information: Obtain names, phone numbers, and statements from anyone who saw the accident happen. Witnesses can corroborate your account.
Exchange information: Share your contact, insurance, and vehicle information with the other driver. Collect the same from them.
Note environmental factors: Document weather, lighting, traffic, and any other conditions that may have contributed to the accident.
Keep records of damage: Make a detailed list of all damages to your vehicle and any personal property affected.
Collecting thorough evidence can make it easier for a car accident lawyer to build your case and demonstrate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Having clear documentation reduces disputes over liability and can support your compensation claim.
Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
Filing a police report after a blind spot accident is an important step. This report provides an official record of the incident, including your description of what happened, witness statements, and the responding officer’s observations. A police report can carry significant weight if there are disputes with the other driver or their insurance company.
Even if the accident seems minor, reporting it promptly prevents complications with insurance claims later. It’s a proactive step to protect yourself legally and can support the work of a car accident lawyer when filing a claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
After attending to immediate medical needs and filing a police report, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Providing accurate details helps initiate the claims process. Be careful not to admit fault or speculate about the other driver’s actions; stick to the facts of the accident.
Insurance adjusters may try to minimize the payout or assign partial fault to you, so documenting the accident thoroughly and having legal guidance can help protect your rights. A car accident lawyer can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, making sure your claim is handled correctly.
Identify How Blind Spots Contributed to the Accident
Accidents caused by blind spots often involve the other driver failing to check their mirrors or blind spot areas before changing lanes or merging. Identifying this factor is key to establishing liability. In some cases, vehicle design issues, such as limited visibility in certain car models, may also play a role.
By gathering evidence, witness statements, and, if possible, dashcam footage, you can provide proof that the other driver’s negligence related to a blind spot contributed to the accident. This strengthens your compensation case and supports your car accident lawyer in advocating for your rights.
Keep Track of Medical and Repair Expenses
After a blind spot accident, it’s essential to maintain detailed records of your medical treatment and vehicle repairs, as these documents provide crucial evidence of your losses and the financial impact of the incident. I recommend keeping all medical bills, including emergency care, follow-up appointments, therapy sessions, and prescriptions.
It’s also important to track repair estimates and receipts for vehicle repairs, rental cars, or any replacements for damaged personal property. Additionally, if the accident prevented you from working, maintain records of lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
Don’t forget to document any travel or related expenses, such as transportation costs for medical appointments or car repairs. Having comprehensive records makes it much easier for a car accident lawyer to accurately assess your damages and pursue appropriate compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurance company.
Comparative Fault and Liability
In Illinois, accidents involving blind spots may involve shared fault. Comparative fault rules allow for the possibility that both drivers contributed to the accident. For example, if the other driver failed to check their blind spot but you were speeding or distracted, your compensation may be reduced proportionally.
A car accident lawyer can help assess liability and determine how comparative fault may impact your case. Proper legal guidance makes sure that your rights are protected and that any reduction in compensation is calculated fairly according to state law.
Prepare for Settlement or Litigation
After gathering evidence and consulting with a lawyer, the next step is preparing for settlement or litigation. Many blind spot accident claims are resolved through negotiations with the insurance company. However, if a fair settlement isn’t offered, litigation may be necessary. Steps to take include:
Document damages thoroughly: Include medical, property, and financial losses.
Stay in contact with your lawyer: Provide updates on any new medical treatments or expenses.
Understand legal deadlines: Be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a claim in Illinois.
Be prepared for court proceedings: If the case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent your interests and present evidence to support your claim.
Being well-prepared helps streamline the process and increases the chances of achieving a favorable outcome, whether through settlement or litigation.
At the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C. in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, I serve clients in Buffalo Grove, Illinois as well as Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Hoffman Estates, Northbrook, Schaumburg, Wheeling, DuPage County, Lake County, Cook County, and McHenry County.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
While you can’t control other drivers’ actions, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of blind spot accidents in the future. Staying vigilant and adopting defensive driving habits can make a difference. Reach out to the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro, P.C. today for help.
