Who is Liable in a Blind Spot Car Accident?

Blind spots are responsible for many severe car accidents on the road. Mainly they occur because drivers fail to check their blind spots before backing up, merging, or changing lanes. When that is the case, the driver who caused the blind spot accident will be responsible for damages. However, multiple parties are often liable. If you or a loved one was involved in a blind spot car accident in Nevada, speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Las Vegas.

Potentially Liable Parties in Blind Spot Car Accidents

Drivers have a duty to drive their vehicles safely and follow traffic laws to prevent harm to others. While most check blind spots carefully before changing lanes, merging, or backing up—looking in their mirrors or turning their head to look at the sides of their car—others do not. When a driver fails to check if a movement can be made safely, they will be liable for hitting another vehicle in their blind spot. In some cases, multiple drivers might share liability.

For example, if two drivers are merging into the same lane at the same time, or if a driver moves into their blind spot and hits a driver who sped up at the same time. While liability for a blind spot accident seems cut-and-dry, it is not always. It typically requires a thorough investigation and possibly accident reconstruction to determine exactly how it happened and who was at fault.

What Should I Do if I am in a Blind-Spot Accident?

Blind-spot accidents often happen suddenly and unexpectedly. This can be highly stressful, but knowing the steps to take immediately after can help you remain calm.

• Call 911 as soon as possible. If any injuries are involved, let the operator know so they can send an ambulance to the scene. Law enforcement will also arrive and write a police report. This may include information about who is at fault, which can weigh heavily in an insurance company’s decision on liability.
• Exchange information. Take a picture of the other motorist’s license plate, ask for their driver’s license number and insurance information, and provide yours as well. If there are any witnesses, be sure to ask for their contact information and if they will make a brief recorded statement on your phone. Their objective opinion on the cause of the accident can be critical since a blind spot collision can turn into a “he said, she said” battle.
• Take pictures. If you are physically able to do so, take photos or video of the accident scene, including the positions and damage to the vehicles, any debris or skid marks on the road, your injuries, and any other pictures that may provide valuable physical evidence.
• Get immediate medical attention. An examination by a skilled medical professional is necessary even if the blind spot accident was relatively minor. Oftentimes, severe injuries can have delayed symptoms. In addition, if you decide not to seek medical attention, the at-fault party’s insurance company can argue that your injury must not be as serious as you claim.

Lastly, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. Having an attorney on your side will ensure that your legal rights are protected, and that liability falls on the correct party.