Although vehicle safety features have improved dramatically in recent decades, car accidents can still happen at any minute. Negligent drivers, equipment failures, weather conditions, and more can all contribute to the likelihood of accidents in Missouri. While most car accidents involve some form of minor property damage, some extreme cases can lead to severe injuries, medical bills, and even permanent disfigurement. Understanding the consequences of car accidents in Missouri may help inform victims of what compensation may be available.
Another facet of car accidents that could inform the legal details of a case is the blind spots of a vehicle. Accidents caused by blind spots can be quite common, as a lack of awareness of surroundings can easily lead drivers to crash. Paying close attention to blind spots is one key aspect of safe driving, and could influence who is liable in an accident depending on who was in a blind spot and whether the vehicle’s mirrors were functioning properly.
An experienced car accident attorney from Steelman Gaunt Crowley may be able to help evaluate a blind spot accident case. Consider scheduling a consultation today by calling the office at (573) 341-8336 for details.
Missouri Traffic Laws for Blind Spot Accidents
Missouri has a litany of varying traffic laws that govern interactions on the road. These laws cover factors relating to driver training and licensing, the meaning and implications of road signs and other indicators, the quality and safety features of vehicles, and even the condition of the driver and their levels of intoxication or exposure to certain substances. The Missouri Department of Revenue Driver Guide lists many of these laws and statutes as well as tips for road safety. One major factor in road safety is maintaining awareness of surroundings and having a functional mirror system to reduce blind spots. Failure to comply with these standards could impact liability in car accidents.
Aggravating Factors in Accidents Caused by Blind Spots
Awareness of blind spots, however, may not be a foolproof defense against accidents. Missouri drivers may encounter some other aggravating factors that could increase their likelihood of accidents in blind spots. The negligence of other drivers, extreme weather conditions, failure of vehicle mirrors, and more could all contribute to a potential accident, as they may reduce the visibility of blind spots or otherwise impair the driver of the vehicle.
Driver Negligence
Driver negligence is often a key factor in car accidents in blind spots. A driver who isn’t carefully checking blind spots and maintaining awareness of their surroundings is significantly more likely to miss another vehicle in their blind spots. This may become especially dangerous when turning or changing lanes, as they may surprise and collide with a vehicle in their blind spot. Understanding which driver was negligent in the car accident may have implications for liability and compensation in court.
Maintenance of Vehicle Mirrors
Mirrors on trucks and cars are often the key tool vehicle manufacturers use to reduce blind spots. Most smaller vehicles have two side mirrors and one rearview mirror, which help the driver maintain awareness of their surroundings. Trucks, buses, or other large vehicles are generally required to have two side view mirrors that comply with federal standards under 49 CFR § 393.80. As such, they are required to be functional and maintained to ensure they are not disabled or damaged.
Consider speaking with a skilled Missouri car accident attorney from Steelman Gaunt Crowley for more details on accidents caused by blind spots.
Weather
Natural hazards may also impact blind spots on a vehicle. Weather, such as rain, snow, hail, fog, and more could all decrease visibility on the road. Heavy rain or precipitation can obscure windshields and blur mirrors, which could impact a driver’s ability to assess their blind spots. Additionally, wet or icy roads may make a vehicle difficult to control, which could lead to increased damages or greater injury in the event of a car accident caused by blind spots.
Improper Lane Changes
Especially common in trucking accidents, improper lane changes while a vehicle is in a blind spot could lead to sideswipe accidents. Trucks often have much larger blind spots than standard vehicles, and truck drivers may not realize that a car is in their blind spot. Improper lane changes without adequately checking blind spots could lead to serious damage and potentially life-threatening injuries. Additionally, an improper lane change could signal negligence on the part of a driver, even if there were no vehicles in their blind spot.
Blind Spots on Vehicles
Due to the potential for accidents caused by blind spots, understanding where these blind posts are and how they affect drivers may be key to avoiding these accidents altogether. However, in the event of blind spot accidents, understanding the correct boundaries of a vehicle’s blind spots could help determine who is liable for the accident.
A car’s blind spots are on either side of the cab, where the mirrors do not cover. This may require the driver to turn their head to check these blind spots before turning. A truck’s blind spots, largely due to its trailer and size, are different from a standard vehicle’s. Trucks have two blind spots on either side of the vehicle, where the mirrors do not cover and the driver may have difficulty seeing. However, they also have a blind spot in front of the cab and behind the trailer. Driving too close to the front or rear of a semi-truck could have significant consequences.
Who Is Liable for Accidents Caused by Blind Spots
Liability can be difficult to determine in a car accident or truck accident in Missouri, which is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that contributory negligence from the injured party will not bar them from compensation, though compensation will be reduced by the contributory fault. This means that if the injured party is determined by the court to bear a certain percentage of the fault for the accident, their compensation will be reduced by that percentage. Some individuals choose to represent themselves in car accident cases, but a Missouri car accident attorney may be able to provide clearer details.
Speak to a Missouri Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents can be traumatic and stressful ordeals, specifically when one must deal with injuries and financial worries while pursuing compensation for damages. Understanding and preparing for the unique legal implications of accidents from blind spots may help strengthen a case in court. This generally calls for experience with Missouri traffic laws and standard court procedures. A skilled Missouri car accident attorney from Steelman Gaunt Crowley may be able to assist in building and litigating a case. Schedule a consultation today by calling the office at (573) 341-8336.