5 Types of Car Accidents Caused by Blind Spots
Car crashes can be particularly devastating—especially those caused by something as preventable as a missed blind spot. Blind spots are the spaces around a car that a driver cannot see, even with the aid of mirrors. In this blog post, the Kansas car accident attorneys here at Patterson Legal Group are going to discuss the five most common causes of blind spot car accidents and provide tips to help you stay safe on the road.
1. Lane Change Accidents
One of the most common types of blind spot car accidents is when a driver attempts to switch lanes without first checking the lane they’re about to enter. Despite side-view mirrors, vehicles in adjacent lanes tend to suddenly disappear into a blind spot, especially small cars, motorcycles, or bicycles.
When a driver fails to shoulder-check or use their turn signals, they risk sideswiping another vehicle or forcing them off the road. These accidents often happen on highways or multi-lane roads where speeds are higher, increasing the severity of the crash.
Safety Tip: Always use your turn signals and perform a shoulder check before changing lanes. Consider installing blind spot monitoring systems if your vehicle doesn’t already have one.
2. Merge Collisions
Merging onto a freeway or highway can be a stressful situation, and blind spots are a common factor in collisions during merges. Drivers merging into traffic can fail to notice vehicles already in the lane they are merging into, resulting in sideswipes or rear-end crashes.
Similarly, drivers already on the highway may fail to notice merging vehicles in their blind spots, resulting in dangerous situations. These blind spot car accidents are particularly common in areas with short merge lanes or heavy traffic.
Safety Tip: When merging, adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic and double-check your blind spots. If you’re already on the highway, be courteous and allow merging vehicles to enter safely.
3. Pedestrian and Cyclist Collisions
Blind spots are not just a danger to other vehicles—they can also hide pedestrians and cyclists. This is especially true for larger vehicles like trucks, SUVs, and vans, which have broader blind spots. When turning or reversing, drivers may not see a person in front of them, leading to serious collisions.
Intersections, crosswalks, and parking lots are common sites for such accidents. Pedestrians and bicyclists are particularly at risk since they are less visible and less protected than occupants of motor vehicles.
Safety Tip: Always look into your rearview mirrors before turning or reversing. Be extra careful at places with heavy pedestrian or biking traffic.
4. Rear-End Collisions at Intersections
Blind spots also cause rear-end collisions, especially at intersections. If a driver is stopped at a red light or stop sign, they may not see a car approaching from behind them. If the approaching driver is distracted or driving too fast, they may not be able to stop in time.
Safety Tip: Leave a comfortable distance and never tailgate, particularly behind big vehicles. Stay awake when reaching intersections.
5. Backing-Up Accidents
Leaving a parking space or driveway can be particularly dangerous because of blind spots. Drivers usually rely on their rearview mirrors, which may not provide a complete view of everything around them. This can lead to collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects like poles or shopping carts.
These types of blind spot car accidents are common in parking lots, where one’s visibility is restricted by other cars, pillars, or inadequate lighting. Children and animals are particularly vulnerable to these types of accidents because they are closer to the ground and more difficult to notice.
Safety Tip: Make use of your rearview camera if your car has one, and always glance over your shoulder when reversing. Go slow and be ready to stop if needed.
Contact a Kansas Blind Spot Car Accidents Attorney Today
Here at Patterson Legal Group, we’re happy to provide the information you need to avoid blind spot car accidents. We’re also here for you if you’ve been hurt through no fault of your own. Our dedicated team of trial lawyers has a proven track record of success in securing settlements for those hurt in blind spot car accidents in Kansas, as well as in Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado. We will fight for you every step of the way.
Get started today with a free consultation by calling us at (888) 687-2400 or filling out an encrypted contact form. You can also connect with our LiveChat representatives. We work under a “no win, no fee” promise, so you won’t pay anything unless we win. Reach out today and take the first step towards the money you deserve.
