A bustling city contains various distractions both in and out of a vehicle. A blind spot is just as it sounds: impossible to see until it is too late. An accident involving a blind spot can result in serious injuries that forever change your life. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to an unnecessary and preventable blind spot, a Brooklyn personal injury lawyer can help you fight for compensation.
The Dangers of Blind Spots
Narrow city streets and distracted, confused, or impatient drivers are dangerous combinations. In addition, cars, trucks, and busses contain blind spots that make it difficult to see another motorist, a motorcyclist, a bicyclist, or a pedestrian.
Motor Vehicles: Cars pose a threat to motorcyclists and bicyclists due to blind spots surrounding the vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of the area surrounding a car contains blind spots for spotting motorcycles.
A Brooklyn driver who fails to adjust their mirrors or watch for motorcycles places operators in harm’s way. The same is true for bicyclists who ride for both pleasure and work. Both bicyclists and drivers must adhere to New York City traffic laws.
Dooring is a serious threat as drivers or passengers exit a parked vehicle. The possibility is real that someone might exit a vehicle without checking their mirror for a blind spot at the same time as a cyclist is passing by.
Trucks and Buses: Large trucks and buses contain four blind spots. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recommends that drivers keep a distance of 30 feet behind tractor-trailers and at least 20 feet in front.
Commercial truck drivers rely on side mirrors to navigate the streets of Brooklyn. The commonly seen warnings of the inability for drivers to see you —if you cannot see their mirrors—is something the FMCSA promotes as part of their safety campaign.
All road users are responsible for using caution while traveling alongside a bus, tractor-trailer, or passing a car on a bicycle. A driver who fails to consider blind spots while operating within Brooklyn can face liability when they cause harm to others.
Pedestrians also face dangers due to blind spots caused by illegally parked vehicles or other hazards. If you or a loved one suffered serious injuries due to a driver who failed to give a second look a second thought, you may want to contact a Brooklyn truck accident lawyer today.
Types of Serious Injuries and the Implications for Your Life
Delivering a parcel via your bicycle or walking to work should not result in life-changing injuries.
However, the moment of impact can cause one or more of the following types of injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that a severe traumatic brain injury disrupts normal brain function. Patients sometimes require a lifetime of care and therapies. Some patients may require the 24-hour care of a skilled nursing facility.
- Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury affects movement and sensation. This type of catastrophic injury typically requires a power chair for mobility and other costly accommodations, such as home modifications.
- Severely broken bones: The type and number of broken bones one suffers impacts their recovery. Surgeries and physical therapy may delay or prevent a return to work or school.
- Internal injuries: A hard impact against an unforgiving surface such as the pavement can result in internal injuries. These types of injuries sometimes exhibit no outward signs or symptoms, making immediate medical attention imperative. Failure to seek medical care can result in possible organ damage or death.
While not a complete list, these examples demonstrate the types of injuries possible due to blind spots. If you or a loved one faces mounting medical costs due to the careless actions of a Brooklyn driver, consider contacting a personal injury lawyer today.
When a Brooklyn Blind Spot Accident Is Fatal
Some injuries are too severe to survive. If you lost a close loved one due to a blind spot accident, you may want to pursue a civil claim. The loss of your loved one is a shock, and your grief is understandable. Unfortunately, the stress of your situation can leave you with little to no time to handle your case.
A wrongful death claim and lawsuit are best left in the hands of an experienced Brooklyn lawyer. Wrongful death lawyers understand New York civil code and can explain how it applies to your case.
Your lawyer may pursue compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Final medical expenses for your loved one
- Lost wages
- Future earnings possible
- Pain and suffering
There is no way of knowing the outcome of your case. It is advisable to find an attorney with both negotiation and court experience. While many cases settle without going to trial, your case may go before a judge and jury.
Hiring a lawyer with trial experience is helpful if your case goes to trial. Conveying the tremendous impact of the accident on your life is a special skill. Securing a lawyer with courtroom experience is a positive step in preparing for a possible trial.
There is no excuse for a driver failing to check all areas surrounding a car for other road users. However, Brooklyn drivers who take risks behind the wheel must face accountability for their recklessness. If you lost a close loved one, give careful thought to pursuing legal action.
Information That May Help Your Case
An accident is a traumatic experience that leaves you stunned and confused. Your injuries require your full attention, and accepting medical help is always a smart idea, regardless of how well you feel after an accident.
Once the initial shock passes, you may possess important evidence which you do not recall collecting.
Evidence that may help your case includes:
- Photographs of the accident scene: Check your smartphone for possible photographs taken before or after the accident.
- Witness information: Eyewitnesses can sometimes provide important details. Their information may be on your phone or in the police report.
Additional information which can be helpful include:
- Police report: A detailed account of the who, when, where, and how your accident is vital. A New York police report from the responding officer is something your attorney may want to review.
- News or media coverage: An account of your accident covered by a legitimate news organization may include important information.
- Medical reports: Medical reports and bills relating to your expenses or your loss
Personal injury or wrongful death attorneys understand how difficult a sudden, severe injury or death is for victims and families. Therefore, their approach is often to treat clients with the utmost care and respect during this stressful time.
If you cannot produce any evidence due to the severity of your injuries, your lawyer can investigate your case. Frequent updates provide a stream of communication when developments arise.
What happened to you or your loved one was not fair. Consider demanding justice with the help of a Brooklyn blind spot attorney as soon as possible.
Insurance Companies and Blind Spot Accidents
Insurance companies are quite skilled at protecting their best interests. A company representing the responsible party may attempt to blame you for the accident or pressure you to accept a low-dollar settlement.
It is in your best interests not to speak with insurance adjusters alone. The time following a traumatic injury or loss is one filled with overwhelming emotions. Thoughts of continuous medical expenses and the loss of income can cause stress and anxiety.
Accepting less than you deserve can prevent you from seeking additional compensation later. A settlement is just that—it settles your claim and closes it. Insurance companies often prefer a quick and easy settlement as it protects profits.
A blind spot accident is generally avoidable. However, if a driver failed to use care while navigating a busy Brooklyn street, they may face liability for your damages. With a personal injury or wrongful death lawyer by your side, you can rest easier knowing someone is working to protect your best interests.
If an insurance adjuster contacts you and applies pressure to sign a settlement agreement, consider hiring a lawyer. The decisions and actions you make at this pivotal time following your accident can greatly impact your future. A lawyer can help you by countering assertive insurance adjusters on your behalf.
The Civil Process and How a Brooklyn Lawyer Can Help You
A personal injury or wrongful death case is a civil matter. While the driver responsible for your harm may face criminal charges, these have no impact on your civil case.
The process generally begins with a personal injury or wrongful death claim. While many civil cases settle out of court, your lawyer may suggest proceeding to trial.
Filing your civil lawsuit within the required statute of limitations is crucial for your case. If you miss the deadline for filing, you generally miss your opportunity to pursue compensation forever.
The compensation clock begins at the moment of injury. Unfortunately, time moves quickly as you deal with your injuries, those of a loved one, or a significant loss. Medical procedures and grief can cloud your thoughts, causing you to miss this vital deadline.
A Brooklyn lawyer can help you by managing these and other details for you. From court filings to insurance company negotiations, your lawyer can get to work fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Each Brooklyn blind spot accident is different, and the outcome of your case is impossible to predict. However, blind spots are a known danger that all drivers must watch to share the road responsibly.
A drunk, aggressive, or distracted driver may never consider blind spots while traveling in and around Brooklyn. If their careless actions seriously harmed you, that is unacceptable. If you must now deal with mounting medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering, consider contacting a Brooklyn lawyer today.
Blind Spot Accidents and Your Journey to Justice
Crowded Brooklyn streets require a dedicated focus on driving. The multiple road users must watch out for one another. Blind spots surround cars, trucks, and busses. Drivers who fail to adjust their mirrors or to double-check blind spots can cause serious injuries to others.
A blind spot accident is a hidden danger that worsens when a driver engages in reckless behavior. The results can greatly impact your career, relationships, and your overall health.
The loss of income due to time missed from work is stressful. Some injuries may prevent you from returning to your career. The devastating impact of another person’s negligence demands accountability.
You Cannot Afford to Not Hire a Lawyer
Typically, Brooklyn truck accident law firms will offer free case evaluations. This leaves you nothing to lose by reaching out to learn more about your legal options. Additionally, if they proceed with your case, most personal injury or wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis.
A contingency fee basis means that they collect their legal fees if and when they win compensation for you. A friendly and professional member of their team can explain the contingency fee process to you.
The fear of how to pay for a lawyer should not stop you from contacting one. A civil case is an important legal matter, and its outcome can be crucial for your future. While no amount of financial compensation can undo the damage done, it can perhaps prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
If you found yourself blindsided by a blind spot accident, consider seeking justice for your injuries or loss. No one should have to pay for their damages out of pocket when the damages are the result of someone else’s negligence.
A Brooklyn blind spot lawyer should review your case as soon as possible. Unfortunately, investigations, interviews, and other tasks take time—something that is not on your side. You may want to think about taking the first step toward justice by contacting a Brooklyn lawyer today.