Blind spot accidents are one of the most common collisions in Colorado. These types of car crashes often happen quickly and without warning, triggering questions of who is legally responsible for the incident. At Casares Injury Law, we help victims navigate these complex cases and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been involved in this type of accident:
What is a Blind Spot?
A blind spot refers to the area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see using their side or rear-view mirrors. Most cars and trucks have blind spots along the sides and rear corners.
Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, delivery vans, and commercial trucks, have much larger blind spots than smaller passenger cars, sometimes spanning several feet.
When a driver changes lanes or merges without checking their blind spots, they risk sideswiping another vehicle or forcing the other driver off the road. Troublingly, these accidents are most common on interstates and highways, like I-25, where driver speed can increase the severity of the crash.
Who is Responsible for a Blind Spot Crash?
In most cases, the driver who makes an unsafe maneuver is responsible for a blind spot crash. Drivers have a legal duty to ensure it’s safe before changing lanes, turning, or merging. Drivers must check their mirrors, safely turn their head to look over their shoulder, and use turn signals to indicate their intended maneuver.
If a driver fails to properly check their blind spot and collides with another vehicle, they can be held liable for the resulting damages.
However, there are situations where multiple parties may share responsibility. For example:
- A driver speeding through traffic may reduce the ability of another motorist to safely merge.
- A vehicle lingering in another driver’s blind spot for a long distance could be partially at fault for the crash.
- A poorly maintained vehicle with broken mirrors or malfunctioning sensors could shift blame to the vehicle owner.
Under Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if you’re partially at fault for the crash, but your compensation will be reduced by your share of fault. If you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Blind Spot Accident in Castle Rock?
If another driver caused your blind spot crash, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. These damages are meant to cover the financial and personal impacts of the collision.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to recover money for:
- Medical expenses, including hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
- Lost income if your injuries prevent you from working during recovery or earning the same wage as you did before your injury
- Property damage costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional hardship you’ve endured
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your quality of life is impacted
Documenting every expense and loss related to the accident can help you show the true value of your claim. Medical records, pay stubs, repair estimates, and personal journals can all support your right to a maximum recovery.
Contact a Castle Rock Car Accident Lawyer for Help
Blind spot crashes may seem straightforward, but proving fault and securing fair compensation can be anything but simple. At Casares Injury Law, we can handle all legal aspects of your case and prove that a negligent driver is responsible for your blind spot crash. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Castle Rock car accident attorney.