Steven A. Bagen | July 9, 2023 | Car Accidents
To avoid blind spot accidents on multi-lane roads, you must properly adjust your side mirrors to eliminate visual overlaps with your rearview mirror, always perform a physical head check (shoulder glance) before changing lanes, and remain aware of the large blind spots on commercial trucks. Over-reliance on new technology creates a false sense of security, as even advanced systems have limitations.
These collisions are difficult to resolve because proving another driver’s negligence typically requires more than just your word. Modern vehicles, despite safety advancements, have seen a significant growth in blind spot areas, making these incidents more frequent. A Gainesville car accident lawyer can investigate these complex crashes, gather crucial evidence, and build a strong case to help you recover fair compensation.
An insurance company’s investigation will look for any reason to argue you were at fault, which jeopardizes your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage. However, a detailed investigation uncovers evidence to establish how the accident truly happened.
If you have a question about a recent multi-lane accident, call us at (800) 800-2575.
Key Takeaways for Multi-Lane Blind Spot Accidents
- The merging driver is typically at fault in a lane-change collision. Florida law requires a driver to ensure a lane is clear before moving into it, and failing to check a blind spot is a primary breach of this duty.
- Modern vehicle designs have increased blind spot areas. Despite technological advances, features like thicker roof pillars mean that a physical head check is more necessary than ever to stay safe.
- You may recover damages even if you are partially to blame. Florida’s comparative negligence rule allows accident victims to pursue compensation based on the other driver’s percentage of fault.
The Hidden Danger: Why Are Blind Spot Accidents So Common?
Blind spot collisions are a major cause of crashes on multi-lane roads. An IIHS study found that lane-change crashes with injuries were 23 percent lower for vehicles equipped with blind spot detection.
You might think that with all the new technology in cars, this problem would be getting better. It’s not.
A study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed that blind spots on many popular cars have actually gotten bigger over the last 25 years. The push for certain design styles and safety features, like thicker roof pillars, has unintentionally made it harder for drivers to see out. In some SUVs, the IIHS found forward visibility has been reduced by as much as 58% across different models.
This means that even if you are a careful driver, the very design of your vehicle could be working against you.
While you cannot redesign your car, you must adopt specific defensive driving techniques and understand how technology helps, and when it does not.
Your Defensive Driving Checklist: How Do You Actively Prevent Blind Spot Collisions?
You have more control than you think. Preventing a blind spot collision comes down to a system of checks and an awareness of your surroundings. A Florida car accident attorney can help if another driver’s failure to take these precautions caused your crash. Here are four actions to make part of your driving routine to better understand how to avoid blind spots on a multi-lane road.
- Set Your Mirrors the Right Way: Most drivers set their side mirrors so they see the side of their own car. This creates a large, dangerous blind spot. Instead, lean your head to the left until it touches the driver’s side window and adjust the mirror so you can just barely see the side of your car. Repeat on the right side. This method drastically reduces or even eliminates the blind spot.
- Always Make the “Lifesaver Glance”: Technology is not a substitute for a physical head check. Before any lane change, turn your head quickly to look over your shoulder into the lane you want to enter. This is the only way to be 100% certain the space is clear.
- Respect the “No-Zone” on Trucks: Commercial trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides. If you cannot see the truck driver’s face in their side mirror, they cannot see you. Avoid lingering in these “No-Zones,” especially on the right side, which is the largest blind spot.
- Use Technology as an Aid, Not a Crutch: Blind spot detection systems are growing in popularity because they are helpful. These systems, which are part of a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), use sensors to alert you to a vehicle you might not see. However, they may fail in bad weather and may not detect smaller objects like motorcycles or bicyclists. Think of it as a helpful warning, not a guarantee.
When Prevention Fails: Who Is at Fault in a Florida Blind Spot Accident?
After a lane-change accident, the first question everyone asks is: who was at fault?
In Florida, the answer usually comes down to the legal concept of negligence. Simply put, every driver has a duty to operate their vehicle safely. Changing lanes is an action that carries a heightened responsibility. The driver making the move must be sure the path is clear. Failure to check a blind spot before merging or changing lanes is a clear sign that this duty was breached.
But what if you feel you might have done something wrong, too? Perhaps you sped up slightly just as the other car was coming over. This is where many people in Florida mistakenly believe they cannot recover anything.
Florida law operates on a standard of comparative negligence. This is a legal rule that means fault is shared between drivers. For instance, a jury might find the driver who merged into you to be mostly at fault but may assign a percentage of fault to you if you had an opportunity to avoid the collision. Your ability to recover damages is then proportional to the other driver’s share of fault.
The insurance company for the other driver will conduct an investigation looking for any evidence to place more of the blame on you. Our role is to keep them accountable and ensure no amount of fault is unjustly assigned to you.
Do not assume you have no case just because the circumstances seem difficult. The percentage of fault is not decided on the side of the road; it is determined through a careful investigation of all the facts.
Does Fault Change Depending on the Type of Vehicle Involved?
Blind spot collisions are not all the same. The type of vehicle involved changes everything, from how the crash happens to who is expected to prevent it. A car accident lawyer can help you determine liability, gather evidence, and pursue fair compensation based on the unique details of your crash.
If You Were Hit by a Commercial Truck
Truck drivers have a higher legal duty of care than passenger vehicle drivers. That’s because they operate vehicles weighing 20 to 30 times more than a standard car and must follow strict federal safety rules under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
Blind spots on a semi-truck—known as “No-Zones”—can swallow entire cars. These blind spots stretch about 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and one to two lanes wide on each side. When a truck merges into a smaller vehicle, it’s rarely a minor incident.
We investigate truck blind spot crashes by looking at:
- Driver logbooks and black box data: To see how fast the truck was moving, whether the driver signaled, and if fatigue played a role.
- Company pressure: Whether the trucking company was pushing deadlines that caused the driver to rush lane changes.
- Maintenance history: To confirm the truck’s mirrors and sensors were functioning properly.
Even when a driver claims they “didn’t see you,” that explanation isn’t enough. The law expects truck operators to take extra precautions precisely because their blind spots are so large.
If You Were Hit by Another Passenger Car
When both vehicles are similar in size, the investigation focuses more on driver behavior. The merging driver has a legal duty to make sure the lane is clear before moving. We look for:
- Turn signal use and timing
- Speed and position of both vehicles before impact
- Blind spot monitoring system data (if available)
Police reports, witness statements, and photos of the impact area can show which car crossed into the other’s lane. Even without witnesses, the damage pattern on both vehicles can reveal who was moving and in which direction. Contact a lawyer to review this evidence and build a strong claim that accurately reflects what really happened.
If You Were Hit While Riding a Motorcycle
Blind spot accidents involving motorcycles tend to cause the most serious injuries because there’s nothing between the rider and the other vehicle.
These cases often hinge on driver perception and visibility. A driver may say, “I just didn’t see the motorcycle,” but under Florida law, that isn’t a defense; it’s negligence. Drivers are required to check blind spots thoroughly and account for smaller vehicles.
We build these cases using:
- Helmet and clothing evidence to show you were visible
- Crash reconstruction to demonstrate the driver’s limited field of vision
- Any traffic or dashcam footage showing the driver’s lane change
Because of the force involved, motorcycle riders are more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries, fractures, and spinal damage. That affects not only medical costs but also the overall claim value and recovery timeline.
What If the At-Fault Driver Was Working or Driving for a Company?
Blind spot accidents often happen during commutes, deliveries, or rideshare shifts. In those situations, the at-fault driver might be covered by more than one insurance policy, depending on whether they were working at the time of the crash.
Rideshare Drivers (Uber or Lyft)
Florida requires Uber and Lyft to provide coverage while drivers are using the app. The level of coverage depends on what the driver was doing:
- App on, waiting for a ride: Limited coverage applies (typically $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident).
- On the way to pick up or transporting a passenger: The company’s full commercial policy applies, usually up to $1 million.
If the driver was logged off, their personal auto insurance is responsible instead.
Delivery Drivers and Commercial Fleets
Accidents involving delivery vehicles (Amazon, DoorDash, FedEx, or a local contractor) require identifying who owned the vehicle and who was controlling the work. We investigate:
- Whether the driver was an employee or an independent contractor
- Whether they were making a delivery at the time of the crash
- Whether the company’s policies encouraged unsafe driving (tight schedules, phone use for navigation, etc.)
If the driver was on the clock, the employer may share liability under a legal concept called vicarious liability. This means the company is responsible for its employee’s actions performed during work hours. When an employee’s negligence causes a car accident, both the driver and their employer can be held accountable for the resulting damages.
Company-Owned or Work Vehicles
If the at-fault driver was driving a company car or van, the business that owns it may be responsible for both the driver’s negligence and the vehicle’s condition. Many corporate vehicles are insured under high-limit commercial policies. Identifying those policies early can make a huge difference in your eventual recovery.
Building Your Case From Home: What Should You Be Doing Now?
Your actions in the days and weeks after the collision protect your health and your potential claim.
- Document Your Experience: As soon as you are able, write down every detail you remember about the accident. What lane were you in? What lane was the other driver in? Did you see them signal? What did you do to avoid the crash? Details fade quickly.
- Keep a Pain Journal: Track your physical symptoms every day. Note the pain level, where it hurts, and how it impacts your daily activities. This record is a powerful tool for showing the real-life impact of your injuries.
- Prioritize Consistent Medical Care: If you are feeling any pain, see a doctor. Gaps in medical treatment are used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident. Following your doctor’s treatment plan shows that you are taking your recovery seriously.
- Be Cautious in Your Communications: The other driver’s insurance adjuster will likely call you very soon. They may seem friendly, but their job is to protect their company’s financial interests. You are not required to give them a recorded statement. These statements are easily taken out of context to argue that you admitted fault. Direct all communication from the other party’s insurer to your attorney. We will handle these conversations for you, ensuring your rights are protected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Blind Spot Accidents
Can I be found at fault for just being in another driver’s blind spot in Florida?
Generally, no. Every driver has an affirmative duty to clear their blind spots before moving. While you must also drive responsibly, simply occupying a space in an adjacent lane does not typically make you at fault if someone merges into you. Where do most car accidents happen is often tied to areas like intersections and multi-lane highways, where blind spots and driver misjudgments frequently lead to collisions.
The other driver’s car has a blind spot monitor. Does that help my case?
It may help your case. The presence of a functioning blind spot monitor that the other driver ignored could be used as evidence of their negligence. Our investigation would look into the specifics of the vehicle and whether the system was operational.
What happens if the police report places me at fault for the accident?
A police report is an officer’s opinion based on the evidence at the scene; it is not the final word. We frequently handle cases where the initial police report is incorrect or incomplete. We will conduct our own investigation to uncover evidence that tells the true story.
How do you investigate a blind spot accident?
We gather evidence such as witness statements, photographs of the scene and vehicle damage, and data from the vehicle’s “black box” (event data recorder), if available. We may also hire accident reconstruction professionals to analyze the crash dynamics and prove how the collision occurred.
I was riding my motorcycle when a car hit me. Is my case different?
Motorcycle cases involving blind spots are particularly serious due to the rider’s vulnerability. Proving the driver’s failure to see a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle is a key focus. The core legal principles of negligence still apply.
Don’t Let a Moment’s Negligence Define Your Future
You do not have to figure this out alone. You do not have to accept an insurance company’s initial assessment of fault. We understand the physics of these crashes and the laws in Florida that protect you. Our role is to build a case based on facts, holding the negligent driver accountable for their failure to look before they moved.
Your next step is to get clear, straightforward answers to your specific questions. Call Steven A. Bagen & Associates, P.A. for a no-cost case evaluation. Let’s talk about what happened and how we will help. Call us at (800) 800-2575.