Lane-change and blind-spot accidents are commonly associated with large commercial trucks, as their blind-spots are significantly larger than those of regular vehicles. However, all vehicles on our roads have their blind-spots and all drivers are responsible for being aware of the vehicles around them to avoid making dangerous lane-changes which could result in an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, we at 844 See Mike are here for you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses.
A wide range of accidents can result from the driver’s failure to properly check his/her blind-spots, from car, truck, and motorcycle accidents to boating accidents, moped accidents, and even bicycle accidents. It’s important for all drivers to remember to be “defensive drivers” on the road, meaning to be mindful of any drivers and especially those who may be inexperienced, fatigued, reckless, intoxicated, or otherwise impaired in any way, as all of these conditions can contribute to a failure to check blind-spots. Here are some helpful driving tips to reduce the risk of a lane-change accident:
- Check blind spots – Always make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted, and don’t rely solely on them if you’re also able to turn your head to make sure you can switch lanes.
- Use turn signals – Always use your turn signal when changing lanes, as failure to notify other drivers leaves them unprepared to react to your vehicle, which can result in an accident.
- Beware the far left lane – The far left lane is for the fast (and impatient) drivers, who can sometimes surprise drivers in other lanes when coming from behind at a high speed. Stay mindful of this lane to avoid turning in front of a speeding driver.
- Keep both hands on the wheel – This is especially important when driving at higher speeds, such as on highways. If someone cuts you off or begins to merge into you, you will have more time to react when both hands are on the wheel.
- Yield to merging traffic – Where vehicles are merging onto the highway, try to avoid close encounters by moving to a left lane or allowing a vehicle to merge in front of you. Assuming that braking abruptly is not necessary, it is better to allow the vehicle to merge rather than speed up to try to get ahead first.
- Move one lane at a time – Never move across multiple lanes in one motion. This is a careless and dangerous maneuver which can quickly result in an accident. Always check the lane next to you before moving into it, especially on highways.
- Beware of impaired/distracted drivers – Avoid any vehicles that are driving too fast or slow, weaving in and out of traffic, or switching lanes without a turn signal. The driver may be distracted or driving under the influence of alcohol and it is best to distance yourself from the vehicle until you’re no longer moving in the same direction.
- Avoid driving on a truck’s right side – Trucks tend to drive in the right lanes, and driving on the right side of a truck can be dangerous if it attempts to switch lanes without checking the blind spots. Stay to the left of large trucks and get ahead of them if you can do so safely.
Distracted driving continues to rank among the leading causes of accidents involving lane-changes and blind-spots, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). And despite strict laws against cell phone use while driving – texting while driving is banned under Illinois law, for instance – the practice continues. Other risk factors which often contribute to lane-change and blind-spot accidents include distraction, fatigue, intoxication, inexperience, poor vision, or aging-related forgetfulness or slower reflexes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident due to another’s negligence, you need an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and you can be fully compensated for your injuries and losses. Contact 844 See Mike today for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based personal injury law firm, and helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people and not the powerful, we will file your claim and take care of the insurance company, medical bills, property damage, and lost income. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, our personal injury lawyers are not paid attorney fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.
