Line of Sight Car Accidents
If your sightlines become blocked by bushes, structures, or other obstacles while driving, you may not be able to prevent an accident. Driving with your line of sight impaired keeps you from seeing approaching motor vehicles, pedestrians walking in front of you, or other potential hazards. For safety, you need to see everything around at all angles as you drive to avoid a line-of-sight accident.
Depending on the circumstances of the collision, many parties could be responsible for your damages. While you may think the other driver is most likely responsible, additional factors can complicate liability. For example, if your sight was blocked because a homeowner did not trim their bushes or trees properly, they may share some of the blame. Similarly, some businesses may have signs or banners that block drivers’ views, violating local ordinances. You could have a case against such parties.
What Other Situations Cause Line of Sight Car Accidents?
There are several possible causes for line-of-sight auto accidents. For instance, street corner sightlines may be blocked by bushes, hedges, or other foliage. Parked cars can also block your view as you pull onto a street or into an intersection. In addition, some drivers illegally park their cars too close to an intersection, spelling trouble for drivers trying to see if it’s safe to proceed.
The height of large semi-trucks and cargo vehicles can also make it difficult for drivers to see what’s happening around them. Finally, don’t forget about mother nature. Bright sunlight reflecting against your windshield can cause major line-of-sight problems as you drive.
How to Prevent Line-of-Sight Collisions
According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation (AASHTO), most drivers need an average of 2.5 seconds for their cognitive functions to realize there is a problem while driving.
From the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), scientists who have researched traffic accidents have also calculated that you need at least 40 feet of sight distance for every 10 miles per hour you drive. For example, if you are driving 75 miles per hour on the highway, you would need 300 feet of sight distance to give yourself time to react.
Experts, therefore, recommend drivers follow this advice:
- Don’t drive faster than you can see.
- Always give yourself enough time to react to whatever is happening around you.
For example, if the sun is too bright, slow down and stay safe. When you are pulling out of a driveway or an intersection and your sight is blocked, pull out slowly in case a pedestrian or other car is coming.
While accidents are often unpredictable, giving yourself the added time and distance provides you a better chance of avoiding an accident.
Who Is Responsible for Line-of-Sight Accidents?
The other driver in an accident is not always the responsible party. While the property owner of overgrown shrubs or trees may seem likely, a surprising third party may be the cause of line-of-sight accidents—sometimes, the local government or the city may be to blame.
For example, if your line of sight was blocked at an intersection because of poor planning by road engineers, you may be entitled to compensation from state or city officials for your injuries. A Fort Myers personal injury attorney can explain your legal options to you.
The Florida Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
If you were injured in a line-of-sight car accident due to the negligence of a third party, you could recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages stemming from your injuries. However, if you decide to sue the person or entity responsible, there is a limit to how long you can wait to file the lawsuit.
Every state has time limits on filing personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. For example, under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you must file your claim no later than four years from the date of the accident. If you are filing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one, you must file the lawsuit no later than two years after their death. A Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney can keep your case on track.
Hire a South Florida Line of Sight Auto Accident Attorney
If someone else’s recklessness or carelessness caused your injuries, contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today. We have years of experience helping clients like you handle lawsuits against negligent parties for line-of-sight collisions and other incidents.
We can conduct a thorough investigation and build a case with witness testimony, traffic accident reconstruction experts, your medical records, and other evidence. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. Our compassionate personal injury lawyers Florida are waiting to help you. Contact us at (954) 633-8270.
