Were you driving on I-75 when a car suddenly changed lanes and hit you? The other driver claims your vehicle came out of nowhere. You know you were in the lane for some time before your Atlanta traffic accident. The driver wasn't distracted or impaired. What happened?
Chances are that you were in the driver's blind spot. A blind spot is an area around a vehicle that can't be seen by the driver of the car. Blind spots are usually located near the rear sides of a vehicle; however, blind spots can be virtually eliminated with proper positioning of the car mirrors.
How do you know if your car has blind spots? Next time you are driving in a four-lane road and it is safe to do so, get in the right lane. Take a look in the rear-view mirror as a vehicle in the left lane passes you. Just as it disappears from view, check your left side mirror. You should be able to see the car. It should remain in the side mirror until you can see it in your peripheral vision. Do the same thing as a car passes you on the right. If the car ever disappears from your view, you have a blind spot and your mirrors should be adjusted.
Atlanta car crash attorney Shane Smith suggests following these steps to adjust your car's mirrors and eliminate blind spots:
Adjust your rear-view mirror. Position the mirror so it shows the view straight out the rear window. It should not be tilted to show traffic to the side of your vehicle.
Adjust your left mirror. Sit in the driver's seat and tilt your head until it touches the driver's side window. Move the left side mirror until you just see the left side of your car.
Adjust your right mirror. Tilt your head an equal distance to the right and adjust the right side mirror until you just see the right side of your car.
Check your mirrors. Sit upright. Can you see your car in the side mirrors? If you can, readjust.
You should quickly check the mirrors every time you get in your car.
Not seeing a car because it is in a blind spot is not an excuse for causing a Georgia car crash. If the mirrors aren't properly adjusted, drivers should manually check their blind spots by turning their head before changing lanes.
If you were seriously injured in an Atlanta blind spot accident, you may be able to file a Georgia accident injury claim for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more, request a free copy of Shane Smith's book, 10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case, or call Shane Smith Law and ask to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta car crash attorney.