Determining Liability In A Line Of Sight Accident
Few things are as dangerous as being unable to see when driving. In line of sight accidents, this takes the form of being unable to see other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians because something else is blocking one’s view. Needless to say, being unable to fully see when driving significantly increases a person’s chances of being involved in a crash and causing serious injuries. Fortunately, accident victims who can prove that someone else was responsible for impeding their line of sight, could be eligible for damages compensating them for their crash-related losses.
Objects that Can Block Your Line of Sight
Line of sight accidents happen when a physical object interferes with a motorist’s view of the road, making it much more difficult, if not impossible, for the driver to see others and for anyone else to see the driver. For instance, a driver could run a stop sign because it was blocked by a tree, hedge, tall bush, or low hanging branch. Obstacles like this can make it much harder to see when pulling out onto a busy street and around corners. Other objects that often block drivers’ lines of sight include:
- Construction signage and materials;
- Double parked vehicles;
- Fences, posts, and poles; and
- Store signs and banners.
For help determining who contributed to your own line of sight accident, reach out to our legal team today.
Potential Liability
Drivers are always required to use caution when driving, even when their line of sight is obstructed through no fault of their own. In these cases, drivers should use extra care before pulling into traffic or turning. This does not mean, however, that drivers are the only ones who can be held liable in line of sight accidents. Other potentially liable parties include:
- The property or business owner who failed to keep the property in a safe condition by trimming trees and hedges and making sure that fences, store signs, and banners don’t block the view of nearby drivers; and
- The city or government entity responsible for maintaining traffic signs, road markers, and overhanging vegetation.
Fortunately, even if an accident victim was somewhat responsible for a line of sight accident, he or she won’t automatically be barred from recovery. Instead, under Florida’s comparative negligence standard, the injured party’s damages award will merely be reduced in proportion to his or her degree of fault in causing the crash. Recoverable damages include everything from compensation for medical bills and lost wages to reimbursement for property damage and pain and suffering.
Speak with a Dedicated Florida Auto Accident Lawyer
It is not uncommon for there to be more than one party responsible for a line of sight accident, which can make recovery a bit more complicated. Call Boone & Davis at 954-566-9919 to learn more about how an experienced Florida auto accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your own line of sight accident. You can also reach a member of our legal team by filling out one of our online contact forms.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/Sections/0768.81.html
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE962
