If you were injured in a car collision due to an obstructed view, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, claims for compensation can be more complicated due to the multiple parties who could be responsible for compensating you.
What Are Common Obstructions That Cause Collision?
Many harmless objects can become dangerous if they obstruct the view of drivers of traffic. Natural and man-made objects that can block a motorist’s line of vision include:
- Trees
- Hedges
- Bushes
- Traffic and construction signs
- Fences
- Lampposts
- Poles
- Walls
Who Could Be Liable to Compensate You in an Obstructed View Collision?
Determining the party whose negligence caused your car accident and who is responsible for compensating you for injuries can be more complicated when a driver’s view was obstructed by an object. Often, more than one party will be partially to blame for the crash. The insurance companies may point the finger at each other in an effort to deny your claim or to pay you less than you deserve in your settlement. You may need to file a claim against the following:
- Driver. The driver who struck your auto had a duty to drive safely to avoid causing a crash. The fact that their view was obstructed does not absolve them of their duty to you. However, they may be only partially responsible for paying you.
- Property owner. The property or business owner has a duty to keep their shrubs, hedges, and trees trimmed and to make sure that fences, posts, poles, and other objects on their property do not block drivers’ vision. If they breach this duty, they could share the responsibility to compensate you for your injuries.
- Municipality. A city, county, or the Commonwealth of Virginia could be liable if the obstruction was on property they were responsible for maintaining. You would have a much shorter period of time to file your claim against a government agency than a negligent driver or property owner, so it’s important to retain a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Types of Compensation Can You Recover in an Obstructed View Car Accident?
You are entitled to your past and future damages if you were injured in a collision caused by an obstruction. Types of compensation you should receive in your settlement includes:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity damages
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages if a loved one was killed in the crash
Were you injured in a car accident in Virginia Beach or Norfolk? Our experienced car accident lawyers will determine who is responsible for compensating you and will go up against the insurance companies so that you receive the damages you are entitled to under Virginia law. To learn more about your options and how we can assist you, call our Norfolk office to schedule your free consultation today.
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