What Is a Blind Intersection?

A blind intersection is any intersection where a driver’s view of oncoming traffic, pedestrians, bicyclists, or other motorists is partially or completely blocked. This limited visibility can be caused by buildings, fences, landscaping, parked vehicles, curves in the road, or poor lighting. 

Blind intersections become especially dangerous when drivers don’t slow down, fail to yield, or assume the path is clear. Understanding what a blind intersection is affects traffic flow and right-of-way, which can help prevent serious collisions. 

If you were involved in a crash caused by a blind intersection, a Long Island car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation for any injuries or damages you suffered. 

How We Can Help After a Blind Intersection Accident

At Levine And Wiss, we understand the dangers of blind intersections, especially when a driver is speeding, distracted, or unfamiliar with the road. We represent individuals and families injured in these types of crashes, whether they were driving, walking, biking, or riding as a passenger. 

Collisions at blind intersections are often severe. They can involve side impacts, rollovers, or head-on crashes that result in broken bones, spinal injuries, or a head trauma that could be diagnosed as a traumatic brain injury. These accidents are frequently preventable and often caused by drivers who ignore traffic rules or fail to approach carefully.

We investigate the intersection’s layout, gather video or photographic evidence, and consult with traffic safety experts when needed. If you were hurt at a blind intersection, we can help you build a strong case and pursue full compensation.

Where Blind Intersections Are Most Common

You’ll find blind intersections in all types of environments. They’re especially common in: 

• Neighborhoods where shrubs, fences, or parked vehicles block visibility
  
• Older city blocks with buildings constructed close to the roadway
  
• Curved or hilly roads that limit sightlines until the last second
  
• Work zones where temporary structures or machinery obscure cross traffic
  
• Rural areas with uncontrolled intersections and minimal signage

Some intersections are blind only at certain times, such as when a delivery truck is parked on the corner or after dark when the lighting is poor. Regardless of the cause, all drivers are expected to approach these areas with caution.

What New York Law Says About Blind Intersections 

Under NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1180, speed must always be “reasonable and prudent” for the conditions, including when approaching an obstructed intersection.

Another key rule, VTL § 1142, requires drivers to stop or yield at controlled intersections, regardless of whether they believe the road is clear. When someone speeds into a blind intersection or fails to yield due to limited sightlines, they may be held legally liable for resulting injuries or property damage.

Blind Intersection Speed Limits and Driver Expectations 

There is no specific “blind intersection speed limit” in New York, but the expectation is clear: drivers must slow down in areas where they can’t see. That might mean going 10 to 15 miles per hour in a residential area or coming to a full stop before creeping forward to check across traffic. 

Many drivers assume they’re safe if they’re under the posted limit. But if they’re going too fast to react to what’s just out of sight, they can still be considered negligent. We regularly use expert analysis to show that a driver didn’t adjust their speed appropriately. 

Why These Accidents Happen

While road design plays a role, most blind intersection crashes are rooted in human error. Drivers may:

• Assume no one is coming and proceed without caution
  
• Rely on memory or habit instead of checking their surroundings
  
• Become distracted by a phone or GPS and miss a vehicle entering the intersection
  
• Fail to stop completely, especially at signs they believe are unnecessary

These aren’t random accidents. They happen because someone chose to take a risk, and that decision can carry serious consequences.

What to Do After a Blind Intersection Crash

If you’ve been involved in a collision at a blind intersection, take these steps to protect your health and your case:

1. Get medical care immediately, even if symptoms feel minor at first.
   
2. Photograph the scene, including anything blocking visibility.
   
3. Look for witnesses and ask for their contact information.
   
4. Avoid speaking to the insurance company before you’ve spoken to a lawyer.
   
5. Consult a Long Island personal injury lawyer with experience in visibility-related crash cases.

At Levine And Wiss, we move quickly to preserve scene evidence, secure footage from nearby homes or businesses, and build a clear picture of what happened. These early steps often make a major difference in settlement negotiations or courtroom arguments.

Speak With Our Attorneys Today 

Blind intersection crashes are often preventable. If a driver failed to slow down, yield, or approach carefully and caused your injuries, you have the right to hold them accountable. 

At Levine And Wiss, we’ve recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims across Long Island and beyond. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, we know what it takes to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you need. 

Reach out today for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and you won’t pay us anything unless we win. Let our team help you take the next step forward after a blind intersection accident.