Most people think that head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of car accidents. However, a sideswipe collision is also dangerous. This type of collision is sometimes referred to as a “blind spot” accident. A sideswipe collision happens when two cars that are side-by-side and traveling in the same direction hit each other. It can also occur when a driver hits an object such as a parked car, utility pole or tree. Typically, the car on the right side hits the other driver. Sideswipe accidents cause serious physical injuries and damage to cars. If you or a loved one has been involved in a sideswipe car accident it is important that you contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible to receive proper legal advice, medical treatment recommendations and so that you can maximize your settlement.
The Cause of Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe car accidents happen for numerous reasons. Most of the time, they are caused by an inattentive driver. This means the driver isn’t paying attention while operating their motor vehicle. The following are some reasons why sideswipe accidents occur are:
- The driver drifted into your lane while driving distracted
- The driver fails to look for blind spots
- The driver is operating their vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- The driver participated in road rage
- More than one driver tried to change lanes at the same time and hit each other or your vehicle
- The driver drove recklessly
- The driver was unsuccessful in merging into traffic
- The weather conditions weren’t favorable. For example, the roads were wet or the driver hydroplaned
- The driver overcorrected or swiveled to miss a car or object and sideswiped a car or object
- The driver was fatigued while operating their motor vehicle
- The driver failed to yield to you or another driver
- One or more drivers were speeding
Types of Sideswipe Injuries
Sideswipe accidents can be devastating and difficult to avoid or anticipate. Unfortunately, sideswipe injuries are often extremely serious because these accidents happen at high speeds. Another reason why these injuries can be devastating is that a side of a vehicle usually doesn’t offer as much protection as the front or back of the vehicle. Thus, if you’re in a car accident where another car hit the side of your vehicle, you may have sustained:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Hip damage
- Hip injury
- Neck, shoulder and back injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Knee injuries
Proving Fault in a Sideswipe Accident
If you were injured in a sideswipe accident, you need the help of a car accident attorney. Proving fault in court or to an insurance company seems easy because your vehicle was hit. However, it’s not easy. In fact, it is a difficult process because the state wants you to show how the accident occurred and why the other driver was at fault. Also, the state wants your side to prove that you were actually injured by the other driver’s negligent actions. An experienced car accident attorney can provide guidance in a number of areas. Here are a few areas in which they can help:
- Legal guidance so that you will be properly represented and that the complex process of obtaining a settlement for your car accident will have a positive outcome.
- Recommending medical treatment from medical professionals who are experienced in dealing with car accident victims and the proper treatment and tests that the accident victim needs to receive.
- Dealing with difficult and uncooperative insurance adjusters.
- Maximizing settlements
Type of Damages Awarded in a Sideswipe Accident
You can sue for economic and non-economic damages in court. Economic damages are bills you incurred because of the accident such as medical bills, lost wages and car damage. Non-economic damages not bills, but compensation such as pain and suffering and mental anguish.
Your car accident attorney will investigate your sideswipe accident and file your petition in civil court. At the same type, your lawyer will negotiate a settlement with the at-fault party so you can receive compensation.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Immediately
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