If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-swipe accident, contact the Fresno car accident lawyers at Freedman Law today. We will discuss your case and answer your questions in a free, no-obligation consultation.
What is a Side Swipe Accident?
A sideswipe accident occurs when the sides of two vehicles come into contact, often resulting in scrapes, dents, or more serious structural damage. These incidents commonly happen when two vehicles are traveling parallel in the same or opposite directions and one vehicle veers slightly out of its lane. Though typically considered minor compared to head-on or T-bone collisions, sideswipe accidents can still lead to significant property damage, injuries, and even fatalities in severe cases.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents are often attributed to human error. Some of the most common causes include:
Blind Spots: Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes risk colliding with a vehicle traveling alongside them.
Distracted Driving: Texting, adjusting in-car controls, or even eating can distract a driver enough to cause them to drift into another lane.
Improper Lane Changes: When a driver does not signal properly, fails to check surrounding traffic, or makes abrupt lane changes, they increase the risk of a sideswipe collision.
Intoxicated or Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs often impairs a driver’s ability to maintain control and remain within their lane.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Sudden lane changes, excessive speeding, or aggressive maneuvers to overtake another vehicle.
Liability in Sideswipe Accidents
Determining fault in a sideswipe accident often comes down to which driver incorrectly left their lane. In many cases, the driver who veered out of their lane is held liable. However, there are situations where shared liability may apply, such as if both drivers failed to check blind spots or if one driver was speeding. Witness statements, traffic camera footage, and vehicle damage patterns can all help clarify fault in these accidents.
Common Injuries in Sideswipe Accidents
While some sideswipe accidents may only cause vehicle damage, many can lead to serious injuries.
If you have sustained injuries, like a traumatic brain injury, from a sideswipe accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
How an Attorney Can Help
A Fresno personal injury lawyer can be vital in proving fault after this type of crash. They have the resources to gather and analyze key evidence, such as police reports, vehicle damage, and any traffic camera footage. They will work with accident reconstruction experts if necessary and interview witnesses to clarify how the accident happened. Attorneys also handle negotiations with insurance companies, countering any attempts to place shared blame on you. They will work hard to build a solid, evidence-backed case, to significantly increase your chances of securing fair compensation and holding the at-fault driver accountable.
