Side-swipe accidents occur when the sides of two vehicles come into contact while traveling in the same or opposite directions. These types of collisions can be dangerous, leading to significant property damage, serious injuries, and even fatalities. Understanding your legal rights and options after a side-swipe accident is essential to securing the compensation you deserve. At The Payne Law Group, we are dedicated to helping victims of side-swipe accidents navigate the legal process and recover from their injuries.
What Is a Side-Swipe Accident?
A side-swipe accident happens when two vehicles brush or collide along their sides as opposed to the front or back bumpers. These accidents typically occur:
- When vehicles are traveling parallel to one another and one driver changes lanes without seeing the other.
- When a driver fails to stay in their lane, veering into another vehicle.
- During merging maneuvers on highways or at intersections.
- In tight spaces, such as parking lots or narrow roads.
Although side-swipe accidents can happen at any speed, they are more dangerous at high speeds, such as on highways, where the force of impact can lead to vehicles losing control and causing chain-reaction crashes.
Common Causes of Side Swipe Accidents
Most side-swipe accidents are the result of negligent or reckless driving. Some common causes include:
- Failure to check blind spots: Drivers who fail to properly check their blind spots before changing lanes are at a high risk of causing a side-swipe accident.
- Distracted driving: Texting, eating, or other distractions can lead to a driver veering into another lane.
- Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may lose control of their vehicle, drifting into another lane.
- Fatigue: Drowsy drivers may unintentionally swerve or drift into adjacent lanes.
- Speeding: When drivers are speeding, they may make unsafe lane changes, leading to side-swipe collisions.
- Aggressive driving: Road rage or aggressive maneuvers, such as cutting off another driver or changing lanes without signaling, are common causes of these accidents.
Injuries from Side-Swipe Accidents
Side-swipe accidents can result in a variety of injuries, some of which may be severe, especially if the vehicle spins out of control or strikes other cars, barriers, or objects. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash: Sudden jerking motions can cause neck and back injuries.
- Broken bones: The impact of the collision may result in broken bones or fractures.
- Head injuries: If the victim’s head strikes the window or steering wheel, traumatic brain injuries can occur.
- Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can lead to long-term or permanent disability.
- Cuts and bruises: Shattered glass and the force of the impact may result in cuts, lacerations, and bruises.
Even minor side-swipe accidents can lead to injuries, which may worsen over time if left untreated. Seeking medical attention immediately after the accident is crucial, as some injuries may not be apparent right away.
Determining Fault in Side-Swipe Accidents
Establishing fault in a side-swipe accident is crucial to pursuing a successful personal injury claim. Often, side-swipe accidents occur due to the negligence of one driver, such as when they fail to signal a lane change or don’t properly check their blind spot.
Fault may be assigned based on factors such as:
- Witness statements: Eyewitnesses who saw the accident may provide testimony about how the accident occurred and which driver was at fault.
- Police reports: Law enforcement’s assessment of the scene can offer valuable information about fault.
- Traffic cameras or dashcam footage: Video footage can provide clear evidence of how the accident happened.
- Vehicle damage: The location and extent of the damage on each vehicle can help determine who veered out of their lane and caused the collision.
In Texas, fault is typically assigned based on the concept of modified comparative negligence. This means that if you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover any compensation.
What to Do After a Side-Swipe Accident
If you’ve been involved in a side-swipe accident, taking the following steps can help protect your legal rights and build a strong case:
- Call the police: Always report the accident to law enforcement, even if the damage seems minor. A police report can serve as an important piece of evidence in your claim.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s essential to see a doctor to rule out hidden injuries.
- Exchange information: Get the contact and insurance details of the other driver involved in the accident. If they let you, take a picture of the other driver’s insurance card and Driver’s License.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Speak with witnesses: If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and statements about what they saw.
- Contact attorney Scott Scherr: A skilled personal injury attorney can help guide you through the legal process and protect your interests.
Legal Representation for Side-Swipe Accident Victims
Side-swipe accidents can be complicated, especially when determining fault or dealing with insurance companies. The team at The Payne Law Group understands the complexities of these cases and will work tirelessly to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
We help side swipe accident victims recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
Get the Legal Help You Need
If you’ve been injured in a side-swipe accident, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. At The Payne Law Group, we have the experience and dedication needed to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation and learn how we can assist you in protecting your rights and pursuing justice.