The Experienced Sideswipe Accident Injury Attorneys at Ron Bell Fight to Protect Your Rights
Determining fault in a sideswipe collision can be a little more difficult than other types of auto accidents, especially if there are no known witnesses to the crash. The experienced sideswipe attorneys at Ron Bell can help protect your rights and walk you through the legal process to ensure fault is determined properly, and you get the compensation you deserve.
List of what we do:
- File your claim
- Negotiate with greedy insurance companies
- Help you understand your rights
- Walk you through the legal process
- Investigate the accident
- Conduct interviews of witnesses and other victims
- Go to trial for you, if necessary
Contact Ron Bell Injury Lawyers today for your FREE Sideswipe Accident Case Evaluation
What is a Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe car accident occurs when two cars are driving parallel to each other. They can be driving in the same direction or opposite directions, but both vehicles must have side damage to be considered a side-swipe accident. If the two vehicles are driving in opposite directions, it can be known as a “head-on sideswipe”.
Does a Sideswipe Count as an Accident?
Yes. Sideswipe accidents can be very serious accidents, and they can even lead to other accidental impacts. For example, if one car is sideswiped, it may veer into oncoming traffic, causing it to also get into a head-on collision. Additionally, if a driver of a sideswiped vehicle overcompensates to ensure they don’t go into oncoming traffic, they may sideswipe a different vehicle or roll their own vehicle over.
Is it Worth Fixing a Car After a Sideswipe?
Depending on your financial situation and your insurance coverage, sideswiped vehicles may be worth fixing. Determining whether you should fix your sideswiped car would require a simple calculation in which you consider the age of the vehicle, other mechanical issues you have faced, whether you have the money to fix it or buy a new one, and if your insurance will cover the repairs.
In addition, vehicles that have been in accidents may have additional or prolonged safety issues, especially if the frame has been damaged in the accident. There is only cosmetic damage to your vehicle, you may decide that repairs aren’t important or worth the money.
How Does Insurance Handle a Sideswipe?
Insurance companies are all about the bottom line and figuring out how they can save money. Therefore, after a sideswipe collision, most insurance companies will try to investigate and determine fault in the accident. They may collect police reports, photos, and witness statements. Once they have this information, they may make a lowball offer in hopes that you will accept it before the case is fully reviewed.
That is why it’s so important to collect as much evidence as you can immediately after the crash, and contact a sideswipe accident lawyer, who can help you build your accident claim.
How Do Sideswipe Accidents Happen?
Sideswipe car accidents happen when cars are impacted on the sides of the vehicle. This can happen in several different ways, including:
- A vehicle takes a turn that is too wide and impacts a car in a further lane.
- A vehicle merges without checking their blind spots.
- Improper lane change.
- Failure to signal during a lane change or merging.
The cause of many sideswipe accidents can be attributed to:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Failure to check blind spots
Who is At Fault When a Car is Sideswiped?
Because every sideswipe accident is different, it can be difficult to determine who is at fault in a sideswipe collision. In most cases, the at-fault driver is the one who crossed the lane lines. However, other factors may show that the driver who was hit could be partially at fault. For example, if a driver checks their blind spots, signals that they are going to change lanes, and the driver behind them, whips around them and begins speeding, it could be determined that the driver who was hit is the at-fault party due to aggressive driving tactics.
Are Sideswipe Auto Accidents Always Minor Accidents?
No. In many cases, sideswipe accidents can be incredibly severe. Because they are capable of causing chain reaction crashes or lead to cars veering into medians or oncoming traffic, sideswipe collisions are unpredictable and can lead to life changing injuries.
What to Do When You Get Sideswiped
If you were in a sideswipe car accident, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your rights.
- Check yourself for injuries: Make sure you and the other passengers in your vehicle were not injured. Never move an injured person.
- Call 9-1-1: If you’re unable to move your vehicle or people in your vehicle were injured, call 9-1-1 immediately to ensure they get the care they deserve.
- Document the scene: Take pictures, collect contact information of witnesses, make videos that explain the events of the accident, aiming the camera at areas of importance.
- File a police report: If you don’t file a police report at the scene, be sure to file a police report within 10 days of the accident, so you have the proper documentation.
- Seek medical attention: After an accident, you are in shock, so you may not know you’re injured. It’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible after an accident.
- Contact a sideswipe accident injury lawyer: The experienced car accident lawyers at Ron Bell Injury Lawyers know how to talk to insurance companies. They know all the tactics greedy insurance companies have to save money and screw you over. Having a car accident lawyer on your side can change the outcome of your injury claim.
