A sideswipe accident typically happens when two vehicles happen to be driving too close to one another and are moving in the same direction. The sides of these two vehicles may come into contact. These sorts of accidents sometimes take place when a driver changes lanes without checking in the mirror to see if there is a vehicle in that lane already.
If you have been injured in a sideswipe accident due to the negligence of another driver you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. However, it is important to talk to a personal injury attorney before starting the compensation process.
What Causes a Sideswipe Accident?
At times a driver may drift carelessly into a neighboring lane having lost attention, possibly due to texting, talking on a cell phone, distracted by a passenger, is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or is just too tired to be behind the wheel at all. Many sideswipes often occur where the merging of two lanes take place, such as when entering an interstate from a ramp.
Sometimes, a driver doesn’t ensure that there is sufficient space to merge, or another driver rapidly changes speed and takes up the space. This is when a side swipe could take place as well.
Filing a Personal Injury Claim in a Side Swipe Accident
There is a process to follow if you have been injured in a side swipe accident that’s not your fault. You should make sure you have certain pieces of evidence available before pursuing a PI claim and this could include:
- witnesses’ contact details and statements;
- a police report of the accident;
- your doctor’s medical report;
- medical treatment receipts.
Having these available will work in your favor when presented to the insurer of the at-fault driver.
What Are Common Injuries in a Side Swipe?
Injuries in a sideswipe can be serious as cars are designed to provide more protection in the event of a rear-ender or head on collision taking place. For example, the rear and front of a vehicle have bumpers which are in place partly to absorb any force in an accident that involves an impact.
When the impact occurs in a side swipe, a car door could be ripped off completely seriously injuring a driver or passenger. The sorts of injuries could be range in type and severity but could include:
- a broken arm;
- traumatic brain injury;
- damage to internal organs;
- lacerations from broken glass;
- spinal injury.
Under state laws drivers are told to keep a good lookout and watch the behavior of nearby vehicles, and drive in a way that helps to ensure an accident doesn’t take place.
A Personal Injury Lawyer is Available to Help You
You may think you have a good case to win a favorable settlement from the at fault driver’s insurer but don’t make any assumptions. Insurance companies may try to offer a token amount if the claim is settled quickly.
A personal injury lawyer is more likely to pursue a claim on your behalf which is more appropriate for the financial hardship you have had to endure due to the negligent behavior of another driver. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to be connected with an lawyer who can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
