While the term sounds harmless enough, side-swipe accidents can result to the loss of control of a vehicle and lead to tragedy. No amount of money can compensate for debilitating injuries or even death.
However, being able to file for a claim will somehow ease the burden involved as a result of a side-swipe accident.
Referred to as a “glancing blow” from the side of a motor vehicle, a side-swipe collision may leave you not only with a damaged vehicle but also injuries, the extent of which will depend on how bad the crash was.
Filing a claim against someone who side-swiped you is therefore vital to ensure that damages and injuries will be compensated appropriately.
What You Need to Spend for in Injuries and Damages Due to the Accident
Some of the most common injuries that may be sustained in a side-swipe accident include neck or back injuries, broken bones, fractures, facial wounds and bruising. In severe cases, results may be as serious as head or brain injuries, internal hemorrhaging, spinal cord injuries and even death.
Besides these physical injuries that can easily be determined by medical examinations and tests, psychological effects of the accident should also be taken into consideration when computing for the value of the compensation to be claimed. Besides the injuries, damage to the vehicle must also be estimated.
While it is the insurer’s duty to process the vehicle inspection for the assessment of damages, you should not allow the insurance company to delay the repairs. The insurer should act within a week or two after the accident. If not, you should be the one to make the move to have the car damage inspected for repair.
You can also have it repaired and shoulder the cost, and demand for the reimbursement of such repair on your claim. Some of the most common damages sustained in a side-swipe accident are as follows:
- Repaint of the damaged portion of the car;
- Repair of dents;
- Replacement of broken parts;
- Replacement of mirrors, windows, tires, and mag wheels; and,
- Repair of other parts of the car depending on the extent of damage.
Distinguishing Who is Liable
It may prove confusing for drivers involved in an accident to determine fault. Whether or not you are sure that the other party is liable, you should never admit fault. This can cause you your claim and may end up unable to reimburse all expenses for the damages and injuries sustained.
Find out more about how to determine damages in personal injury claims here.
Side-swipe accidents occur when two motor vehicles are moving in the same direction next to each other and the sides come in contact. This normally transpires when one of the vehicles changes lane without checking if there is a vehicle close by in the other lane.
A side-swipe accident is one of the types of mishap where liability is difficult to determine. Most of the time, fault is determined through the position of the vehicles, and how and where they are travelling in connection with the lines on the road.
One of the easiest ways to determine fault is through the consideration of the existing vehicle and road statutes in the state where the incident occurred. As such, the help of a personal injury attorney becomes valuable.
Seek the Help of a Personal Injury Attorney
Given the complexities involved in filing a claim and the laws that may apply in an accident that occurred, it will be a wise investment to seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney when filing a claim against someone who side-swiped you.
Not only will you be assured of proper representation but your attorney will also increase the odds of gaining the accurate compensation for the damages you acquired. Take our free case evaluation to speak with a personal injury attorney in your area.
