When people board their vehicles they expect to be able to arrive at their destination in one piece. They don’t expect to be involved in a sideswipe accident. This type of collision usually takes place between two vehicles that are typically traveling in the same direction. The right side of one auto hits the left side of another. These collisions usually take place because one of the two autos involved has moved out of the lane it was traveling in at a time when it wasn’t safe to do so.
What is an Auto Claim?
When a side swipe accident takes place it is possible to file for compensation from the at-fault driver through an auto personal injury claim. If the claim is successful, the victim of the side swipe accident should get all medical treatment paid, compensation for lost wages or other earnings, any damage to the auto as well as an amount for pain and suffering.
When the calculation is made for pain and suffering, the amount of pain experienced is taken into consideration as well loss of enjoyment in life caused by any injuries. If the victim can prove the side swipe was caused due to the negligent driving of the at-fault driver it may be possible to include punitive damages in an auto PI claim. Evidence is one of the most important parts of any PI claim and a police report of the accident is central to winning a successful claim.
Why You Need a Police Report
After a side swipe accident has taken place, the police will compile a report which contains all relevant facts about the accident, as well as statements made by you and the other driver involved in the side swipe. If the police are not present when the accident takes place it is important to call them to the scene as a police report is a critical bit of evidence when a personal injury claim is filed. It will describe the accident scene and who caused the accident. All police reports should include the following:
- date and time of the accident;
- names of all drivers and passengers involved in the accident;
- what factors contributed to the accident;
- testimonies of witnesses including al contact information;
- the police officer’s assessment what caused the accident.
Evidence is Required to Support a Side Swipe PI Claim
Along with the police report there is other evidence you will require to support your personal injury claim. This includes:
- written eyewitnesses’ testimonials;
- a doctor’s report describing the injuries, treatment and expected recovery time;
- receipts for medical treatment received so far;
- photos taken at the scene of the accident;
- surveillance camera footage retrieved, if available.
As soon as you have compiled the evidence you should contact an attorney.
Speak With an Attorney
An experienced PI lawyer will go through all your evidence and will file a compensation claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer if there is a high chance it will be successful. You may not need to pay any legal fees until the settlement has been reached.
