Sideswipe accidents are a surprisingly common type of car accident. Unfortunately, sideswipe accidents usually lead to serious injuries (and sometimes fatalities). Thankfully, though, by understanding why and how sideswipe accidents happen, you can stay safe (and keep others safe) on the road.

If you do find yourself involved in a sideswipe collision, you’ll obviously need to know what to do next. Don’t worry, because we’re here to help! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of sideswipe accidents, the role of a sideswipe accident lawyer, and the steps to take after this type of incident occurs.

Understanding Sideswipe Accidents

A sideswipe accident happens when the side of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. Sideswipe accidents often occur when two cars are traveling parallel to each other (such as on multi-lane highways or busy city streets to give you a few examples).

While sideswipe accidents might seem pretty minor, they can actually cause major damage and serious injuries — especially if the cars involved are traveling at high speeds. The impact of a sideswipe accident can cause loss of vehicle control, which means you may end up swerving off the road or into other vehicles.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents

Are you wondering what the most common causes of sideswipe accidents are? There are a few reasons why sideswipe accidents happen. Let’s break it down below, shall we?

  • Distracted Driving: When drivers are not paying attention to the road, they may drift into another lane. Some of the most common distractions include texting and eating.
  • Improper Lane Changes: Failing to check blind spots or signal properly before changing lanes can lead to sideswipe collisions. Drivers must always be aware of their surroundings and use signals to communicate their intentions.
  • Reckless Driving: Speeding, aggressive driving, and not following traffic rules can increase the risk of sideswiping another car. Reckless behaviors like weaving in and out of traffic can easily cause a sideswipe accident.
  • Drunk Driving: Impaired drivers often have trouble staying in their lane. Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment, reaction times, and coordination.
  • Bad Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice can make it difficult for drivers to control their cars and stay in their lane. Reduced visibility and slippery roads can easily cause drivers to drift and sideswipe another vehicle.
  • Driver Fatigue: Tired drivers may have slower reaction times and may not be able to stay alert. This often leads to drifting into another lane.
  • Car Defects: Issues like tire blowouts or brake failures can cause drivers to lose control of their cars and inadvertently sideswipe another car.

Why You Need a Sideswipe Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident, you should probably hire a sideswipe accident lawyer. Doing so can be beneficial for a number of reasons. For starters, these lawyers specialize in car accident cases and can help you navigate the complexities of legal claims and insurance settlements. Here’s a rundown on how they can help you:

Expert Legal Advice

A sideswipe accident lawyer understands the laws related to car accidents and can provide you with expert advice on your case. They can explain your rights and what you can expect throughout the legal process.

Gather Evidence

They know what evidence is crucial for proving who’s at fault and can help you collect and organize it. This includes collecting accident reports, witness statements, and any available video footage.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to make sure you get fair compensation. They understand the tactics insurers use, which means they’re able to counter them effectively.

File a Lawsuit

If necessary, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court to fight for your rights. They will handle all the legal paperwork and court procedures. This should give you peace of mind and a better chance of winning your case.

What Evidence Will Be Needed in a Sideswipe Accident Case?

To build a strong case, you’ll need to gather as much evidence as you can. Evidence that will be needed in a sideswipe accident case might include:

  • Photographs: Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries (including your own and those of any passengers who were in the car with you at the time). Pictures can help illustrate the severity of the impact and the positions of the cars during the accident.
  • Witness Statements: Collect contact information and statements about what happened from anyone who witnessed the sideswipe accident. Witness statements can be extremely helpful, since those who saw the event happen will be able to provide third-party perspectives that support your version of the events that took place.
  • Police Reports: You should request a copy of the police report as soon as you can. The police report should include details of the accident and the police officer’s own observations. Police reports usually contain important information about who’s at fault for the accident and any citations that were issued at the scene.
  • Medical Records: Keep detailed records of any medical treatments and diagnoses you received that were related to injuries from the sideswipe accident. Medical documentation is more important than you might think, since it can serve as proof when it comes to explaining the cause and extent of your injuries in court.
  • Repair Estimates: Get estimates for the cost of repairing your car. Depending on how fast you and the other driver were going, it might cost quite a lot to repair your car. Or, if you’re lucky, it’ll only cost a little. Either way, taking detailed documentation of repair costs can help a lot when it comes to calculating the total damages you’re owed due to the accident.

Documenting the Accident Scene

Immediately after a sideswipe accident, you should document the scene (if possible — the first course of action should be getting medical attention if you were directly involved in the sideswipe accident). Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in or witness this type of car accident:

Make Sure You’re in a Safe Location

Move to a safe location if possible and check yourself for injuries. Your safety and the safety of anyone else involved should be the main priority.

Call the Police

Report the accident to the police and wait for them to arrive. You should be able to use the police report as evidence (should you have to take the sideswipe accident case to court).

Take Photos

Make sure to take lots of pictures of the cars, road conditions, traffic signs, and any other relevant details after the accident has taken place. Try to get photos from multiple angles, too — photographic evidence is extremely valuable.

Exchange Contact Information

Swap contact and insurance information with the other driver (or drivers) involved. Make sure to take note of their vehicle make, model, and license plate number.

Talk to Witnesses

Get statements and contact information from anyone who saw the accident happen. Witnesses can provide important information about the accident that might support your claim.

What to Do After a Sideswipe Car Accident

If you find yourself in a situation where you’re a victim of a sideswipe car accident, here’s what you should do afterward. Needless to say, this situation can be awfully overwhelming. Just follow these steps and keep cool, calm, and collected if possible. Remember: the sooner you’re able to act, the better.

Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries (like whiplash or internal injuries) won’t be apparent right away. You should never just assume that you’re “fine” after going through something as serious as a sideswipe accident.

Getting a medical evaluation right away is the best way to make sure that any injuries you’ve sustained due to the accident are documented and treated immediately. It also creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident, so it’s definitely worth it.

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer

Once you’ve received medical attention, the next step is to consult with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in sideswipe accidents. They can evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and explain what the best course of action will be. An experienced sideswipe accident lawyer will be able to help you understand the value of your claim and the steps you need to take if you want to pursue it.

Negotiate with Insurance Companies

Your lawyer will handle any communications with insurance companies (which is honestly a huge relief). Usually, this will involve negotiating a settlement that covers your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and any other relevant damages. Why should you rely on a lawyer to negotiate with insurance companies for you?

Well, for one, insurance companies often offer low settlements initially. This is just one reason why you should hire a sideswipe accident lawyer, since they’ll be able to push for a fairer amount. They will use any evidence that’s been gathered to argue for a compensation amount that reflects the true extent of your damages.

File a Lawsuit if Necessary

If negotiations with the insurance company do not result in a satisfactory settlement, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. This involves taking your case to court, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome.

Your lawyer will represent you throughout the legal process. This means that they will present evidence and argue on your behalf. They will handle all the court filings, motions, and legal arguments needed to make your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Sideswipe Accident?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to start the claims process as soon as possible, so that all evidence is fresh and readily available. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and may weaken your case.

Contact the Sideswipe Injury Attorneys at Duffy & Duffy

If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident, the experienced sideswipe accident lawyers at Duffy & Duffy can help. They offer a free consultation to discuss your case and explain your options. With their expertise in handling car accident cases, they can provide the legal representation you need to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.

The attorneys at Duffy & Duffy have plenty of experience in dealing with sideswipe accident cases. They understand the complicated nature of these cases and have a track record of success. You can also rest assured that Duffy & Duffy will give you personalized attention. After all, you deserve it! You’re not just another case to them. They’ll treat you with the care and respect you need during this stressful time.

Conclusion

By understanding the causes of sideswipe accidents, the role of a sideswipe accident lawyer, and the steps you should take after an accident, you can better protect your rights and seek the compensation you’re entitled to. Remember, the car accident lawyers at Duffy & Duffy are here to help you every step of the way.

Contact Duffy & Duffy today to schedule your free consultation. They will review the details of your accident, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. During the consultation, you can discuss your concerns, learn more about the legal process, and get a sense of the potential outcome of your case.