Get Sideswiped? How to Get Representation in a Sideswipe Accident
Sideswipe accidents happen quite frequently. They often occur when a driver is located in the blind spot of another driver on the road. However, they also occur when a driver is distracted and remains unaware of what is around them. When a person weaves in and out of traffic, they may sideswipe someone, and anyone driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol may sideswipe another person as they swerve in and out of their lane.
What is a Sideswipe Accident?
Sideswipe collisions occur when two vehicles have a minimal engagement in which their sides come into contact. Most accidents of this type occur when the vehicles are traveling parallel to each other and often occur during a lane change. One driver may fail to see the other because they have a blind spot. It may be that weather interfered with their ability to see other vehicles on the road or they may find they are visually distracted. Sadly, at times, the lane change is intentional and reckless in nature. When this is the case, the victim in a sideswipe accident needs to see an attorney as soon as possible.
Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
Fatigue or substance abuse may play a role in this type of accident. At times, one driver swerves to avoid an obstruction in the road or to prevent a head-on collision and sideswipes another vehicle in the process. Something could go wrong with the vehicle and lead to this type of collision, or a medical emergency could cause a driver to hit another car in this manner. These serve as a few of many causes for sideswipe accidents today.
Injuries in a Sideswipe Accident
Individuals often sustain serious injuries in a sideswipe accident because the side of the vehicle lacks the protective features found in many other areas of a car. For example, in a frontal crash, the engine and airbags help to protect the individuals in the front seat. Although vehicle manufacturers do include side-impact airbags in many cars today, there is still less to protect the person during this accident.
Furthermore, the impact in this type of collision often sets off a chain reaction in which the car that was hit collides with other vehicles on the road or stationary objects, such as a guardrail. The vehicle might flip over as a result of the accident as well.
If the two vehicles involved in the accident differ greatly in terms of size, the injuries may be more severe. For instance, when a semi collides with a passenger car, the people in the passenger car could sustain multiple injuries. This may include broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, lacerations from flying glass or penetrating objects, or whiplash.
Who Is at Fault?
In a sideswipe accident, the driver making the lane change typically bears responsibility. They were unsafe or reckless when conducting this lane change in the eyes of the law. When a driver sideswipes another vehicle as it passes the vehicle, that driver becomes liable for any damage and injuries. However, at times, both drivers play a role in the accident and may be required to pay a percentage of the damages.
Any person involved in a sideswipe accident should speak to an attorney right away. This ensures the responsible parties are held accountable and the victims receive compensation for their medical bills and other expenses related to the accident. Contact an attorney today to ensure your rights are protected as this case moves forward. You’ll feel better knowing someone is acting on your behalf so you can focus on recovering from the injuries you sustained.
