Sideswipe accidents can cause severe damage and injury. These types of accidents happen fast and usually out of blind spots. Determining fault in a sideswipe accident can be difficult. Many different factors surround how a sideswipe accident can occur. If you were involved in a sideswipe accident and suspect negligence from the other party, seek legal advice as soon as possible. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33 states that you have two years to file a claim for your accident. The longer you wait, the more difficult it can become to reach a settlement.
A lawyer can help you value your damages, assess evidence, and ensure you adhere to legal deadlines. Often, insurance companies and the defendant will try to shift blame onto you so they can avoid paying a settlement. You are entitled to pursue financial compensation. Allow us to help you negotiate with the insurance company and fight for your case in court.
Our team of Smyrna car accident lawyers has experience handling sideswipe cases. We have years of experience and have helped many of our clients reach a fair settlement. Our law firm’s goal is to allow you to focus on your recovery while we handle the confusing and challenging legal aspects of your case. Call us today for a free consultation at (404) 341-6555.
Defining Sideswipe Accidents
A sideswipe accident is when the side of a car impacts the side of another car on the road. Sideswipes can also occur when the side of a car impacts an object, such as a guard rail or lamp post. While other accidents, such as a head-on collision, may seem more destructive, sideswipe accidents can cause severe damages.
Sideswipe accidents are known to cause further damage to other vehicles. Once a car gets sideswiped, it can get thrust into other cars near it or onto oncoming traffic. This can set off a chain reaction of accidents on the road.
How Sideswipe Accidents Happen
Sideswipe accidents primarily happen when cars change lanes. This is because:
- The driver changing lanes failed to check their blind spot before changing.
- The driver did not signal his lane change to others.
- The driver is “bunny hopping” by frequently changing lanes with little regard for others.
- The driver speeds up their vehicle abruptly to prevent other vehicles from merging.
Another reason why sideswipes occur is driving under the influence (DUI). Driving drunk or high reduces your ability to drive correctly on the road. Many DUI accidents occur because the intoxicated driver is swerving and not keeping to their lane.
Distracted driving also contributes to sideswipe accidents. Checking phones, grooming, or eating all count as distracted driving because they take a driver’s attention away from the road. In doing so, a driver may swerve into the side of another vehicle unknowingly.
Aggressive drivers also cause sideswipes by driving too close to other vehicles, speeding, or brake checking. Brake checking other cars may cause them to swerve to avoid a rear-ending accident, resulting in a sideswipe to happen with the vehicle in another lane. Speeding reduces the control a driver has over their vehicle, and this may cause them to swerve and sideswipe to avoid a hazard. Driving too close to another vehicle is self-explanatory. Many aggressive drivers feel entitled to the space they take up and may encroach on other vehicles in other lanes, causing a sideswipe to happen in the process.
Injuries from Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents can result in mild to severe injuries. Even if they are mild, many of these injuries can have lasting negative impacts on your life. Here is a shortlist of the injuries you can sustain:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other forms of head trauma
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Cuts and burns
- Loss of limb
- Wrongful death
Injuries to the spinal cord or losing a limb will impact your ability to work or enjoy the things you used to do prior to the accident. Not only will this result in lost wages, but you can lose your enjoyment of life as well. A good lawyer will ensure that these aspects of your injuries get included when you pursue compensation.
You can also suffer from psychological damages as a result of the accident. PTSD, anxiety, and many other disorders are common in survivors of car accidents. These injuries are just as serious as physical ones. Do not neglect to pursue compensation for any psychological damages you sustain. Your lawyer will help value these damages as a part of your settlement.
Talk to a Lawyer Today
Never take the initial settlement from the insurance company. They will offer you a deal that is in their best interest, not yours. Some insurance companies will take advantage of your difficult situation by offering you money fast. By accepting their first offer, you will end up with less than what you should receive as compensation. Once you accept their offer, they will no longer need to provide you with further compensation. Avoid speaking with the insurance company before you get legal advice. Do not end up paying out of pocket for an accident that was not your fault.
Get in touch with one of our Smyrna sideswipe lawyers. We do not charge upfront and have no hidden costs. We are honest, compassionate, and dedicated to our clients. If you do not get compensation, you do not have to pay any fees. We offer a free no risk, and no-obligation consultation. Call us today to schedule an appointment at (404) 341-6555.
