Atlanta Sideswipe Collision Accident Lawyer

What is a sideswipe collision?

A sideswipe collision happens when two vehicles are traveling in the same direction and one vehicle strikes the other from the side. Sideswipes often occur when vehicles are changing lanes or merging onto a highway. They can also happen when a driver swerves to avoid an accident or road hazard and strikes a car in an adjacent lane.

Sideswipe collisions are more dangerous than the name suggests. Bumpers, airbags and other standard auto safety equipment is mostly meant to minimize injuries and damage in front-end or rear-end collisions. There is far less protection for side collisions, and less distance between the driver or passengers and the point of impact. This means that a relatively minor sideswipe collision may inflict serious injuries.

Legally, who is “at fault” in an Atlanta sideswipe collision?

Determining who is at fault is an important part of any sideswipe collision claim in Atlanta. This is because Georgia law holds the driver at fault legally responsible for all the injuries and damage that occur. Most sideswipe accidents happen because one driver was careless, or “negligent.” That driver might have:

• Neglected to check his or her blind spot
• Failed to signal when changing lanes
• Aggressively weaved in and out of traffic
• Been distracted by a cell phone or GPS

Whatever the cause, when a driver is negligent, he or she (or their insurance company) is legally responsible for your losses.

What kind of injuries are covered by a sideswipe collision accident claim?

Some sideswipe accident victims suffer only minor injuries, while others will need months or years of expensive treatment. If your injuries were caused by the accident, they will probably be covered in your claim. Some of the most common types of sideswipe collision injuries include:

• Head injuries from hitting your head on the hard surfaces inside the car
• Broken bones
• Sprains, strains and other muscle injuries
• Neck and shoulder injuries

While whiplash is not the most common injury in a sideswipe collision, a considerable number of victims experience this. The neck injury is caused by a sudden and forceful back-and-forth movement of the neck. If you recognize the symptoms, contact a medical expert and a whiplash lawyer to help you recover.

Even if you think your injuries are minor and will heal on their own, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor can give you a diagnosis and get you started on treatment that may shorten your recovery time. And when you see a doctor, it shows that you took your injuries seriously from the start, helping you make a stronger claim.

How much money am I entitled to?

Accident victims in Atlanta and the State of Georgia are eligible to recover ALL of their costs related to the accident. The insurance company for the driver who was at fault is usually liable for these types of costs and damages:

• Medical bills
• The cost of prescription medicine
• Physical or rehabilitative therapy expenses
• The cost of repairing your car or replacing a totaled car
• Lost pay, if the accident caused you to miss time from work

If you were seriously injured, you may be able to recover far more. You may be eligible for large cash awards for pain, a disability, the loss of a loved one, or other serious losses. This money can never undo the effects of a serious accident, but it can ease your financial burdens, provide for your family, and help you get all the treatment and care you need.

I already have an offer from the insurance company. Why do I need a lawyer?

It’s common for insurance companies to rush in after an accident and offer victims “quick cash.” This money is tempting, especially if you are worried about paying your medical bills. But there is a catch: if you take the quick money, you will probably have to sign paperwork giving up you right to ask for more later. If you discover the insurance company money wasn’t enough to pay for your care, you will be out of luck.

An Atlanta Georgia car accident lawyer can tell you whether you have a good claim and can refer you to doctors who will give you a full diagnosis and an estimate of what your injuries will really cost. A lawyer equips you with the information you need to make a good decision, and a lawyer can work to negotiate a better deal. This is especially important in sideswipe collision claims. Insurance companies tend to think that sideswipes are minor accidents that only cause vehicle damage. They may offer you far less than your claim is really worth because they question whether you were truly injured. A lawyer’s help can mean thousands of dollars more than the insurance company offered at first.

How do I know if I have a valid car accident claim?

If you were sideswiped through no fault of your own, you probably have a valid claim. Sometimes it is easy to tell that your claim is valid—for example, you are driving the speed limit on a highway and another car moves directly into your lane, hitting you from the side. Other times it is more complicated, such as when another driver cuts you off and you sideswipe a third car while trying to avoid an accident.

It’s easy to second guess yourself, so the best approach is to schedule a consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer any time you believe you might have a valid claim. A good lawyer will be able to tell you whether your claim is good, and can build a case and take it to the insurance company.

Talk to an Atlanta Sideswipe Collision Accident Lawyer for Free

Our lawyers have built their careers on helping accident victims recover money for their injuries. You won’t pay us anything unless we win money for you. Let us give you a FREE consultation to help you understand the right next steps for your case—with no obligation. Call us at (404) 341-6555 or fill out the form to the right to get your free consultation today.