Car accidents can occur due to negligent driving behavior that results in a collision to the front, back, or side, with side impact collisions leading to sideswipe collisions. These types of collisions can cause immense harm, as a driver can receive a direct impact from another vehicle, their car could spin out and strike a hard object, or their car could flip over. Sideswipe car accidents can cause significant damages they will have to pay for, including medical bills, property damage, and lost earning potential. A car accident lawyer can help prove the liability of the driver who caused the sideswipe accident and put you in the best position to recover full compensation for your damages. At The Russo Firm, we have car accident attorneys with decades of experience helping victims across the United States and can use that experience to help with your sideswipe accident claim process.
What is a Sideswipe Accident?
One of the most dangerous types of car accidents is a sideswipe collision, which involves two vehicles driving in the same direction that collide at the same speed. The impact of the collision can cause a car to be thrown forcefully off its path, possibly coming into contact with hard objects and other vehicles. A catastrophic sideswipe accident can involve a car veering into road signs, trees, street lights, and other vehicles. A sideswipe accident can have a traumatic impact for the victim, as they can suffer a severe injury like a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, or broken bones. Victims of sideswipe accidents with significant damages could file a car accident claim to recover compensation for damages if the other driver behaved negligently behind the wheel.What Can Cause a Sideswipe Accident?
The most common cause of sideswipe accidents is negligent or intentionally aggressive driving behavior. Human error can lead to a driver losing control of their vehicle or actively trying to strike another driver. A driver may fail to perceive all of the other drivers around them by not checking their rearview mirrors, surveying the cars in front of them before switching lanes, or compensating for their blind spot. The following are some of the negligent driving behavior that can cause a sideswipe car accident:- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Drunk driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving
- Road rage
- Sideswiping another vehicle while attempting a turn at an intersection
- Misjudging maneuvering space when passing another vehicle
Sideswipe Accidents Involving a Smaller Vehicle and Larger Vehicle
One dangerous situation involving sideswipes is when a larger vehicle sideswipes a smaller vehicle. While one may think of a sideswipe as two vehicles just grazing each other, the impact of a large vehicle striking another to the side can lead to catastrophic damage. A large vehicle-small vehicle sideswipe accident can lead to an underride truck accident, which can cause a crushing impact as a small vehicle passes under a large truck. Even if the sideswipe accident just involves a quick strike, the speed and size of a large vehicle can result in major damage to a smaller vehicle during a sideswipe. Severe damage and injuries can result that can irreparably affect the victim’s life.Sideswipe Accident Injuries
A sideswipe collision can cause severe injury through the trauma generated by the impact of the collision. It can cause blunt force trauma, penetrating trauma, and the body of the victim to collide with a hard object. Each of these can cause pressure and trauma to the body, with the muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments becoming damaged from the impact. The following are some of the severe injuries caused by sideswipe car collisions:- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Facial injuries
- Internal injuries
Damages Caused by a Sideswipe Accident
Damages are losses that stem from a personal injury incident, such as a sideswipe car accident. A car accident lawyer can help you determine the value of your claim by calculating your current and future damages that are a result of the sideswipe car collision. You can pursue economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those with monetary value and a bill attached, whereas a non-economic damage is an intangible loss that has to do with how your quality of life and mental health was affected. The following are some of the car accident damages caused by a sideswipe collision:- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Decreased enjoyment of life