What Does It Mean to Be Sideswiped?

Sideswipes are accidents between two vehicles in which the sides of the cars collide with each other. If the cars are traveling in the same direction, then the driver’s side of one car can collide with the passenger side of another car. If the cars are traveling in opposite directions, then the driver’s side of each car can collide with the other.

Sideswipe accidents often happen when drivers fail to maintain their lane or safely pass another vehicle. These collisions may seem minor at first, but they can cause drivers to lose control, especially at higher speeds or in heavy traffic. In some cases, a sideswipe can lead to more serious crashes involving multiple vehicles. If you’ve been injured in a sideswipe accident, reach out to Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney today. We can help.

How do sideswipe car accidents happen?

The sides of two cars may collide in the following situations:

• A vehicle behind another attempts to pass on the left.
• A vehicle behind another attempts to pass on the right or exit by moving into the lane to the right.
• A car tries to merge onto a road from another road.
• Two cars are trying to move into the same lane.
• Construction requires cars to move into certain lanes to avoid the work.
• Two cars collide on their sides while traveling through a parking lot.
• Two cars try to proceed through an intersection at the same time.

Sideswipe accidents can cause catastrophic, permanent, or serious injuries, especially if they collide at high speeds. Some sideswipe accidents are fatal.

What driver behavior leads to sideswipe accidents in San Antonio?

In many cases, sideswipe accidents result from driver negligence, such as:

• Failing to merge or pass with caution
• Not understanding where a vehicle’s blind spots are
• Being distracted, such as by texting, talking on a mobile phone, or looking at a GPS
• Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Having uncertainty regarding which road or exit to take
• Driving recklessly

Sideswipe accidents may also happen due to:

• Improper road design, which makes it difficult for a driver to understand where to travel
• Defective steering or other defective car parts
• Construction work that isn’t properly planned

Who is responsible for a sideswipe accident?

In some cases, it may be clear who is liable for a sideswipe accident, such as when a driver’s distraction prevents the driver from seeing that they are sliding into another lane. In many cases, the fault may not become clear until an attorney takes the following steps:

• Hire investigators to examine the accident site, review the location of the damage on each car, speak with eyewitnesses, and inquire about video footage.
• Work with traffic reconstruction experts who can show step-by-step how the sideswipe car accident occurred.

In some cases, both drivers may be partially at fault. For example, you may be partially responsible if you were near a dividing lane when another car improperly tried to pass you in the same direction because there wasn’t enough room to complete the pass.

Under Texas law, if you are 50 percent or less at fault, you can still file a personal injury claim. Your damages can be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your percentage of fault is 1/3 and the other driver’s is 2/3, and your claim is worth $300,000, then your comparative negligence share will likely be $200,000. If you are over 50 percent at fault, your claim may be denied.

What steps should you take after a sideswipe accident?

Sideswipe accidents can be very dangerous because the initial sideswipe can cause either car to collide with other cars in a chain reaction of collisions.

If you’re in a sideswipe accident that causes injury, property damage, or leaves the scene unsafe, call the local police. Until the police come, you and the other driver should exchange identifying and insurance information.

Upon arrival, the police should:

• Clear traffic, including arranging for tow trucks, to prevent any other collisions.
• Arrange for emergency medical transport if you or anyone else is seriously injured.
• Obtain every driver’s contact information, driver’s license information, vehicle registration information, and insurance information.
• Investigate the car accident.
• Prepare and file a police report if the accident involves injury, death, or property damage to a vehicle to the extent that it cannot be normally and safely driven.

If the police do not arrange for emergency medical transportation, you should arrange to be seen by an emergency room doctor or another physician, such as your family doctor, as soon as possible.

You should take photos or videos of the accident site and the damage to the cars, if it is safe to do so, as well as your injuries, including any bleeding, bruises, cuts, or scars.

You should also notify your own car insurance liability carrier that you’ve been in a car accident.

Our experienced San Antonio car accident lawyers are here to help. We can explain your rights, prepare an agreement of representation, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to under the law.

What compensation can you receive for a sideswipe accident in Texas?

Our San Antonio car accident lawyer may seek compensation for all your current and future damages, including:

• Medical bills of every type by every healthcare provider
• Lost income and benefits
• Daily physical pain and emotional suffering
• The damage to your car
• Any scarring or disfigurement
• The inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
• Loss of bodily function
• Loss of consortium

Get help from our San Antonio sideswipe accident lawyer now

At Pat Maloney: Accident & Injury Attorney, we have the experience and working relationships to show how sideswipe car accidents happen and who is responsible. Please contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We handle car accident claims on a contingency fee basis. We can work to help clients pursue compensation to support their recovery.