Charlottesville Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyer

Being sideswiped by a nearby vehicle that seemingly came out of nowhere can be a terrifying experience. No driver wants to be in this position. However, the actions you take immediately after this type of accident can affect your health and your claim, so it is important to act promptly and prudently to protect your rights. 

If you were injured in a sideswipe car accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Kendall Law Firm has a strong track record of success helping accident victims recover maximum compensation for their injuries. Contact us today for a free case review with an experienced Charlottesville sideswipe car accident lawyer who can inform you of your legal rights and options. 

What Is a Sideswipe Accident? 

A sideswipe car accident is one in which the sides of two vehicles traveling in the same direction collide. T-bone accidents usually collide on the side of one vehicle, but they usually involve vehicles traveling in different directions. One reason why sideswipe crashes occur is because one vehicle may be in the other’s blind spot. When a driver switches lanes or turns, they may inadvertently crash into the side of a vehicle traveling alongside it. 

Common Causes of Sideswipe Car Accidents 

Sideswipe collisions can occur for many different reasons. Some of the leading causes of sideswipe accidents are:

• Distracted driving – Drivers who are texting while driving, eating, drinking, fiddling with vehicle controls, or talking to passengers may accidentally drift into an adjacent lane without noticing. Distractions can significantly increase the likelihood of a sideswipe accident.  
• Impaired driving – Drivers who are impaired by alcohol or drugs may have difficulty maintaining their lane, perceiving distances correctly, or making good judgment calls.
• Drowsy driving – Tired drivers often suffer from some of the same consequences as those who are impaired by drugs or alcohol. They can also fall asleep behind the wheel, veering into an adjacent lane.
• Failing to yield – Some sideswipe car accidents occur when a driver is merging onto a road and fails to yield to oncoming traffic. 
• Inattention – Drivers who fail to pay attention may veer into an adjacent lane and collide with a vehicle already in that lane. 
• Speeding – Speeding drivers are more likely to lose control of the vehicle they are driving and wreck into vehicles in adjacent lanes. Also, the window for drivers to react and brake to avoid a crash is significantly decreased when drivers are speeding.
• Road rage – Some sideswipe collisions are intentional. Angry drivers may purposely ram their vehicle into another.

If you are injured in a sideswipe accident due to a negligent driver’s carelessness, contact Kendall Law Firm immediately. You may be able to recover compensation for the injuries you sustained. 

Common Injuries After a Sideswipe Car Crash 

Some sideswipe accidents only cause property damage, but others can cause catastrophic injuries. Tragically, some sideswipe collisions are fatal, especially when the vehicles involved are traveling at a high rate of speed. Various factors can affect the outcome of a sideswipe collision, including the size of the vehicles involved, the speed they were traveling, the safety equipment in the vehicles, and the direction of impact. 

Some of the most common injuries victims suffer in sideswipe collisions include:

• Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma 
• Spinal cord injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Fractures
• Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
• Knee injuries 
• Arm and hand injuries 

What to Do After a Sideswipe Collision? 

After a sideswipe accident, there are steps you can take to protect your legal rights, including:

• Report the accident to authorities and request an ambulance if anyone was injured.
• Exchange information with the at-fault driver. Obtain their name, contact information, a description of their vehicle, license plate number, and insurance information. 
• Take pictures of the vehicles and any other property damage. 
• Ask any witnesses for their contact information so your sideswipe car accident lawyer can follow up with them and get a statement. An objective account from a witness can prove powerful evidence in a car accident claim. 
• Seek prompt medical attention for your injuries. Not all injuries are immediately apparent. However, seeking a medical opinion after an accident can help you diagnose and treat your injuries sooner and can potentially avoid complications. 

Lastly, reach out to an experienced sideswipe accident lawyer who can handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on your recovery. A lawyer can negotiate for a fair resolution of your case and ensure that any sideswipe accident settlement you receive fairly compensates you for the harm you’ve suffered. 

Who Is at Fault in a Sideswipe Accident in Virginia? 

Determining sideswipe car accident fault can be challenging because the drivers involved may have differing accounts of how the accident occurred. Often, the driver who failed to maintain their lane and veered into the other lane may be found at fault for the accident and resulting damages. This is because all drivers are supposed to maintain their lane of travel and take steps to avoid collisions with others. 

An experienced Charlottesville car accident lawyer can collect evidence to establish fault. Car accident lawyers can also help identify if any other parties may share in liability for the accident, such as employers if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident, another driver who swerved into the lane and caused a chain reaction, or a government entity if road hazards contributed to the accident. 

How to Prove Fault in a Sideswipe Car Accident Claim? 

Strong evidence is essential to proving fault in a sideswipe car accident claim. Videos, photos, and witness accounts of the accident may help show that the other driver acted in a negligent manner, such as by:

• Drifting into another lane without cause
• Making a lane change without properly signaling
• Making an illegal U-turn
• Cutting off another driver while changing lanes
• Failing to check blind spots before moving to an adjacent lane 

Get in Touch with a Charlottesville Sideswipe Car Accident Attorney

If you were injured in a sideswipe accident, act quickly to protect your rights. Kendall Law Firm has multiple offices across the state to help accident victims and a stellar A+ BBB rating. Contact us at (866) 590-9773 for a free, no-obligation consultation to find out if you have a case against the at-fault party.