When two vehicles driving next to each other collide with each other, a sideswipe accident occurs. Sideswipe accidents can also happen when two lanes merge, and the driver attempting to merge does so too quickly and swipes the side of the other driver’s vehicle. Unfortunately, most car accidents, including sideswipe accidents, are preventable and happen because of negligent or reckless driving.
If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a Los Angeles sideswipe accident, it’s important that you discuss your case with an attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for your damages, including your medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and more. The skilled Los Angeles car accident attorneys at Saeedian Law Group are ready to help. Contact Saeedian Law Group to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options.
What Is a Sideswipe Accident?
The term “sideswipe accident” is used to describe any type of car accident involving two vehicles colliding with each other while traveling in the same direction. In most sideswipe accidents, the vehicles involved are traveling in parallel lanes, but these types of accidents can also occur in the following circumstances:
- A driver misjudges the available maneuvering space while trying to cut in front of another vehicle
- A driver collides with the side of a parked vehicle before the vehicle enters the traffic lane
- A sideswipe accident happens when one driver is attempting to avoid a threat in front of him or her that could cause an accident
- A driver swipes the side of another vehicle while attempting to turn
- In an attempt to avoid a head-on collision, an oncoming vehicle swipes the side of another vehicle
Why Are Sideswipe Accidents So Dangerous?
Sideswipe accidents can be some of the most dangerous types of accidents. When two vehicles drive parallel to each other on a freeway, they may travel at high speeds. When one vehicle swipes the side of the other vehicle, it could cause both vehicles to spin out and collide with other oncoming vehicles, resulting in a multi-vehicle pile-up. When a large truck, SUV, or other heavy vehicle sideswipes a small passenger car, the occupants are more likely to suffer serious injuries. The larger vehicle’s reinforced metal sides or extended bumper may connect with the smaller vehicles’ glass, resulting in the occupants being crushed.
Sideswipe Accidents Involving Tractor-Trailers
Driving next to a large commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, can be dangerous. When the tractor-trailer’s side collides with the side of a small passenger vehicle, the smaller car may roll beneath the trailer. These types of sideswipe accidents are called underride accidents. The top of the smaller vehicle can become completely crushed and cause catastrophic injuries or death.
Full Side Engagement Accidents
Head-on collisions can be the most dangerous and fatal type of car accident. When a driver sees another vehicle careening toward his or her vehicle, the driver may try to swerve out of the way to avoid a head-on collision. Sometimes the driver doesn’t have enough time to maneuver out of the way and ends up hitting the front side of the oncoming vehicle. These accidents can be just as dangerous as full head-on collisions, especially when vehicles travel at high speeds.
Negligence Is a Common Cause of Sideswipe Accidents
Anytime a driver isn’t paying attention to the road, a car accident may occur. Negligent and reckless drivers cause the majority of sideswipe accidents. When a driver is angry and engaging in road rage or speeding, they may drift out of their lane and cause a sideswipe accident with the vehicle next to them. Other common causes of car accidents include the following:
- Texting, talking on a cell phone or watching videos
- Looking down at a GPS for directions
- Changing songs on the phone or stations on the radio
- Using social media while driving
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure to check the lane before merging into it
- Failure to use a signal before merging
Proving Liability After a Sideswipe Accident
If you’ve suffered injuries due to a sideswipe accident, you can pursue compensation through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Before you can obtain compensation, you will need to prove the other driver’s at fault for your injuries. As the victim, you have a right to pursue compensation through the at-fault driver’s Insurance company.
Proving liability in sideswipe accident cases can be challenging because determining who caused the accident may not be clear. The at-fault driver might try to blame you for the accident even if you were not at fault. Working with an attorney can help you protect your claim for compensation, gather evidence in your favor, and negotiate the best outcome possible.
Damages Available in a Los Angeles Car Accident Claim
Sideswipe accidents can cause devastating injuries, including spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries. If you are facing a serious injury, your medical bills are probably mounting up, and you may not be able to return to work. By pursuing a claim for compensation, you may be able to recover non-economic damages, including your past and future medical expenses, property damage to your vehicle, lost income, and loss of earning capacity.
You can also pursue non-economic damages for the pain and suffering you’ve endured. The attorneys at Saeedian Law Group have a professional network of experts who help us properly value our clients’ car accident cases so we can pursue the full and fair amount of compensation they deserve.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for compensation. The sooner you discuss your case with an experienced attorney, the sooner your attorney can begin advocating for you. Contact the skilled Los Angeles car accident attorneys at Saeedian Law Group to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about your legal options.
