Sideswipe accidents are among the most common accidents in California. Whether on a freeway or a surface street, these sideswipe accidents occur when one vehicle “swipes” or hits the side of another car. When that happens, you need a California sideswipe car accident lawyer on your side.
Sideswipe traffic accidents can result in minimal damage and no injuries. In other cases, they can cause complex chain-reaction crashes that result in multiple injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the collision, it also has the potential to result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Often, side-swipe accidents are caused by impaired drivers or not paying attention to the roadway. These are examples of negligence. If you suffer a serious injury in a sideswipe car accident in California, we can help.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight for you. Win compensation for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, lost wages, and much more with our help.
Call Bisnar Chase today at (800) 561-4887 for a free consultation with no obligations.
Sideswipe Car Accident in California
How Sideswipe Car Accidents Happen
A sideswipe collision occurs when one car crashes into the side of another. It involves a side-on-side impact. This can happen when the vehicles are headed in the same direction or opposite directions.
The best-case scenario is that the impact results in minor damage but does not cause the victim to lose control of their car. However, that is often not the case.
In some instances, the force of the impact can be enough to cause serious injuries. Many sideswipe collisions also cause a chain reaction, forcing one car into another and resulting in a large-scale crash.
Sometimes, the driver on the receiving end will see the collision coming and instinctively try to take evasive action. However, this can still cause problems if they swerve into other vehicles.
One of the most common types of traffic accidents we see is motorhome vs. bus and bus vs. truck because the vehicles are oversized and trying to share narrow lanes. Our law firm has decades of experience with winning sideswipe collision claims. Contact us for a free case review now.
Important Steps to Take After a Sideswipe Accident
It is important to understand that financial compensation is not guaranteed just because another driver was careless or driving recklessly. In such cases, as with all personal injury cases, injured car accident victims or plaintiffs have the burden of proof. You must prove that the other driver was negligent if you suffered harm in a sideswipe crash. In doing so, you can win the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
The steps and measures you take after a motor vehicle accident can significantly impact the success of your claim. Here are some of the most important steps to protect your legal rights and position yourself to maximize your compensation.
- Stay calm and check for injuries
- Stay at the scene of the accident
- Get appropriate medical attention by calling 911 emergency services or police
- Gather evidence, swap details with the defendant(s) and write down their license plate number
- Do not move the vehicles or change the accident scene
- Take videos and photos of the angles of all vehicles involved and the scene
- File a police report
- Be careful when speaking to an insurance company
- Contact a sideswipe car accident lawyer in California as soon as possible
Get Prompt Medical Care
You must seek and obtain prompt medical care and treatment after a sideswipe car accident. You should do so even if you believe that you may not have suffered major injuries at the time.
In many instances, injuries from a sideswipe collision may not surface until several days after the accident. Your medical record is one of the most essential parts of your car accident claim. It helps establish a connection between the collision and your injuries.
So, in addition to putting you on the road to recovery, your medical record serves as valuable evidence to support your personal injury case.
Gather Evidence For You Sideswipe Accident
It is best to be proactive when it comes to getting key evidence after a MVA accident. Your California side-impact car accident lawyer can help you navigate this process.
Some important evidence may include photos and videos showing the accident scene, debris from vehicles, skid marks, etc. We may later be able to source surveillance videos from neighboring buildings or businesses that show how the accident occurred.
It is also important to gather insurance details and contact information. You need the details from anyone involved. But you can also secure the details of anyone who may have seen the crash and can corroborate your account.
Be Careful Dealing With Insurance Companies
It is best to let your experienced accident attorney deal with insurance companies, defense lawyers, and other parties after an accident. Typically, insurance agents will use anything they can to devalue your claim.
You should say no if an insurance company asks to record a call. Do not sign any waivers or agreements without speaking with your accident attorney.
It is also not a good idea to post any details about your accident on social media or online. Insurers can use any details against you. For example, if a post casts doubt over the severity of your injuries, this could reduce your recovery amount.
Insurance adjusters are trained to break apart your case and pay as little as possible while seeming to be representing your best interests. Let your attorney shield you from their tactics to reduce your injury claim.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents in California
As California side-impact car accident attorneys, we often find that side-swipe accidents occur because of a driver’s negligence or sheer recklessness. Here are some of the most common causes of sideswipe accidents:
➤ Unsafe lane changes: When drivers fail to check their blind spots or signal a lane change, they could crash into another vehicle. This is known as an unsafe lane change. A person who makes a dangerous lane change can be held liable for a sideswipe accident. Reckless lane changes are common in road rage accidents and aggressive driving.
➤ Merging errors: One of the most common locations where sideswipe accidents happen is where vehicles merge onto California’s freeways. Negligent drivers frequently make mistakes like these.
➤ Unsafe speed: When drivers travel at an excessive or unsafe rate of speed, they could lose control and cause a sideswipe accident. In such cases, the at-fault drivers can be held financially responsible for the damages they cause.
➤ Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal under California law. Sideswipe accidents often involve DUI drivers who operate their vehicles while under the influence.
➤ Distracted driving: A moment’s distraction, whether a driver is looking at the phone or turning around to talk with a passenger, could result in a sideswipe accident.
➤ Weather conditions: Dangerous road conditions are expected in bad weather, often leading to many car accidents.
Sideswipe Accident Fault
Determining fault in a sideswipe car accident case can be complicated and often depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Generally, the driver who failed to maintain a safe distance from the other vehicle or changed lanes without checking their blind spot is deemed at fault.
However, if both drivers contributed to the accident somehow, both parties may be found partially at fault. To determine fault, a police officer may investigate the accident, review witness statements, and review any photos or videos of the accident.
An attorney experienced in sideswipe and side-impact cases in California can also help you determine liability and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
Fault and Liability in California Sideswipe Accidents
It is not always straightforward when determining fault in a sideswipe crash. Sometimes, it is clear. Other times, both drivers might share some blame.
California uses what is known as the “comparative fault” rule for car accidents. This means that your percentage of fault reduces your compensation. For example, if you were 0% at fault for the accident, you are eligible to receive 100% of the settlement. A driver who was 20% at fault for the accident could still receive 80% compensation.
In a sideswipe accident, several parties may be involved. Remember, if you were partially at fault for an accident, it doesn’t automatically preclude you from claiming compensation. Do not admit fault before the investigation is complete. Your car accident lawyer will be able to protect your rights and make sure that you receive fair and full compensation for your losses.
If you are unsure if you are eligible for compensation, do not worry. That’s what we are here for. Contact our California sideswipe accident lawyers for a free consultation on your case.
What is Your Sideswipe Crash Case Worth?
A key question for most sideswipe accident victims is: what is my case worth?
There is no standard amount. Financial recovery will depend on the specifics of your case. For example, contributing factors affecting compensation can include:
Medical bills
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Property damage
Compromised quality of life
Ongoing care or rehabilitation
Economic and non-economic damages
For example, if you have suffered serious injuries or incurred massive medical bills, your payout is likely to be higher. The injury case compensation could range from a few thousand to seven or eight-figure payouts.
Whether your sideswipe accident occurred when a driver veered over without checking their blind spots or a speeding driver made unsafe lane changes, we can help. Contact a side-impact car crash attorney in California at Bisnar Chase to schedule a free consultation.
We can win the compensation you deserve. There is no fee if we don’t win your case.
Sideswipe Accident FAQs
A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim against a negligent driver when a sideswipe accident occurs. We know that a lawsuit can be daunting. But we aim to put your mind at ease. We answer some of the most common questions below.
If you have more questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Generally, the driver deviating from their lane is at fault. However, not all cases are clear when it comes to liability. Contact Bisnar Chase for a free review of your case.
When it comes to car accidents, the statute of limitations in California is two years. We advise accident victims to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
With sideswipe collisions, giving a time limit without knowing more about the claim is impossible. Whether your case takes weeks, months, or years to resolve, we will work tirelessly to secure your best outcome. The more complex your accident is, the longer it can take to settle or litigate.
Anyone can afford to hire Bisnar Chase. Our law firm offers a no win, no fee promise. We advance all costs and only take a percentage of the recovery if we win for you. This protects you from out-of-pocket expenses.
In California personal injury attorneys charge approximately 33 1/3% and the rest goes to the defendants fund.
Safety Against Side Impact Crashes
Cars are fitted with all kinds of safety devices to protect drivers and passengers from sideswipe car accidents.
For example, most vehicles have side-fitted airbags to protect people from severe injuries when the car is hit from the side. Newer developments include sensors that alert drivers when a car passes or when they drift across lanes.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), blind-spot detection has already reduced lane-change accidents by 14%, while lane departure warnings have already cut sideswiped. Other devices have helped to reduce the number of rear end accidents.
These devices are a step in the right direction, but cannot stop all crashes. If you have an injury claim, contact Bisnar Chase for superior representation from a top-quality legal team.
Avoiding a SideSwipe Car Accident
There are a number of things you can do to avoid sideswipe car accidents:
- Pay attention to the road: Avoid distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, and eating.
- Check your blind spots before changing lanes: Always use your turn signal and look over your shoulder before changing lanes. Never assume it’s clear.
- Merge carefully: When merging onto a highway or other road, check traffic and yield to other drivers.
- Get enough sleep: Avoid driving when you are tired.
- Don’t drink and drive: If you have been drinking, do not drive.
- Be patient and avoid road rage: Stay calm and avoid aggressive driving behaviors.
If you are involved in a California sideswipe car accident, staying calm and assessing the situation are important. If there are any injuries, call 911 immediately. If there are no injuries, you should exchange information with the other driver, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information. You should also take pictures and videos of the damage to both vehicles.
Experienced California Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyer Near Me
If you suffer an injury in a sideswipe accident, our experienced personal injury lawyers at Bisnar Chase can help you better understand your legal rights and options. Our sideswipe car accident attorneys in California are experts who have been in business for decades.
Our law firm has been operating in California since 1978. Over that time, we have helped countless clients. We have a 99% success rate and have won over $900 million. Additionally, we offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee, which means you don’t pay any upfront fees or costs unless we secure compensation.
We also offer last-minute trial lawyers for plaintiffs who need immediate legal representation.
Contact a California sideswipe car accident lawyer at Bisnar Chase today. Call (800) 561-4887 to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. You can also send us an email through our contact page or use our live chat.
