Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyers
At Doehrman Buba Ring, we specialize in representing individuals involved in sideswipe car accidents. Our team of experienced car accident lawyers understands the complexities and challenges that come with navigating the aftermath of a sideswipe collision. With a focus on compassionate representation and a dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients, Doehrman Buba Ring stands as a beacon of support for those impacted by sideswipe accidents. If you have suffered injuries from a sideswipe car accident, contact us for a free consultation with a sideswipe accident lawyer to learn more about your legal rights to obtain fair compensation.
What Is a Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe accident occurs when the sides of two parallel vehicles touch and scrape against each other. This type of collision often happens when one vehicle inadvertently drifts into another lane without noticing the adjacent car traveling in the same direction. Although sideswipe accidents may seem minor compared to head-on or rear-end collisions, they can have devastating consequences including significant damage to motor vehicles as well as serious injuries.
If you find yourself involved in a sideswipe accident, taking immediate and appropriate steps can significantly affect the outcome of your claim and your overall recovery process.
What to Do After a Sideswipe Accident
Ensure Safety
First and foremost, ensure your safety and the safety of others by moving to a secure location, if possible.
Report the Accident
Then, call 911 to report the accident, providing them with all necessary details, including any injuries sustained.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Once you have ensured everyone’s safety and reported the accident to the authorities, it’s critical to gather as much evidence as possible while still at the scene. This includes taking photographs of the vehicle’s damages, the accident scene, any visible injuries, and road conditions that may have contributed to the sideswipe collision. Additionally, collect the contact and insurance information of the other driver involved in the collision. If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtaining their contact information can be invaluable for your case. Remember, the more evidence you collect, the stronger your claim will be.
Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
After the police arrive and complete their investigation, they will generate a report detailing their findings from the accident scene. This police report is a vital piece of documentation for your case. It typically includes information on the parties involved, witness statements, the officer’s assessment of the crash, and any citations issued. Obtaining a copy of this report is crucial, as it will serve as an official account of the accident, which can be beneficial when filing an insurance claim or if your case goes to court.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, as some symptoms may appear delayed.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Inform them about the sideswipe accident and provide them with all the details collected at the scene. Be honest and thorough during this communication, as the information you provide will be crucial in the processing of your claim. Avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be interpreted as such, as fault determination should be left to the insurance companies and legal representatives. Your insurance agent will guide you through the next steps, which may include submitting a claim form and providing additional documentation related to the accident to the insurance company.
Contact the Experienced Car Accident Attorneys at Doehrman Buba Ring
Contact a specialized car accident attorney, such as those at Doehrman Buba Ring. Our personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal processes, help you understand your rights, and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for damages and injuries. Avoid discussing fault at the scene or making statements to insurance companies before consulting with a lawyer, as this could impact your claim.
Liability for Sideswipe Car Accidents
Determining fault in sideswipe collisions is complex, hinging on thorough investigation and understanding of traffic laws. Typically, a driver who merges into another lane without ensuring it is safe for the driver’s vehicle, as well as other drivers, may be found liable for the accident. This includes drivers failing to signal, check mirrors, or acknowledge a vehicle’s blind spots. However, liability might also lie with drivers who speed, drive distractedly, or operate their vehicles recklessly, thereby preventing safe lane changes for other vehicles. Additionally, in cases where poor road maintenance, unclear lane markings, or malfunctioning traffic signals contribute to a sideswipe accident, government entities or roadway maintenance contractors might share in the liability. Our legal team at Doehrman Buba Ring meticulously examines all aspects of your personal injury claims to establish liability and champion the rights of our clients.
How to Have a Successful Personal Injury Claim for a Sideswipe Motor Vehicle Accident
Securing a successful personal injury claim in the wake of a sideswipe motor vehicle accident hinges on the ability to prove negligence. An experienced car accident lawyer at Doehrman Buba Ring will be able to explain how to prove liability for your sideswipe car accident case. Demonstrating negligence entails establishing four key elements:
Duty of Care
The plaintiff must prove that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff. In the context of driving, this is generally a given, as all drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles in a reasonably safe manner so as not to put others at risk.
Breach of Duty
The plaintiff then must demonstrate that the defendant breached this duty of care through actions that a reasonable person would not have taken under similar circumstances. In sideswipe accidents, this could be failing to check blind spots, improperly changing lanes, or engaging in distracted or aggressive driving.
Causation
The plaintiff must then prove that this breach of duty directly caused the sideswipe accident and the plaintiff’s resulting injuries. This often involves showing that but for the defendant’s negligence, the accident would not have occurred.
Damages
Finally, the plaintiff must demonstrate that they suffered damages as a result of the accident. This can include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
At Doehrman Buba Ring, our experienced legal team meticulously gathers evidence, including eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, police reports, and expert testimony, to build a compelling case that proves these elements of negligence for your accident claim. We aim to ensure that justice is served and that our clients receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.
Compensation for Injuries Due to Sideswipe Car Accidents
Victims of sideswipe accidents may be eligible for a variety of compensatory damages, reflecting the broad spectrum of physical, financial, and emotional tolls such incidents can levy. Medical expenses cover medical bills for immediate treatments and ongoing care, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and medication required due to injuries sustained in the accident. Lost wages and loss of earning capacity account for the financial impact of time off work and potential future earnings diminished by the accident’s aftermath. Physical pain and suffering acknowledge the intensity and duration of the pain caused by the injuries, while emotional distress compensates for the psychological impacts, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Additionally, compensation may extend to cover property damage, including repairs or replacement of the vehicle and any personal property affected. In severe cases, when an accident leads to a fatality, wrongful death damages and potential punitive damages could be pursued to penalize gross negligence or malicious intent. The legal team at Doehrman Buba Ring works tirelessly to quantify these damages accurately, ensuring our clients receive comprehensive compensation for the full range of hardships endured.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Collisions
Sideswipe accidents frequently occur due to a variety of factors, including driver negligence and external conditions. Many sideswipe accidents occur due to Driver distraction, with individuals often diverting their attention from the road to electronic devices, passengers, or other distractions inside the vehicle. Improper lane changes are another common cause, where drivers fail to use turn signals or inadequately check their blind spots before moving into another lane. Additionally, drunken or impaired driving greatly increases the risk of a sideswipe collision, as it impairs judgment and slows reaction times. Poor road conditions and inclement weather, such as heavy rain or fog, can also lead to sideswipe accidents by reducing visibility and vehicle control. Lastly, aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding and reckless lane weaving, significantly contribute to the occurrence of sideswipe accidents. Understanding these causes is crucial for both prevention and in the pursuit of justice for those affected by such accidents.
Common Injuries from a Sideswipe Accident
Sideswipe accidents, while sometimes considered less severe than head-on or rear-end collisions, can still result in a range of significant injuries to the occupants of the vehicles involved. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The sudden side-to-side movement of a sideswipe collision often causes neck muscles and ligaments to stretch and tear, resulting in whiplash. This can cause long-term pain and mobility issues.
- Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The impact of a sideswipe accident can cause the brain to move violently within the skull, leading to concussions or more severe brain injuries. Symptoms can range from mild dizziness and confusion to long-term cognitive issues and permanent injuries.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These severe injuries occur when the force of a sideswipe collision damages the nerves within the spinal cord. Depending on the severity, spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting the victim’s quality of life and requiring long-term care and rehabilitation.
- Broken Bones: The force exerted in a sideswipe collision can be enough to break bones, especially those in the arms, hands, and lower legs, as they may be thrown against doors or other hard surfaces within the car.
- Lacerations and Bruises: Flying debris, shattered glass, seat belts, airbag deployment, and the sheer force of impact can cause cuts, lacerations, and bruising, some of which may require medical stitches or lead to scars.
- Internal Injuries: The impact can also cause internal injuries, including bleeding or organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent but pose serious health risks.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond the physical injuries, individuals involved in sideswipe accidents often experience psychological impacts such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which can affect their ability to drive again or return to normal life activities.
Addressing these injuries promptly and thoroughly is crucial for a full recovery. Victims of a side-impact collision are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention for any injuries and consult with legal professionals to ensure they receive the compensation necessary for their medical treatments, rehabilitation, and recovery.
Doehrman Buba Ring Stands With Car Accident Victims
At Doehrman Buba Ring, our personal injury lawyers are deeply committed to helping our clients recover from their injuries sustained in sideswipe collisions. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of such personal injury cases and the profound impact a serious injury can have on your life. We prioritize your well-being and work diligently to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for medical treatments, rehabilitation, and any other necessities that arise during your recovery process. With an unwavering commitment to justice and client care, a car accident attorney will strive to alleviate the burden of your recovery, allowing you to focus on healing. Trust in a personal injury lawyer at Doehrman Buba Ring to stand by your side, advocating for your rights and supporting you every step of the way.