According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, more than 242,000 sideswipe accidents are reported annually. These crashes result in about 27,000 injuries and 2,500 deaths every year. Both same direction and opposite direction sideswipe crashes happen. These crashes occur when two vehicles are driving next to one another either in the same direction or in opposite directions but hit each other. Often, a second collision will result because at least one of the vehicles will collide with another vehicle, light posts, signs, a concrete barrier, guardrail, or tree.
Merging accidents are very common. When a vehicle is switching lanes, or merging onto another roadway, the drivers must be attentive and use caution to avoid a collision. If a driver misjudges space or doesn’t travel at the right speed, a collision could result. If you have been involved in a merging accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you can pursue a personal injury claim against the liable party to recover compensation for your damages.
Prove You Aren’t At Fault For A Sideswipe Accident
If you were in a sideswipe crash, you will need to prove that you aren’t at fault. You must show that the other driver acted negligently and caused the crash that led to the damages you suffered. There are several ways that a sideswipe accident might occur. A driver could be passing you and wander across the line, causing their vehicle’s passenger side to hit your driver’s side. Or a vehicle coming toward you could stray across the line and your vehicles come into contact.
Evidence To Help You Win Your Personal Injury Claim After A Sideswipe Accident
If you were sideswiped, you should maintain documentation to support your claim. Always call the police so an accident report can be completed. You will want to maintain thorough documentation to show what damages you suffered and how those damages were suffered. Here are a few examples of the documents that can support your claim:
- The accident report
- Witness statements
- Photos of the accident scene
- Photos of damages
- Repair estimates
- Medical bills
- Proof of missed work and lost wages
Sometimes, a dash camera or traffic camera catches the crash on video. At other times, the accident might be caught by a surveillance camera. Check around to see if a camera was in the vicinity of your crash.
How A Lawyer Can Help You Win Your Personal Injury Claim After A Sideswipe Accident
If you suffered damages in a sideswipe accident, you will need to enlist the help of an auto accident injury lawyer. Personal injury attorneys work on the contingency basis, so you will not pay anything upfront. Schedule your free case review today, so a personal injury lawyer can determine the best way to proceed with your case and can help you recover compensation for the damages that you suffered in the sideswipe crash. A strict statute of limitations applies, so don’t wait too long to file your claim.
