Sideswipe accidents may seem minor compared to head-on or T-bone collisions, but when they occur at high speeds, the consequences that may result can be catastrophic. These crashes often result in serious injuries, extensive property damage and even fatal outcomes. Victims of high-speed sideswipes deserve to understand their rights and options under the law.
While it is not always easy to prove, it’s important to understand that these kinds of crashes in particular tend to be associated with distracted driving. If you have recently been involved in a sideswipe crash and you suspect that the driver who hit you was distracted at the time of the collision, make sure that you voice that concern to your legal team, as this information may inform their response to your situation.
A tough situation and a potentially tough aftermath
Distracted driving is a growing concern on roadways across the country. Motorists checking their phones, adjusting navigation systems, eating and/or simply letting their attention drift can unintentionally veer out of their lanes. At highway speeds, a vehicle that crosses the line by just a few inches can slam into the side of another vehicle with tremendous force. These sudden impacts can cause victims to lose control, spin out, hit guardrails or collide with other vehicles.
Unlike some other types of crashes, sideswipes can be difficult to anticipate or avoid. Drivers following the rules may suddenly find themselves clipped by a swerving vehicle, often with no time to react. When this happens, serious injuries such as spinal damage, broken bones, concussions and internal trauma are not uncommon. A victim’s car may also be pushed off the road or into another lane, causing a chain reaction of collisions.
Insurance companies may attempt to downplay the seriousness of a sideswipe or argue that the victim shared fault. This is especially consequential in states that follow comparative negligence rules, where shared fault can reduce or eliminate a compensation award. Seeking legal representation can help victims to better ensure that they aren’t muscled out of seeking the full value of compensation to which they are entitled.