All About Sideswipe Accidents

Have you ever noticed a car with dents and scrapes on the side? The first thought that may pop into your mind after seeing that type of damage is, “What type of accident did that person get into?” Most likely, that person was involved in a sideswipe accident.

A sideswipe accident is exactly what it sounds like; an accident where one vehicle strikes, or swipes, the side of another vehicle. While all car accidents are scary, this type of accident is one of the most frightening to experience. When you or a loved one have suffered injury from a sideswipe accident, the car accident lawyers of Merkel & Cocke, P.A., can help you fight for your compensation that you deserve.

How do sideswipe accidents happen?

A sideswipe accident is a type of collision that happens when one driver veers or drifts into another lane of traffic. This type of accident can happen whether both vehicles are traveling in the same direction or in opposite directions. There are several reasons why these accidents occur, including:

• Blind spot issues. Drivers who fail to notice another driver in their blind spots are in danger of starting a sideswipe accident. Truck drivers in particular have large blind spots that make it extremely difficult to notice smaller vehicles.
• Aggressive driving. Cutting other drivers off or weaving in and out of lanes are just some of the aggressive driving tactics that cause sideswipe accidents. Even though aggressive driving has become quite common on roadways, it is still a dangerous activity that leads to serious injury.
• Failing to stay alert. Drivers who are distracted fail to pay attention to the changes happening on the roads. The same second that the driver takes their eyes off of the road could be the same second that another decides to switch lanes.
• Merging without caution. Another common reason why sideswipe accidents happen is due to a lack of turn signals. Instead of using the left or right turn signals, drivers make the decision to just switch lanes. This obviously throws other drivers off and can easily cause a sideswipe accident.
• Drowsy or intoxicated driving. Another way that drivers can cause sideswipe accidents is by drifting into the other lane. When drivers are tired or drive under the influence, their failure to pay attention can end in a serious car accident.

Sideswipe accidents are dangerous in general, but when 18-wheelers are involved in sideswipe accidents, the damage can be quite catastrophic. Due to the size and weight of the truck, the other vehicle is in danger of swerving off of the road or into an embankment, or into moving traffic. Big trucks have a greater chance of getting involved in sideswipe accidents due to their blind spots.

What are some common injuries from sideswipe accidents?

Some of the injuries that can result from sideswipe accidents include:

• Broken bones
• Crushed or amputated limbs
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Paralysis
• Spinal cord injuries

How a Mississippi car accident lawyer can help

After being involved in a sideswipe accident, there are many concerns that will run through your mind. The first is, obviously, your health and wellbeing. The second concern is how you will recover physically and financially from the damages. The Mississippi car accident lawyers at Merkel & Cocke, P.A. are proud to assist you as you fight for your legal compensation. There are several ways that our attorneys can help you secure the compensation that you deserve.

• Communicate with the other driver’s insurance company. When you file a claim for your car accident, you will have to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. The other driver’s insurance policy should cover the expenses from your accident. Because insurance companies want to pay as little as possible in car accident claims, they will resort to all types of tactics to deny you compensation. An experienced car accident lawyer can speak on your behalf and represent your best interests.
• Collect the best evidence to strengthen your claim. An experienced car accident lawyer can also gather the best evidence for your claim. The more you are able to prove that the other driver was at fault, the greater your chances of a successful claim. Car accident lawyers are familiar with the different types of evidence that can prove the other driver’s negligence. In addition to your medical bills and police reports, our attorneys can use the expert testimony of medical experts and accident reconstruction experts.
• Evaluate the damages of your car accident claim. Another way that a car accident lawyer can help is by evaluating your losses. If you suffered serious injuries from your sideswipe accident, you could be short-changing yourself in regards to the amount of damages to which you are entitled. Because your catastrophic injuries may require long-term recovery services like in-home medical care and physical therapy, you will need to calculate the amount of damages for your medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you calculate an accurate cost of your damages.

When you are injured in a car accident, your first priority is to secure medical treatment. Your next priority should be to call a seasoned law firm with a reputation for providing excellent legal services. At Merkel & Cocke, P.A., our legal team is committed to helping you seek justice for your sideswipe accident. We represent injured clients in Jackson, Clarksdale, Greenville and Oxford. Call us today at 662-627-9641, or complete our contact form.