Though these crashes might not seem as severe as head-on collisions or rollovers, they can still result in significant damage and serious injuries. Understanding your legal options is important if you find yourself in this situation.
At Bernard Law Group, our Seattle sideswipe car accident lawyer can help you if you’ve been involved in such a crash. With our experience and dedication, we aim to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. We also offer free consultations to discuss your case and answer any questions.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
There are several reasons why sideswipe accidents happen. Being aware of these causes can help drivers prevent them, but if an accident does occur, understanding the cause can be crucial to building a strong legal case.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of sideswipe accidents. Whether drivers are busy texting, talking on the phone, or just not paying attention to the road, distractions can cause them to accidentally drift into the lane next to them. When they aren’t fully focused, they might not even realize they’re too close to another vehicle, which can quickly lead to a dangerous situation.
Unsafe Lane Changes
A driver might forget to use their turn signal before switching lanes or fail to check their mirrors properly. This can cause them to accidentally move into a neighboring lane and collide with another vehicle. When drivers don’t take these basic precautions, it puts everyone around them at risk, especially motorcyclists and smaller vehicles.
Blind Spot Issues
Larger vehicles, like trucks, have larger blind spots that make it harder for drivers to see smaller cars around them. If the driver doesn’t check these blind spots carefully, they might accidentally sideswipe a car that’s already in the lane. This can be dangerous, mainly because the car driver may not have enough time to react or move out of the way.
Speeding or Aggressive Driving
Speeding or weaving through traffic makes sideswipe accidents much more likely. When drivers act recklessly or aggressively, they don’t leave enough space for other vehicles, creating dangerous situations for everyone on the road. This type of driving makes it harder to react in time, increasing the chances of a serious crash, especially for motorcyclists or smaller vehicles.
You Were Hurt. We Can Help.
Over $500 Million recovered for our past clients. Let us help YOU! Call 24/7 for your FREE injury consultation.
Injuries Common in Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents, even when they occur at lower speeds, can lead to a range of injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Whiplash, Fractures, and Concussions: Whiplash is common due to the jarring motion during impact. Fractures, especially in the arms and shoulders, can also occur when a side of the car is struck. Concussions or head injuries can result if the head hits the window or steering wheel during the crash.
- Long-Term Consequences: Injuries from sideswipe accidents often require ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation. Chronic pain or reduced mobility can impact your ability to work or enjoy life.
- Emotional and Financial Impact: Besides physical injuries, the emotional strain of an accident can be challenging to deal with. Hospital bills, car repairs, and lost income from time off work can also create financial difficulties.
Liability in Sideswipe Accidents
One of the most important steps after a sideswipe accident is determining who is at fault. Our sideswipe car accident attorney in Seattle can help you assess liability by looking at key factors.
- Driver Negligence or Vehicle Defects: Most sideswipe accidents are caused by driver negligence, such as distracted driving or improper lane changes. In rare cases, a defect in the vehicle, such as a malfunctioning turn signal or steering issue, may be the cause.
- Comparative Negligence Laws in Washington: Washington follows a comparative negligence system, which means fault can be shared between parties. Even if you are partially responsible for the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation, though it may be reduced based on your level of fault.
- Gathering Evidence: Building a strong case requires thorough evidence collection. This includes obtaining police reports, statements from witnesses, and photos of the vehicle damage. All of this will help your Seattle injury attorney argue your case effectively.
The Legal Process for Sideswipe Accidents
The legal process for sideswipe accidents can be complex. Here’s what you can expect when pursuing compensation with the help of an auto collision lawyer in Seattle, Washington:
Washington’s At-Fault Car Accident Laws
In Washington, if someone else caused the crash, they are the ones who have to pay for the damages, like your medical bills or car repairs. Your Seattle car wreck lawyer will gather evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and police reports, to show that the other driver was responsible for the accident.
This is a key part of getting the compensation you deserve, so it’s really important to have a lawyer to help build a strong case.
Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
In Washington, you typically have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can mean losing the chance to seek compensation. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, is important because if you wait too long, you won’t be able to get any money for your injuries or damages.
It’s always a good idea to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible so they can help you file on time and avoid missing out on your claim.
How Fault is Determined Under State Law
Fault is determined through evidence, including traffic laws and the events leading up to the accident. Our Seattle accident lawyer will work diligently to establish who was responsible.
They’ll look at things like who had the right of way, if anyone broke traffic laws, and what witnesses or police reports say about the crash. All of this helps show who caused the accident, which is crucial for deciding who should pay for the damages.
The Importance of Early Legal Action
It’s essential to take legal action soon after a sideswipe accident. Acting early has several benefits:
- Preserving Evidence: The sooner you begin the legal process, the easier it is to collect evidence, such as vehicle damage reports, witness testimonies, and medical records.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies can be difficult to deal with. They may try to reduce the amount they owe by questioning the extent of your injuries or the details of the accident. Having an accident lawyer in Seattle by your side can ensure that you’re treated fairly.
- Improving Settlement Outcomes: The sooner you hire an attorney, the sooner they can begin negotiations. Early intervention often results in better settlement offers, as it shows the other side that you’re serious about your case.
Compensation You Can Claim
When you’ve been in a sideswipe accident, there are various forms of compensation you may be entitled to. These include:
- Medical Expenses: Both current and future medical expenses related to the accident can be covered. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Capacity: If you have to stop working, temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If you cannot return to your previous job, diminished earning capacity may also be considered.
- Pain, Suffering, and Emotional Distress: Compensation can also cover the non-physical effects of the accident, such as pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
- Property Damage: You are entitled to have the cost of repairs or replacement for your vehicle covered as part of your claim.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
How Our Seattle Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
We begin by thoroughly investigating the accident, gathering all the necessary evidence to build a strong case. This includes obtaining police reports, taking witness statements, and capturing photos from the scene. By understanding every detail of the incident, we can confidently determine what happened and who is at fault.
Once we’ve collected the evidence, we use it to build a compelling case that demonstrates the other party’s responsibility for the accident and resulting damages. Our primary goal is to prove their negligence so that you can receive the compensation you deserve.
Throughout this process, we also handle all negotiations with insurance companies. We know that insurers often try to minimize payouts, but with our team on your side, you can trust that we are working hard to secure a fair settlement.
If your case proceeds to court, we are fully prepared to represent you. Our skilled legal team will ensure that your story is heard and will fight for the compensation you need to recover from the accident. At Bernard Law Group, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Our Seattle Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible. At Bernard Law Group, our Seattle sideswipe car accident lawyer is here to provide guidance and support. Contact our dedicated legal team today for a free consultation.
