Sideswiped car collisions might sound like a minor inconvenience, but the reality can be far more serious. These accidents, where two vehicles traveling parallel make contact, are surprisingly common and often result in devastating consequences.
In fact, research from the insurance industry reveals that a staggering (2,000) to (2,500) fatal sideswipe accidents occur in the United States each year. These collisions can leave victims with life-altering injuries, from traumatic brain injuries to spinal cord damage, and sadly, sometimes even result in loss of life.
If you or a loved one has experienced a sideswipe accident, the qualified New York car accident attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers are here to help. We understand these cases and are ready to fight for the full financial compensation you deserve. Call us now at 516-342-2200 or schedule with us online to book your free consultation today.
No matter your situation, it will be our honor and privilege to fight for you!
What Are Common Causes Of Sideswipe Accidents?
So, what exactly leads to these dangerous incidents? The causes are varied and often come from driver negligence. Let’s explore more below.
Lane Changes
Perhaps unsurprisingly, lane change errors top the list. A moment of inattention, a failure to check blind spots, or a misjudgment of distance can have catastrophic results.
If we look at Naranjo v. Campbell (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2019), we see that a driver’s unsafe lane change led to a sideswipe collision, resulting in the court finding the driver liable for negligence.
Merging lanes presents its own set of challenges. Drivers who fail to yield or misjudge the distance between vehicles while merging can easily cause a sideswipe. The same goes for inadequate signaling.
When drivers don’t use their turn signals, or do so too late, it often leaves motorists with little time to react, thus increasing the likelihood of a collision.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a widespread hazard on our roads. When drivers take their eyes off the road to text, make a phone call, or eat a quick snack, they increase the risk of drifting into another lane and causing a sideswipe.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving due to alcohol, drugs, or certain medications is another major factor. These substances cloud judgment and slow reaction times, making it difficult to maintain control of a vehicle and stay within lane boundaries.
Even something as seemingly innocuous as driver fatigue can contribute to sideswipes. A tired driver may experience microsleeps or simply be less alert, increasing the chances of drifting into another lane.
Driver Inexperience
Of course, inexperience also plays a role. New or less skilled drivers may have difficulty maintaining lane position, especially in challenging conditions.
Conditions
Speaking of conditions, poor road maintenance and inclement weather can make it more difficult to control a vehicle and stay within one’s lane. Slippery surfaces, potholes, and faded lane markings all contribute to a higher risk of sideswipe accidents.
Speeding And Mechanical Failures
Finally, both speeding and mechanical failures can contribute to these collisions. In point of fact, driving at excessive speeds leaves less time to react, while a sudden brake failure or steering issue can send a vehicle veering into another lane.
Simply put, understanding the causes of sideswipe accidents is critically important, not only for preventing them but for determining liability as well.
And so, if you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe collision that wasn’t your fault, please know that you have rights. Moreover, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Schwartzapfel Lawyers for experienced legal guidance and support. Simply dial 516-342-2200 to speak with one of our award-winning car accident attorneys today.
What Are The Consequences Of Sideswipe Accidents?
Sideswipe accidents might initially seem less severe than head-on collisions or rollovers, but their consequences can be truly devastating. Additionally, you shouldn’t be fooled by the seemingly minor term “sideswipe” — these accidents often inflict a wide range of injuries, from the relatively minor to the utterly life-altering.
Injuries
Broken bones, lacerations, and soft tissue injuries are common, but sideswipes can also cause far more serious damage. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, and even amputations are all possibilities.
Financial Hardship
Beyond the physical and emotional toll of injuries, sideswipe accidents unleash a financial burden that can overwhelm victims and their families. Mounting medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and the costs of ongoing rehabilitation or care can quickly become astronomical.
Emotional Trauma
The pain and suffering caused by a sideswipe accident can linger long after the physical wounds have healed. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological conditions that require treatment and can interfere with their daily lives.
Fatalities
Tragically, some sideswipe accidents prove fatal. There have been instances where people’s lives have been cut short due to a sideswipe collision with another vehicle. This leaves the family with both the unimaginable grief of losing a loved one and the legal challenges of filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
No matter the consequences of your sideswipe accident, it’s absolutely imperative that you have experienced legal representation on your side. At Schwartzapfel Lawyers, we understand the full scope of these devastating consequences and are committed to getting our clients the full financial compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Call us now at 516-342-2200 to discuss your claim with one of our in-house attorneys. And remember, time is of the essence, so you mustn’t delay!
Your Right To Recover After A Sideswipe Crash
Being injured in a sideswipe accident isn’t just about the physical or emotional pain. There’s also a possibility of financial strain. The good news is that under New York State law, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses if someone else’s negligence caused your accident.
While no amount of money can truly make up for the trauma of an accident, compensation can help ease the financial burden and allow you to focus on healing. Here’s a breakdown of what you might be entitled to:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses can include costs ranging from ambulance rides and emergency room visits to surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you may need as a result of your injuries. It’s important to keep meticulous records of all medical bills and expenses.
Lost Wages
With any personal injury accident, there’s the possibility that your injuries will prevent you from working, temporarily or permanently. In either case, you shouldn’t have to worry about losing income. And so, the money you recover should make up for both your current lost wages as well as any future earnings you’ll miss out on, should your injury prevent you from returning to work.
Pain and Suffering
This category includes emotional distress, physical pain, and a lack of quality of life due to your injuries. While it’s harder to put a dollar amount on these intangible losses, skilled attorneys like the ones at Schwartzapfel Lawyers can help you calculate a reasonable amount based on the severity and long-term impact of your injuries.
Wrongful Death
In the tragic event that a sideswipe accident results in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. This claim can help with funeral expenses, lost wages, and the pain that comes with losing a family member.
Please note that building a strong case for financial recovery requires strong evidence, which can include but isn’t limited to:
- Police reports from the accident scene
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the collision
- Photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
- Medical records documenting your treatment and expenses
Insurance companies often lowball you — or don’t pay you at all. Thankfully, a seasoned lawyer knows how to maintain your right to compensation.
The experienced attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers understand New York State personal injury law and have a proven track record of success in securing maximum compensation for accident victims. To this end, we’ll handle all the legal legwork, negotiate with the insurance companies, and fight tirelessly to see that you receive all the money and benefits you’re entitled to.
Please, don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you. Call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 instead. We’re ready to defend your rights and help you get your life back on track.
Call Schwartzapfel Lawyers Today!
Sideswipe accidents, while seemingly minor, can leave a trail of physical, emotional, and financial devastation in their wake. The legal process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.
With over (150) years of combined experience, the seasoned team of car accident attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers understands the ins and outs of these cases and is prepared to fight for you every step of the way – both in and out of court.
With one call to 516-342-2200, you’ll have taken the first step toward reclaiming your life and getting the financial compensation you deserve. So, please, don’t let time slip away. Act now and reach out to start recovering today!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 now!
Sources
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
Naranjo v. Campbell, 2019 N.Y. Slip Op. 35041 | Casetext
Turn Signals | University of Pittsburgh
A New York City ambulance ride now costs nearly $1,400 | Crane’s New York Business
