Driving requires your attention at all times. But even so, accidents can still occur. One type of car accident is a sideswipe accident. Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles that are driving in the same direction come too close together and make contact. While this can occur anywhere, it most commonly occurs in areas in which two lanes merge into one, such as an on-or off-ramp.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
There are a number of causes of sideswipe accidents. These include:
- A driver who fails to pay attention when changing lanes
- A driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- An animal or object in the road that causes a driver to swerve
- A vehicle in a blind spot
- A distracted driver who fails to pay attention (e.g., eating, texting, etc.)
A sideswipe accident may seem minor but it can result in serious injuries. While the front and rear of the car have bumpers to help protect against crashes, the sides of the car don’t have them. Additionally, while the front of the car has space for the engine and the rear of the vehicle has the trunk providing space between where the collision would occur, there is little space between the side of the car and the driver or passenger. Additionally, when the cars collide, it often sends one of them into another object such as a concrete barrier or guardrail – even another car.
Common Injuries of Sideswipe Accidents
Common injuries of sideswipe accidents include:
- Broken or fractured arms, legs, or knees
- Injuries to the head, neck, or back
- Other internal injuries
Many injuries that occur are not obvious and may take days or even weeks to present themselves. In fact, people often walk away thinking that they haven’t suffered any physical harm. But without immediate treatment, internal injuries can become quite severe or even prove fatal. That’s why it’s so important to seek immediate medical attention after an accident.
What to Do After a Sideswipe Accident
Sideswipe accidents don’t always cause a lot of damage to the car. Sometimes the accident results in small dents. Because of this, insurance companies may dispute that you suffered real injuries. However just because your vehicle didn’t suffer extreme damage it doesn’t mean that you haven’t suffered very real injuries. Still, there are certain things that you can do to help support a personal injury claim later on. After an accident be sure to do the following: ‘
- Take pictures of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, and any other relevant things, such as an object in the road that caused the accident.
- Collect contact information from those involved as well as any eyewitnesses.
- Call the police so that they can come and put together a police report to serve as a record of the accident.
- Seek medical treatment and inform your provider that you were involved in a sideswipe crash.
- Contact a car accident attorney – do not sign anything or accept a settlement from the insurance company beforehand. You may be entitled to damages, such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings (for permanent injuries)
- Damage to your vehicle or personal property
- Pain and suffering
The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Injured in a Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand to what you are entitled under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make the important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Texas personal injury attorney.
At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that an accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
