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Sideswipe Car Accident Collision Injury Lawyer

Hire a sideswipe accident lawyer who knows how to get it done

Sideswipe car accidents happen when the side of one vehicle collides with another vehicle while moving in the same or opposite direction. They frequently occur on highways when drivers are unable to judge their vehicle’s position and speed in relation to other cars on the road. One of the contributing factors to these collisions is when one car is in the other’s “blind spot,” preventing the vehicle in front from seeing the one approaching from the side, resulting in the two vehicles colliding. Sideswipe accidents are frequently referred to as “blind spot accidents” and can lead to serious injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a sideswipe collision, call Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers today at 800-800-4600 for a free case evaluation. Our personal injury lawyers can help you take back control and assist you through all the steps necessary following a sideswipe accident. Control Starts With a Call.

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Sideswipe accident statistics

Both statewide and national statistics show that sideswipe accidents are much more common and dangerous than people might think. If you’ve suffered a personal injury in a sideswipe accident, you are not alone.

  • Sideswipe collisions (both meeting and passing) reflect ~20% of all collisions and ~6% of the fatal collisions – 2020 Kentucky Collision Facts [PDF]
  • Approximately 242,000 sideswipe accidents occur every year. (IIHS)
  • More than 2,500 people die every year in sideswipe crashes. (IIHS)
  • An estimated 27,000 injuries are caused by sideswipe accidents annually. (IIHS)
  • In 2020, there were more than 24,400 wrecks that involved a distracted driver in Tennessee.
  • A recent study noted Tennessee as having the highest rate of distracted driving deaths in the nation.
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Common causes of sideswipe collisions

A sideswipe accident, as with other accident types such as rear-end collisions or side impact collisions, can be caused by a number of things. A sideswipe collision can be very dangerous and even deadly. It is important to understand that the initial swiping is generally just the beginning of a more serious accident. As threatening as the initial swiping is, the after-effects are generally even more dangerous. Many drivers will overcorrect their steering, often leading to other damages and serious injuries after losing control. Some of the leading causes of sideswipes include:

  • Distracted driving. 3,142 people died in car accidents involving distracted driving and drivers not paying attention, including texting while driving, in 2020. Both Tennessee and Kentucky have laws against texting and driving.
    • Kentucky law prohibits reading, writing, or sending text messages while in motion, as well as drivers under the age of 18 from all cell phone use.
    • Tennessee law makes it illegal for a driver to hold a cellphone or mobile device with any part of their body; write, send, or read any text-based communication; or reach for a cellphone or mobile device in a manner that requires the driver to no longer be in a seated driving position or properly restrained by a seat belt.
  • Speeding or reckless driving. In 2020, speeding killed 11,258 people. Speeding can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and lead to a sideswipe accident.
  • Inclement weather or other road hazards can impair driving conditions. On average, there are 1,235,000 weather-related car accidents, nearly 5,000 people are killed, and over 418,000 people are injured in weather-related crashes each year. Slick or otherwise unsafe road conditions can cause vehicles to uncontrollably slide into another lane. Hydroplaning and other road hazards also frequently cause a sideswipe accident to occur.
  • Aggressive driving or road rage. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that aggressive drivers cause two-thirds of all fatal crashes and nearly 35 percent of all crashes. Road rage is more serious because it often involves violent intent toward another driver. This includes actions such as using a vehicle to sideswipe another car.
  • Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs. In 2020, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths – a 14% increase from 2019. Driving under the influence can result in improper or erratic lane changing.
  • Driver fatigue can also play a significant role in causing a sideswipe collision. Driver fatigue is compared to driving while intoxicated by The National Safety Council, and according to the National Sleep Foundation, drowsy driving is responsible for more than 6,400 U.S. deaths annually. You are three times more likely to be in a car crash if you are fatigued.
  • Failure to signal a lane change is a common cause, as one driver is unaware of the other’s intent and does not have time to react appropriately.
  • Merging without properly checking the lane or blind spots for oncoming traffic can also result in a sideswipe accident and is especially dangerous at high speeds, such as on a highway. If drivers do not check their blind spot, it increases the chance of a sideswipe accident dramatically.

As you can see, most of these causes can be avoided by driving cautiously and following the law. However, there are many cases where drivers are negligent and fail to follow laws or are otherwise careless, resulting in sideswipe collisions that can have long-lasting consequences for all involved. You need an attorney who knows the law, can represent your legal rights, and cares about your well-being following an accident.

Don’t let the insurance company determine fault, the cause of the accident, or your compensation. If another driver caused you to suffer injuries as a result of their negligence, it is important to contact a personal injury firm as soon as possible so that you can understand your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation at 800-800-4600.

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What should I do after a sideswipe accident?

Following a sideswipe accident, you should take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers and seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is important to ensure you gather information and document the accident in a way that accurately shows evidence of what happened so that your legal rights can be protected. A sideswipe accident attorney will use this information to ensure you receive the most compensation possible to cover medical expenses and other damages.

Inspect yourself and passengers involved for injuries

If you are seriously hurt in a sideswipe collision, try not to move. It is best to wait for emergency services to arrive and evaluate your situation. The same is true for any passengers or loved ones who may be in the vehicle with you.

Ensure you are safe from oncoming traffic

If you are able to move your vehicle, you should proceed to the shoulder, safe from oncoming traffic. Since sideswipes frequently happen on highways, this is especially important to avoid other vehicles moving at high speeds.

Seek medical attention

Dial 911 and wait for emergency services to arrive. If the police arrive on the scene, they will conduct an initial investigation that you can obtain at a later date (the availability of the report will vary based on which state the accident happened in).

If emergency services provide you with the option of taking you or your passengers to the hospital, you should highly consider this option, especially if you are in pain or have noticeable injuries. If you are not experiencing initial pain, taking an ambulance can ensure you are cared for immediately and receive the treatment you need. If your vitals are critical, or if you sustained severe injuries, you may not be given an option, and emergency personnel will get you the immediate help you need. This is not the time to be worried about medical bills – your health needs to be prioritized.

If you decide not to make use of an ambulance or emergency services, you should still visit your doctor, local hospital or clinic as soon as you can following the accident. Accident victims sometimes make the mistake of waiting too long to be medically evaluated or do not get looked at by a qualified physician at all, which can harm their chances of a full recovery, as well as make a personal injury case more difficult when needing to prove the injuries they suffered (or are suffering) are a direct result of the sideswipe collision.

Exchange information with the other driver

If you are able, obtain information from the driver of the vehicle that hit you. The most important information to gather is:

  • Full name and contact information of the other driver
  • Insurance policy and policy number (if the driver is uninsured, it is important to understand this as well)
  • Driver’s license and license plate number
  • Type, color and model of their vehicle

When speaking to the other driver or the police, it is important that you do not discuss fault. Since accidents occur unexpectedly and those involved are often in shock, it is easy to mistakenly admit fault without considering the legal consequences these types of statements have and how any statements may affect your claim. As a car accident victim, it is important to understand that a combination of the insurance company claims, the collision report, photographs of the scene, witness statements, and, if needed, investigations by your personal injury attorney will determine fault in a sideswipe car accident and who is liable for any injuries or other damages that may have occurred.

Gather evidence to document the accident

Documenting the scene of the accident is important for several reasons. Following an auto accident, victims may have challenges remembering specific details. While a lawyer can help in many ways, having the most evidence possible can strengthen your case and help your accident attorney recover compensation for you, especially concerning sideswipe accidents where fault may be initially unknown or questioned.

Photograph the scene in a way that shows what happened

Photographs are some of the most important pieces of evidence your attorney can have following a sideswipe accident. Some of the most essential pictures to take include:

  • The position of each of the vehicles following the crash before they are moved. Take photos from all corners and angles so you can see all four sides.
  • Any impressions left on the road. These can include skid marks or other indications of what occurred prior to and after the collision took place with another vehicle.
  • Exterior or interior damage to the vehicles involved. Photos of where specific damage took place following sideswipe accidents help to indicate how the accident happened and can help your law firm prove your case to the insurance companies.
  • Conditions of the road, lane markers, traffic signals and signs, and where the accident happened in relation to these elements. Sideswipe accidents and injuries that follow occur in many cases due to one vehicle not paying attention during a lane change or when merging. Having good pictures of the road and lane markers can help determine fault and support your claim.
  • Indications of any lane closures or construction that may have contributed to the crash.
  • Any visible injuries that you or your passengers sustained in the crash. In addition to medical records, having photos of injuries directly following the wreck can help document things such as bruising, lacerations, or other injuries that may not be as noticeable days or weeks following the accident.
  • Photos of the license tags, ID numbers, and unique markings of autos/vehicles of witnesses. A photo of the witness’s license plate may prove helpful if you or the police are unable to speak with them at the scene.
  • Take all remaining shots of items you feel will help show how the sideswipe accident happened.

You should also note and retain:

  • Time of day the accident happened.
  • Weather conditions.
  • Speed you were traveling and the posted speed limit.
  • Any witnesses and their contact information, including phone number, mailing address, and email address.
  • Any clothing and personal objects that were damaged in the wreck. Don’t discard the evidence.
  • Any other relevant details that may help you and your attorney prove fault

Contact an experienced car accident lawyer

Don’t let the insurance company come to its own conclusion regarding the cause of a sideswipe collision. Obtain all the photos you can of the scene if you are able and note any details that may be helpful. They will serve as evidence and can often prove fault when seeking compensation for injuries, hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or damages to your vehicle. In many cases, photos and other details can be the most valuable tool for you and your car accident lawyer when fighting insurance companies that do not want to fully compensate you for your injuries or other damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, call us today for a free consultation.

800-800-4600

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Who is at fault in a sideswipe collision?

The merging driver is typically at fault in a sideswipe collision; however, it is important that you speak with an accident attorney as soon as possible, as there may be circumstances that can impact your injury claim and the compensation you are entitled to. The attorneys at Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers can help determine who is liable based on the facts and evidence of the case.

Common injuries following sideswipe collisions

Sideswipe accidents have the potential to result in significant damage and life-threatening injuries. Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries can result from severe impacts, such as those caused by a car that abruptly changes lanes. Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, sprains, strains, and contusions can result from secondary strikes within the car, such as the driver striking their side window. The most common injuries following a sideswipe accident are:

  • Traumatic Brain injuries (TBI) and concussions. Brain injuries may not be recognized right away. They can often show up long after an accident, which is why it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
  • Broken bones. A bone injury or multiple bone injuries can happen and be very serious.
  • Neck and spinal damage, including whiplash. Being sideswiped can cause the neck to move side-to-side, frequently causing neck and spinal cord issues.
  • Lacerations or puncture wounds can occur as a result of broken glass or other parts of the vehicle giving way to the impact.
  • Internal injuries can happen and cause significant problems. The liver and kidneys are the most common organs to be impacted; however, any organ that has been damaged can cause internal bleeding.
  • Wrongful death is also a possibility and should be handled by an experienced attorney.

How long after a sideswipe accident do you have to sue?

How long after a sideswipe accident do you have to sue in Kentucky?

A personal injury claim must be filed within one year in Kentucky, and a property damage claim must be filed within two years.

How long after a sideswipe accident do you have to sue in Tennessee?

You have a year from the date of the auto accident in Tennessee to initiate a lawsuit.

These deadlines are referred to as statutes of limitations. If you do not file within these timeframes, your claim will be considered invalid and denied.

It is important to contact a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases as soon as possible following a car accident. The longer you wait, the more difficult proving your case will be.

Contact Hughes & Coleman today at 800-800-4600.

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How can a personal injury lawyer help me?

After you become our client, our team of attorneys can help in many ways:

  • We help our clients receive the care they need and work to ensure a regular schedule is in place for treatment.
  • We deal with insurance companies so that you can focus on getting better.
  • We work with the billing departments of the providers to reduce unnecessary phone calls or harassment.
  • We help you recover compensation for your lost wages.
  • We seek compensation for your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • We guide you through the process, provide support, and help to ensure the legal system works in your favor.
  • We work to get every dollar you deserve.

Call now for a free case evaluation

Ensure your legal rights are represented by experienced attorneys who know the law and how to deal with insurance companies. When sideswipe accidents occur, it is important to partner with a law firm that can help you through this difficult time.

Contact Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers today at 800-800-4600.

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We serve clients across Tennessee and Kentucky and we have several offices throughout both states. See all of our locations and contact us today.

Kentucky Locations


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1256 Campbell Ln #201

Bowling Green, KY 42104

Phone: (270) 782-6000

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ELIZABETHTOWN

2110 N Dixie Hwy #102

Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Phone: (270) 737-0640

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LOUISVILLE POPLAR LEVEL

5004 Poplar Level Rd

Louisville, KY 40219

Phone: (502) 585-4025

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LOUISVILLE DIXIE

3618 Dixie Hwy

Louisville, KY 40216

Phone: (502) 585-4693

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LEXINGTON

211 E New Circle Rd

Lexington, KY 40505

Phone: (859) 260-1722

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Tennessee Locations


NASHVILLE

446 James Robertson Pkwy #100

Nashville, TN 37219

Phone: (615) 255-9100

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MURFREESBORO

1501 Memorial Blvd

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Phone: (615) 907-0687

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CLARKSVILLE

323 N Riverside Dr #100

Clarksville, TN 37040

Phone: (931) 546-7200

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COLUMBIA

622 W 7th St

Columbia, TN 38401

Phone: (931) 505-7040

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GALLATIN

126 W Eastland Ave

Gallatin, TN 37066

Phone: (615) 451-4288

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