What to do after a sideswipe accident in Bowling Green, KY

In this video, Attorney Lee Coleman takes drivers in Bowling Green through the immediate next steps after they’re involved in a sideswipe accident and talks about how a car accident lawyer can help.

Take these actions in Bowling Green, Kentucky, if you are involved in a sideswipe crash. It’s critical to have proof to support your personal injury claim:

• Is anyone hurt? Check for injuries first. Are you or any passengers injured?
• Next, call 911.Hopefully, a police officer will make it to the accident scene. If, for some reason, they don’t make it to the scene, submit a crash report to Kentucky State Police within 20 days of the crash. It’s important to get the sideswipe accident report done as quickly as possible.
• Seek medical help. It’s important to keep all records of any injuries or medical treatments in one secure place so they’ll be easy to locate for any insurance claims you may have and for your personal injury case.
• When it’s safe, move your vehicle away from traffic. The last thing you want is to get hit again. Once it’s safe, move your car to a spot away from oncoming traffic.
• Get evidence via photos and videos. You must document the accident scene by taking photos and videos of all vehicles involved from different angles as soon as possible to have evidence to back up what happened to you. It’s important in a sideswipe accident in Bowling Green, to build your personal injury case; otherwise, it may be difficult to prove what happened. You should also take photos of any injuries, IDs, insurance cards, and evidence of the surroundings like mile markers, skid marks, speed limit signs, broken glass – anything that helps tell what happened.
• Record all the accident details. In addition to photo evidence, write down or voice record details like the date, time, and location of the sideswipe accident, including which direction the vehicles were going.
• Write down or record contact information. Photograph or write down the other driver’s license, insurance information, address, phone number, and email. Make sure to get all the vehicle information. That includes the make, model, license plate number, and (VIN) vehicle identification number on the driver’s side dashboard. If you were a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Bowling Green, write down as much information about the vehicle as you can remember and provide those details to the police.
• Interview witnesses. Talk to any other drivers or witnesses who saw the accident or stopped at the accident scene. You can ask to record the information on your phone, as these witnesses could be part of your personal injury claim evidence. Make sure also to get their names, phone numbers, and email addresses.
• Don’t say the accident is your fault. Even if, for some reason, you think you may have caused the accident in part, things happen fast, and you may not be at fault. The accident will be investigated. While you’re getting important details, let the police investigate, and your car accident attorney will also follow up.
• Get the police report: You can obtain a copy of your Bowling Green police report from the Bowling Green Police, or from the Kentucky State Police, depending on which agency investigated the crash.
• Call an accident attorney with experience. Our team of injury attorneys can help prove fault, interview witnesses, collect police reports, and take on other tasks so that you can focus on getting better.

Additional reading: Is Kentucky a No-Fault State?

If you are hurt in Bowling Green, Kentucky, our accident lawyers will be by your side

This could be one of the most challenging periods you’ve ever encountered, and choosing the best car accident lawyer for you can be a challenging decision, however it’s important to understand that a car accident attorney can offer support and simplify matters for you following a collision. Here’s how our Hughes and Coleman team members will help with your case:

• Our team will gather police reports and other evidence to establish liability and find potential compensation for you.
• We will provide you with legal counsel, ensuring the protection of your rights and giving you peace of mind.
• Our attorneys will manage all communication with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you get the full compensation you are entitled to.

Our attorneys will dig deep for damages to help get your life back on track

Frequently, insurance companies offer meager settlements that do not account for future expenses. Hire one of our car accident attorneys in Bowling Green to get the money and aid you’re entitled to for:

• Medical bills now and future medical bills
• Lost wages due to your injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage that includes damage to your vehicle
• Additional losses the accident may have caused

Don’t delay. To position yourself for a great outcome, get in touch with a sideswipe accident law firm right after the collision.

Call us 24/7 for a free consultation. Call now 800-800-4600. Get it done.

Sideswipe accidents happen often in Bowling Green, Kentucky

In Bowling Green, Kentucky, car accidents continue to be a pressing concern, with 1,847 reported accidents between September 2022 and February 2023, according to the Bowling Green Police Department, 17% of which resulted in injuries. Moreover, crash fatalities are reportedly increasing statewide, both in urban and rural areas, as noted by the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.

How do sideswipe accidents happen?

There are two kinds of sideswipe accidents: Collisions from the opposite direction and crashes that happen when vehicles are moving in the same direction.

Opposite Direction Sideswipe Accident

An opposite-direction sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions come into contact with each other while moving parallel to each other. These accidents can pose significant dangers, leading to a loss of vehicle control, spinouts, and even head-on collisions. Such accidents happen when one driver crosses over the centerline or median or when both drivers simultaneously swerve toward the same side of the road. Typically, in this type of sideswipe accident, the point of impact is near the sides of the vehicles, either toward the front or rear. The extent of damage can vary, ranging from limited damage to the sides of the vehicles to more extensive damage, influenced by factors such as speed and angle of impact.

Same Direction Sideswipe Accident

A same-direction sideswipe accident is frequently encountered on Bowling Green’s busiest highways and multi-lane roads, like Scottsville Road, U.S. 31-W Bypass, or KY 234, where lane changes can be frequent. It occurs when two vehicles traveling in the same direction come into contact with each other while moving parallel to one another. This sort of accident can happen when one driver changes lanes without checking their blind spot or when both drivers attempt to merge into the same lane simultaneously. It’s important to note these accidents can be equally hazardous, potentially leading to loss of vehicle control, spinouts, and even multi-vehicle collisions if other cars are in close proximity. They can also result in T-bone car accidents in Bowling Green, depending on how the driver responds to the collision.

What common factors contribute to sideswipes in Bowling Green, Kentucky? 

Many factors can contribute to a sideswipe crash in Bowling Green:

• Distracted driving:Talking on the phone, eating, talking to passengers, or adjusting the radio can cause drivers to lose focus. Sideswipe accidents occur when drivers are not paying attention to the road.
• Not using turn signals: When drivers don’t use turn signals, it can easily lead to an accident. When drivers don’t signal to change lanes, that can lead to a sideswipe crash.
• Speeding and reckless driving: Speed is a major factor in all accidents, including sideswipe collisions. Bowling Green Police keep a watch out for speeders on a regular basis. Reckless driving, like tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic, can also increase the chances of a sideswipe crash.
• Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs causes impaired judgment and increases the chances of a sideswipe accident and serious injuries. Warren County recorded 150 alcohol-related traffic crashes in 2020.
• Fatigued Drivers: Drivers who are sleepy behind the wheel can be just as dangerous as those who are driving under the influence. An exhausted driver’s reaction time is shortened, causing thousands of accidents and deaths on the road each year.
• Dangerous road conditions:It’s tough to drive in pouring rain, on icy roads, or with blinding sun and fog. These dangerous conditions cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and increase the chances of a sideswipe accident.

Who is at fault when there’s a sideswipe collision?

Trying to determine who caused a sideswipe accident or who swiped who can be a difficult job. Determining fault is easier when there’s a rear-end car accident in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but sideswipe accidents need intense investigation. When you have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side to lead the investigation, especially when there is an injury, you’ll get the best resolution possible.

The factors that often determine fault include:

• Any physical evidence from the crash, like vehicle scratches or paint transfer
• Eyewitness statements
• The position and movement of the vehicles before and after the impact
• Skid marks left on the road can also help determine fault.

Are there any cameras around the accident scene? Find out since this can be crucial. The police report is also part of the evidence. It has the accident details, such as driver statements, witness accounts, and any other documented evidence conducted by the investigating police officer.

Each sideswipe accident has its own story. Working with experienced car accident attorneys in Bowling Green is vital, as the legal team knows the area and has the resources to investigate the accident on your behalf and help establish evidence to prove that the accident wasn’t your fault.

If you are partly at fault, can you be compensated for a sideswipe accident?

Yes. Car accidents in the state of Kentucky are governed by a pure comparative negligence rule. The damages that you can recover are reduced by your percentage of fault. That means even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you might be able to recover some damages from the other driver.

Common injuries caused by a sideswipe accident

Sideswipe accident injuries can include:

• Soft tissue injuries
• Head injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Cuts and lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Psychological injuries, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder
• Whiplash

First, your health is of the utmost importance. Right after a sideswipe car crash, seek medical care even if you don’t have symptoms right away. Sometimes, injuries aren’t obvious immediately, and delaying treatment can be dangerous for your health. If you are involved in a sideswipe car accident in Bowling Green, consult with a medical professional right away and a car accident attorney from our legal team who can help you understand your rights.

You’re not alone with the insurance company

In the unfortunate event of a sideswipe car crash, the most severe consequences can unfold, potentially necessitating long-term care. Such an incident might lead to income loss or require you to take on the role of a caregiver for an injured family member. However, the initial injuries and damages are not the sole concerns; there may be expenses that insurance providers are unwilling to cover. This is why having a dedicated car accident attorney in your corner is so important. Suppose you’ve sustained injuries in a sideswipe collision caused by a negligent driver in Bowling Green. In that case, it’s necessary to seek the assistance of a seasoned attorney who can negotiate a settlement that addresses the expenses insurance may not cover for both you and your family.

Hughes & Coleman is ready to help

Talking with one of our sideswipe car accident lawyers in Bowling Green and having them lead your case immediately means you will get the compensation you deserve. An experienced law firm like Hughes & Coleman has a dedicated team that knows exactly how to deal with the insurance company.

Don’t wait. Call us right now.

800-800-4600

Get it done.