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No one expects to be struck in the side while driving or riding in a vehicle, but this all too frequently happens in Escondido, California. Being hurt in a sideswipe accident could lead to serious and costly injuries.
If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a sideswipe accident in Escondido, it is important to get legal help immediately. Several sideswipe accident scenarios may entitle victims like you to compensation, but only when you’re prepared to act quickly.
Working with a qualified car accident injury lawyer in Escondido will help you determine sideswipe car accident fault and proceed with a claim or lawsuit. Contact us at Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers to begin your case.
Common Sideswipe Accident Scenarios
A sideswipe accident happens when two vehicles next to each other traveling in the same direction make contact. This can occur in several different scenarios, such as when two lanes merge.
Some of the most common causes of sideswipe accidents include:
- Animals or objects in the road that cause a driver to swerve abruptly
- Drivers who are not paying attention while changing lanes
- Drivers talking to passengers
- Drivers distracted by texting
- Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Vehicles in blind spots
Although you may not remember what happened in the seconds leading up to or during the accident, this information is very valuable for a personal injury claim.
Common Injuries in Sideswipe Accidents
Vehicles are designed to provide passengers and drivers the majority of protection in rear-end and head-on crashes. This means that sideswipe accidents can lead to substantial injuries.
Although the back and front of a vehicle have bumpers to help absorb the crash force, the sides of a vehicle do not provide the same protection. There is typically very little space between the side of a vehicle and the person sitting inside.
Some of the most common injuries in sideswipe accidents include broken knees, arms, or legs, and injuries to the head, neck, or back. Many accident victims receive multiple injuries at once, which can delay the healing process or cause complications.
Secondary crashes can also occur in sideswipe accidents as the vehicles collide with guardrails, other vehicles, road signs, or concrete barriers.
Some injuries may not be obvious at the scene of a sideswipe accident, including whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions.
If you’re in a sideswipe accident in Escondido, get medical attention immediately to determine if further tests are needed. Alert your doctor about any new symptoms you experience in the days after the accident, too.
Even with health insurance, the cost of treating sideswipe accident injuries may be high. Keep track of all your medical bills and other expenses for a potential personal injury claim.
Who Is At-Fault for a Sideswipe Accident in Escondido?
It is important to identify who is responsible for a sideswipe accident by looking at which driver acted negligently.
In most cases, the driver who failed to obey state traffic laws or maintain in their lane is legally at fault for a sideswipe crash. This is most often the driver who did not look before moving into or merging into another lane.
Drivers may cause sideswipe accidents when they:
- Fail to use a turn signal
- Don’t check their blind spot
- Cut someone off to change lanes
- Use their phone while driving
- Fail to check to mirror
- Drive at night with no headlights
Negligence is the basis of insurance claims, personal injury accidents, and any civil litigation associated with traffic crashes. You need to prove that the at-fault driver was negligent in recovering compensation for your injuries in a sideswipe accident.
How Is Liability Proven?
A proper investigation of a sideswipe accident is crucial. This may include things such as:
- Interviewing witnesses
- Surveying the accident scene
- Gathering photos or videos of the crash scene
- Interviewing witnesses
- Enlisting the help of experts
- Analyzing physical evidence
- Looking at medical records and accident reports
- Documenting and valuing any damages that the victim suffered.
Accident reconstruction is often used to prove liability. The victim has the responsibility to prove that the at-fault driver was responsible.
There are several different steps you can take to protect your rights in a personal injury claim. Document the scene, contact the police, and gather the contact information of any eyewitnesses. Even if they seem minor, get medical treatment for any injuries.
You need to inform your physician that you were hurt in a sideswipe crash so that they can conduct a thorough examination to determine which parts of your body may be affected.
We strongly recommend hiring an Escondido sideswipe accident attorney to prove liability. A lawyer can provide you with valuable advice about your case and help ensure that you fight for maximum recovery of compensation. Your attorney may use additional analysis tools or accident reconstruction experts to help determine what caused the accident and to identify liable parties.
What Can a Lawyer Do in a Sideswipe Case?
An attorney plays a crucial role in handling the various details of your sideswipe accident case. Many people who are hurt in these accidents are seriously injured and need to focus on their medical care and treatment.
Working with an Escondido sideswipe accident lawyer positions you to remain focused on your medical care without worrying about deadlines, paperwork, or other details associated with your claim.
A sideswipe accident lawyer will assist you with every phase of your case, including the possibility of recovering compensation through settlement, while also preparing your case for court if necessary. This includes communicating with others involved in the case like the insurance company.
When should I file a lawsuit?
As soon as possible after you discover your injuries, you may want to schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer.
In California, you have a maximum of two years from the accident to retain your right to file a personal injury suit. If you don’t know about your injuries right away, you have one year from the date the injuries were discovered.
File a Sideswipe Car Accident Lawsuit Today
At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we guide plaintiffs through the legal process with the goal of getting victims maximum compensation for serious injuries. Reach out to an Escondido car accident lawyer at our firm to learn more about what’s needed to file your claim.