How Do Sideswipe Accidents Happen?
Sideswipe accidents may occur in a few different ways, including:
- When two vehicles traveling in parallel lanes, heading in the same direction, make contact.
- If a vehicle makes side contact with a parked vehicle, a mailbox, a telephone pole, or other objects.
- When two vehicles going in opposite directions collide along their sides.
Sideswipe accidents usually happen because of driver negligence. Some common causes of sideswipe accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Reckless driving, such as weaving in and out of traffic
If a driver fails to make a safe lane change and causes a collision, they will likely be found negligent and liable for the damages caused by the crash.
Common Injuries in Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents can cause damages ranging from minor to catastrophic. Some common types of injuries in a sideswipe accident include:
- Broken bones
- Head injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Cuts, lacerations, and contusions
- Sprains and strains
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Burns
- Wrongful death
Some injuries can require long-term medical care and permanent disabilities that can be devastating to the victim and their family. If you lost a loved one in a sideswipe accident, our wrongful death attorney can help guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death claim in Baton Rouge.
Liability in a Sideswipe Accident
Louisiana Revised Statute 32:79 provides:
“Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all others consistent herewith, shall apply:
- A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety….”
Thus, all drivers must stay in a single lane until they have determined that they can safely move into another lane.
This means that any driver who fails to check their mirrors and blind spots for other vehicles and fails to signal before changing lanes is at fault if their lane change causes a collision. That driver can be held liable for the damages caused by their negligent actions.
What Will a Baton Rouge Accident Attorney Do To Help My Case?
A Baton Rouge accident lawyer can investigate your accident to help identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties to maximize your compensation.
An experienced Baton Rouge accident lawyer will help accurately calculate all your current and future damages to value your case correctly.
An attorney can handle all communications and negotiations with insurance companies and defense attorneys to try and reach a fair settlement of your claims quickly.
You can focus on your recovery instead of stressing over the many details of pursuing compensation for your damages when an experienced sideswipe accident attorney represents you.
Your chances of recovering maximum compensation are much greater when an experienced car accident injury attorney represents you.