Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyers 

Get the Legal Support You Need to Finally Move Forward 

Sideswipe accidents can be unsettling, leaving victims injured and dealing with unexpected costs. Even if the damage seems minor, these crashes can result in serious injuries and expensive repairs. 

Our car accident lawyers at Horn Wright, LLP, know how quickly things can go wrong. You deserve strong legal representation to protect your rights, handle insurance claims, and secure the compensation you need. 

Let us take care of the legal process while you focus on your recovery. 

Why Do Sideswipe Accidents Happen? The Truth May Surprise You 

Sideswipe accidents don’t just happen—they’re caused. And most of the time, they could’ve been prevented. Here are some of the biggest reasons drivers end up in these dangerous collisions: 

• Unsafe lane changes – Not checking blind spots or failing to signal leads to over 10% of lane-change crashes nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 
• Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or fumbling with the radio means eyes aren’t on the road. Five percent of drivers in fatal crashes in 2021 were reported as distracted. 
• Drunk or impaired driving – Alcohol or drugs slow reaction times and impair judgment, contributing to almost 30% of fatal crashes in the U.S. each year. 
• Failure to yield – Merging without looking or assuming others will slow down is a recipe for disaster, especially on highways where speeds are high. 
• Drowsy driving – Fatigue messes with reaction times. In 2022, drowsy driving caused almost 700 fatalities.  
• Aggressive driving – Speeding, weaving through traffic, and cutting people off make accidents almost inevitable. In one study, 56% of fatal crashes involve aggressive driving. 
• Bad weather – Rain, fog, and ice make staying in your lane tricky. Sideswipe crashes increase during poor weather conditions, making cautious driving essential. 

Understanding the causes can help you stay aware and avoid becoming a victim. 

Sideswipe Accidents Can Wreck More Than Just Your Car 

Think a sideswipe accident is just a dented door? Think again. These crashes can lead to serious, sometimes life-changing injuries, including: 

• Whiplash and neck injuries – Even low-speed crashes can cause painful, lingering neck problems that may require physical therapy. 
• Broken bones or fractures – Common in side-impact crashes, especially at high speeds, often requiring surgery or extended recovery. 
• Deadly brain injuries – A sudden jolt can lead to concussions or more severe brain trauma, potentially causing long-term cognitive issues. 
• Spinal cord injuries – These can cause anything from chronic pain to full paralysis, depending on the severity of impact. 
• Soft tissue damage – Torn ligaments and deep bruising may seem minor but can take months to heal and limit mobility. 

Beyond physical pain, you’re also dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of the accident. That’s why getting medical attention and legal help is critical. A vehicle sideswipe injury claim can help you recover financially. 

Sideswiped? Do These 8 Things Right Now 

Don’t panic. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your case: 

1. Check for injuries – Make sure you and your passengers are okay. If you’re hurt, call 911 immediately. 
2. Move to safety – If you can, pull over to avoid more accidents and prevent further damage. 
3. Call the police – A police report strengthens your case and helps prove fault. In most states, reporting an accident is legally required if injuries or significant damage occur. 
4. Take pictures – Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These images can serve as crucial evidence. 
5. Exchange info – Get the other driver’s name, insurance details, license plate number, and contact information. 
6. Find witnesses – Bystanders can provide valuable statements about what happened, which can be useful in proving fault. 
7. See a doctor – Some injuries don’t show up right away, so get checked out even if you feel fine. 
8. Call a lawyer – The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of getting full compensation. A personal injury attorney can make sure your rights are protected. 

Who’s at Fault in a Sideswipe Accident? Here’s How to Prove It 

Determining fault in sideswipe crashes isn’t always straightforward. Both drivers might point fingers, but key evidence can prove who’s really responsible: 

• Traffic laws – Failing to signal or merging unsafely puts the blame on the at-fault driver. 
• Witness statements – Independent witnesses can confirm what really happened, helping establish liability. 
• Police reports – Officers often document who they believe caused the crash, which can support your claim. 
• Vehicle damage – Scrapes and dents can tell the story of how the collision occurred, often indicating who made the unsafe maneuver. 
• Dashcam or surveillance footage – Video evidence can prove fault beyond doubt, especially in disputed cases. 

Insurance Companies Aren’t on Your Side—Here’s How to Fight Back 

After an accident, insurance companies will try to minimize what they pay you. Don’t let them. You may be entitled to: 

• Pain and suffering – You shouldn’t have to suffer physically or emotionally without fair compensation. 
• Emotional distress – If the crash left you shaken or traumatized, you may be able to recover damages.  
• Medical expenses – Covers doctor visits, surgeries, rehab, and future care. 
• Lost wages – If you miss work due to injuries, you deserve compensation for lost income if your No-Fault insurance doesn’t pay your lost wages. 
• Vehicle repairs – Whether it’s a dent or a total loss, your car needs to be fixed, and you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket. 

We’ve Won Millions for Our Clients—You Could Be Next 

We don’t just talk about winning—we do it. Our firm has helped countless accident victims recover what they’re owed. Whether it’s a settlement or a courtroom victory, we fight to get you justice. 

Every day you wait is another day insurance companies try to take advantage of you. Don’t let them. Contact our offices today and for a FREE consultation with our car accident lawyers. Let’s discuss your case and start fighting for what’s rightfully yours.