Sideswipe Accidents
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Car Accident Lawyer
Sideswipe Accidents
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What should you know about sideswipe accidents?
Sideswipe accidents occur when the sides of the passenger vehicle and semi-truck hit or collide with each other. It frequently occurs between two vehicles are traveling the same direction. However, it can also happen when a vehicle drifts into the lane on the other side of the road. Due to the difference in weight and size between a passenger car and truck, sideswipe accidents involving large trucks are apt to result in serious injuries or even death.
What factors can cause underride accidents?
Unsafe lane changes
Irresponsible actions or failure to drive safely can lead to sideswiping another vehicle. Examples include:
- Failing to signal when changing lanes
- Not leaving enough room for other cars
- Cutting off the passenger car, whether intentionally or not
- Speeding and changing lanes at the same time
- Accelerating when a car is passing
- Decelerating when a car behind the truck is trying to change lanes
- Not paying attention to other vehicles
Blind spots
Trucks have four primary blind spots:
- Approximately 20 feet in front of the truck
- Behind the truck from 30 up to 200 feet
- A two lanes wide blind spot on the passenger side
- About a lane on the driver’s side that is blind
Many trucks today have blind spot detection systems. However, failure to use the systems can result in a sideswipe accident. Also, many older trucks don’t have these systems.
Merging traffic
Merging with other traffic can result in sideswiping if the driver:
- Doesn’t see other vehicles
- Fails to use a turn signal
- Merges too quickly or too slowly
- Cuts off a vehicle
The merging driver does not have the right-of-way, so they are often at fault. However, non-merging drivers should also drive safely, allowing traffic to merge.
Both drivers changing lanes
When both drivers are changing lanes at the same time, a sideswipe can also occur. For example, on a freeway with three or more lanes, both drivers might try switch and enter the middle lane at the same moment. Weaving in and out of lines or trying to cross two or more lanes at the same time is not safe driving. A safe driving precaution before switching lanes would be to check two or more lanes for cars signaling a lane change.
Unsafe lane changes
Irresponsible actions or failure to drive safely can lead to sideswiping another vehicle. Examples include:
- Failing to signal when changing lanes
- Not leaving enough room for other cars
- Cutting off the passenger car, whether intentionally or not
- Speeding and changing lanes at the same time
- Accelerating when a car is passing
- Decelerating when a car behind the truck is trying to change lanes
- Not paying attention to other vehicles
Blind spots
Trucks have four primary blind spots:
- Approximately 20 feet in front of the truck
- Behind the truck from 30 up to 200 feet
- A two lanes wide blind spot on the passenger side
- About a lane on the driver’s side that is blind
Many trucks today have blind spot detection systems. However, failure to use the systems can result in a sideswipe accident. Also, many older trucks don’t have these systems.
Merging traffic
Merging with other traffic can result in sideswiping if the driver:
- Doesn’t see other vehicles
- Fails to use a turn signal
- Merges too quickly or too slowly
- Cuts off a vehicle
The merging driver does not have the right-of-way, so they are often at fault. However, non-merging drivers should also drive safely, allowing traffic to merge.
Both drivers changing lanes
When both drivers are changing lanes at the same time, a sideswipe can also occur. For example, on a freeway with three or more lanes, both drivers might try switch and enter the middle lane at the same moment. Weaving in and out of lines or trying to cross two or more lanes at the same time is not safe driving. A safe driving precaution before switching lanes would be to check two or more lanes for cars signaling a lane change.
Who is liable in a sideswipe accident?
Courts determine fault in truck accidents based on negligence. In sideswipe accidents, the party that made an improper lane change would be responsible for paying for damages. In some cases, both parties are at fault. However, the party assigned the greatest percentage of fault would be liable. Police reports, witness statements, video surveillance of the accident scene and physical evidence are also helpful in proving fault. In addition, we can consult with accident specialists to gather proof. If the court determines that your percentage of fault is 50% or less, you can recover compensation for damages.
Discuss your sideswipe accident with an
Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
The legal system has rules and protocols that are complicated for the average person to understand or abide by. An experienced truck accident attorney can deal with the issues of your case. In the meantime, you can recover from injuries. Our law firm can also represent you if you lost a loved one due to a sideswipe accident.
At the Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz, we can help you recover expenses for serious physical injury, pain and suffering, emotional losses and property damages. We represent clients in cases on a contingency basis. In other words, you owe no money out-of-pocket. Legal fees are a percentage of the compensation recovered when we settle or win the case. We are diligent about doing everything possible to get you the compensation you deserve. In additions, we are experienced in legal tactics that level the playing field against insurance companies. Based on our years of experience dealing with the nuances of accident cases, we are confident we can protect your rights.
Schedule a free consultation by calling (210) 225-HURT (4878) or toll free (800) 645-8553. Let us take the legal steps necessary to help you recover fair compensation.
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Michael R. De La Paz
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The Law Office of Michael R. De La Paz has its principal office in San Antonio, Texas, however, we can represent your personal injury case no matter where you live in Texas, the U.S., or Mexico.
