Many people are unaware of or unconcerned with, the risks of a sideswipe Car Accident. However, sideswipe collisions occur frequently and can lead to injury, damage, and complications—especially if the other driver speeds off! We’ve explained why sideswipe accidents are serious, and what to do if you are involved in one.
What Is a Sideswipe Accident?
When the sides of two vehicles make an impact, the accident is called a “sideswipe” collision. The two cars may be traveling in the same or opposite directions, and the car accident might be minor, with little damage, or a momentary impact that sets off a chain reaction leading to huge damages, serious injuries, and even death.
Sideswipe collisions happen very frequently. Sometimes they cause life-threatening injury and irreparable loss. Apparently, many people are unaware of, or unconcerned with, the risks of a sideswipe crash. However, the reality is sideswipe accidents account for 27,000 injuries and 2,500 deaths every year, according to research by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.
What is The Common Reason for Sideswipe Car Accidents
- When one car begins moving into another car’s lane, but the driver fails to signal or check their blind spots.
- When someone operating a vehicle while distracted, perhaps due to texting, talking on the phone or engaging with a passenger.
- When another driver is behaving recklessly, such as weaving in and out of lanes or speeding.
- A person driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Two drivers merging into the same lane at the same time.
- Eating while driving.
- An incident of road rage.
- Skidding or hydroplaning caused by wet roads.
- A driver swerving to avoid an animal or object on the road.
- A vehicle colliding with a parked car, whether stationary or idling on the side of the road.
What to do After a Sideswipe Car Accident?
There are some important initial steps you need to take immediately after a car accident.
1. Make sure you are okay
Make sure you are okay Before you stop and assess the damage. Never drive away from an accident, no matter how minor the accident appears to be.
2. Dial 911
In the state of Louisiana, need legally required to call the police if there is damage over $500 or injuries. Do not move your vehicle until the police have arrived to make their report. It’s extremely important to leave a scene undisturbed after an accident to help determine liability, especially in the case of a sideswipe.
3. Exchange contact information
Exchange contact information with the other driver, like name, phone number, email address, driver’s license number and vehicle information. If possible Collect the insurance company and insurance policy number. You can also take photos of the other person’s documents, to make this process easier. Do not apologize, which could be seen as an admission of guilt.
4. File a police report
When the police arrive, file a police report. The police report is a key document. Which will be sent to insurance companies in order for liability to be determined. Give your full account of the accident. Do not admit fault.
5. Take photos
Take photos of the cars involved and the position each one is in. Also Take the picture of the other car, its license plate, the damage on each car and the surrounding area. And anything that could provide additional context for the accident. Consider taking a 360-degree video of the accident site. Photograph any injuries, but be sure to ask permission before photographing another person’s injuries.
6. Notify your own Insurance Company
As soon as possible, notify your own insurance company to file a claim. Provide as many details as possible, including your summary of how the sideswipe happened, the date and time, the other vehicles and drivers involved, the damages that occurred to all vehicles, and any injuries you have suffered as a result of the accident.
7. Visit your nearest doctor.
The injuries associated with a sideswipe accident are lacerations caused by broken glass, whiplash, broken bones, traumatic brain injury, and even spinal cord injury. Because some injuries, like whiplash, are hard to detect, you’ll want to see a medical professional immediately after the accident. Having a medical professional’s record of your injuries will be an important document. It needs for collecting fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Who is at Fault For a Sideswipe Accident?
The driver who fails to maintain a single lane while driving is the party at fault for a sideswipe collision. Under Louisiana Civil Code RS 32:79, “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. Drivers of vehicles shall obey the designated signs for moving vehicles in a particular direction.”
If a driver tried to change the lane of travel or swerved into another lane unfairly. A sideswipe car accident happened and this individual is liable for the crash. However, liability for the accident will be imposed on another driver if s/he is found negligent. While driving or forces the deviating vehicle to go out of its own lane of travel. If both drivers attempt to change lanes simultaneously and make an impact, then both are liable for the accident.
What if the Driver Who Sideswiped Me Drives Away?
Unfortunately, it is common in New Orleans for a car that sideswipes another car to quickly drive away from the scene of the collision. Even though a driver is legally required to stop their car and give their identity. The driver who chooses to leave the scene is committing a felony. And faces serious consequences if they are later found.
In Louisiana, the punishment for a felony hit-and-run accident. Whether or not the accident results in serious injury or death—can result in fines and serving time in prison.
If you are in a side swipe collision and the other driver speeds off, try your best to gather any information on the car. The most ideal possibility is that you, your passenger, or an eyewitness to the accident can take a photo of, or quickly write down, the other car’s driver’s license plate, as this is traceable by the police.
The second best option is that you, your passenger, or an eyewitness can gather the car’s make, model, and color. Then, call the police, and proceed with the steps listed above. File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible, and be sure to see a doctor.
Hiring a New Orleans Sideswipe Accident Lawyer
Through the police report and the investigation on behalf of each insurance company’s insurance adjuster, liability will be determined. Louisiana is a “pure comparative negligence” state, which means each driver involved in an accident is held financially responsible for the percentage to which he or she is deemed at fault.
This is where hiring a personal injury attorney can be a crucial next step. An attorney will be able to review your case for free. And evaluating the evidence and details to assess whether or not your percentage of liability is accurate.
You and your lawyer may not agree with the insurance adjuster’s assessment of liability. Even the settlement offered by other insurance companies may differ. Then you can pursue legal action, such as a lawsuit.
Who Should I Reach Out To?
If you’ve been in a sideswipe car accident in New Orleans, LA, reach out to Breaux Law firm right away for legal support. A New Orleans sideswipe car accident lawyer at Breaux Law Firm can assist you expertly and swiftly.
Being in a sideswipe car accident is scary, anxiety-inducing, and overwhelming. At Breaux Law Firm, we want to make your process of recovery painless and peaceful. Having been in business for decades, we know how important it is to treat our clients like family.
Ours is a family-run business. So we’re determined to fight for clients as if we were fighting for one of our own family members. If you’re unsure about what to do next, give us a call. Our reputation speaks for itself. We’re ready to fight for you.
