Texas Sideswipe Car Accident Attorney
Sideswipe car accidents occur when two moving vehicles collide side-to-side. A common cause of accidents, the sideswipe accident can occur when vehicles are moving at very high speeds and can, therefore, be very dangerous.
Because they occur while vehicles are moving forward, both drivers might be unaware a crash is about to occur until it happens. It may be impossible to avoid the crash because neither driver sees it coming.
Sideswipe Accident Definition
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles are traveling on a parallel path and one encroaches into the path of the other. At that point, the vehicles connect on their sides.
NHTSA identified several specific maneuvers that lead to sideswipe car accidents such as changing lanes, merging, passing, drifting, turning, and entering or leaving a stopped position. These different methods account for approximately 88 percent of two-vehicle lane change crashes.
Sideswipe Accident Statistics
There were over half a million sideswipe accidents in the United States in 1999 – 9 percent of police-reported crashes. About one in ten lane change crashes occurred when a large truck was changing lanes and a regular sized vehicle was continuing in a straight path. Almost half of the sideswipe accidents caused by merging large trucks.
Sideswipe accidents occur with vehicles of different sizes, although there is not enough of a pattern to predict who will cause these kinds of accidents.
Sideswipe Car Accident Fault
It may be necessary to talk to impartial witnesses to find out who is at fault in a sideswipe accident, especially if drivers disagree. However, drivers who cause these kinds of accidents are typically disobeying basic rules regarding lane changes and maintaining their own lanes safely. An impartial investigator may be necessary to examine the physical evidence, including the damage on the cars and any other evidence at the scene.
Sideswipe accidents occur when one of the vehicles hits at an angle while changing lanes and the other is going straight. Sometimes both vehicles are changing lanes at the same time or one car is drifting from one lane to another.
Most sideswipe accidents occur on a level, straight road with clear visibility. The fault of the accident is almost always attributable to driver error or mistake with no other obvious reason.
Common Injuries after Sideswipe Collision
About 85 to 97 percent of sideswipe accidents have no known injuries, but when they do result in injury, the injury can be very serious.
Injuries range from cuts and bruises to nerve damage, neck injury, loss of limbs, deafness, and traumatic brain injury. Because of the speed and angle of the crash, it can severely injure the victim. Injuries range from temporary to permanent, including injuries that cause the victim pain for the rest of his or her life.
Finding a Sideswipe Collision Law Firm
If you are involved in a sideswipe accident resulting in injury, you may receive compensation. You will need an attorney on your side who can evaluate the kind of evidence from this type of accident investigation so that you can prove that you are not the one who is liable for the damages.
The Dashner Law Firm has experienced traffic attorneys who know how to present the evidence in the best light for you. If you have been injured because of someone else’s mistake, you deserve justice. Call today for a free evaluation of your case.
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Car Accident FAQ’s
Texas car accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs and the attorney receives a percentage of your compensation only if you win.
Texas car accident attorneys typically operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t have any upfront expenses. In essence, the attorney’s payment is derived from a portion of the compensation you receive. The percentage they take often varies based on when your case is settled. For instance, if the case progresses to trial, the attorney may command a higher percentage due to the increased time, effort, and resources invested. Conversely, if the case is settled without initiating a lawsuit, the attorney’s percentage is usually lower because of the reduced workload. This arrangement ensures that legal representation is accessible to accident victims regardless of their financial situation. You’ll never pay money out-of-pocket for services, and the attorney does not collect until you do. This means you can pursue justice and fair compensation without worrying about legal fees while you’re dealing with medical bills and lost income from your accident.
Ensure safety, call 911, exchange information with other drivers, and document the scene with photos, witness information, and notes.
After a car accident, follow these critical steps to protect your health and legal rights. Ensure safety: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. If anyone is injured or the vehicles are blocking traffic and can be safely moved, relocate to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement. This creates an official record of the incident and ensures that police document the scene, which can be crucial for your claim. Exchange information: Share contact and insurance details with the other driver(s), including names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance company names, and policy numbers. Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage from multiple angles, the accident scene showing road conditions and traffic signals, visible injuries, skid marks or debris, and the position of all vehicles involved. Gather witness information including names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident. Make notes about the time, location, weather conditions, traffic patterns, and your recollection of how the accident occurred. Seek medical attention even if you don’t feel injured, as some conditions may not manifest immediately. Notify your insurance company about the accident, but be cautious about giving recorded statements without legal counsel. At The Dashner Law Firm, we take immediate action to preserve critical evidence and build a strong case, so contact us as soon as possible after your accident.
Yes, you should call the police, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage, as a police report is crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes.
Yes, you should call the police to report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. A police report can be crucial for insurance claims and legal purposes. Understanding when and why to involve law enforcement can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation and protect your legal rights.
Legal Requirements in Texas:
In Texas, you are required by law to report accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Given that most car accidents involve damage exceeding this threshold, calling the police is not just advisable—it’s often legally mandatory. Failing to report a reportable accident can result in legal penalties and complications with your insurance claim.
You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury claim and typically two years for property damage claims in Texas.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, it is typically two years as well. In Texas, you have TWO YEARS from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Understanding this deadline and its implications is critical to protecting your legal rights and recovering the compensation you deserve.
Texas follows modified comparative fault, meaning each party’s degree of fault is considered, and you can recover damages if you’re less than 51% at fault, though compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Texas follows a “modified comparative fault” system, which means that each party’s degree of fault is considered. If you are found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages, but your compensation may be reduced based on your level of fault. Understanding how fault is determined and allocated is crucial to maximizing your compensation and protecting your rights after a car accident.
You can recover medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages depending on your case circumstances.
You may be eligible to recover various damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The specific damages depend on the circumstances of your case. In Texas, victims of car accidents can seek compensation for the injuries and losses they’ve suffered due to another party’s negligence. This compensation typically comes in the form of damages, a monetary award given to the injured party. Understanding the full scope of recoverable damages is essential to ensuring you receive complete compensation for all the ways the accident has impacted your life.
CONTACT DASHNER LAW FIRM
If you have been injured in an accident, then the Dashner Law Firm can help you. Call our personal injury lawyers today at 972-793-8989 to speak with an attorney about your situation. The consultation is free and, if you cannot come to us because of your injuries, we’ll come to you.
PERSONAL ATTENTION
Mr. Dashner gives his personal attention to his clients. He’s one of the only attorneys who give you his direct line and is available to answer your questions and ensure you are taken care of. You can expect frequent updates, personal attention, and a solid ally when you work with Mr. Dashner. You’ll never pay money out-of-pocket for Mr. Dashner’s services. He does not collect until you do.