California Sideswipe Accident Attorneys
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California Sideswipe Accident Attorneys With An A+ Rating The Injured Win With Us
Many different types of car accidents cause injuries in California, and some of the most commonly occurring are sideswipe collisions. If you were recently injured in one, call our California sideswipe accident attorneys at (888) 488-1391 to learn how to get compensation. We offer free consultations 24/7.
Sideswipe accidents also referred to as “angled collisions” by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), are a seldom discussed type of car accident because they don’t often lead to the dramatic rescue scenes one sees on the news. They don’t even spark the outrage of a drunk driving case. Yet, victims get hurt in sideswipe accidents, too, and they need to protect their legal right to be compensated for their injuries.
Our experienced car accident lawyers are here to help. We help victims of all types of auto accidents protect their legal rights and file successful injury claims. We will fight hard to find all potential sources of compensation for your losses.
How Can Our California Sideswipe Accident Attorneys Win Your Case?
Our California sideswipe car accident lawyers can provide much-needed legal support and assistance for injured victims. While most people don’t see this type of collision as “severe,” a sideswipe accident can pose a huge threat to the victim’s physical and mental health and cause financial strain.
Seeking legal help might be out of the question for many of these victims, who are often left confused and wondering about what they could do to get back on their feet. However, our sideswipe accident attorneys in California are ready to make the negligent party pay you the compensation you’re entitled to. If you’re suffering injuries from a sideswipe collision, here’s how we can help with your case:
- Our lawyers for sideswipe accidents in California will collect crucial information from the accident scene, such as photographs, witness statements, and police reports.
- Our sideswipe accident attorneys will determine whether negligence caused the accident. Sideswipe collisions can happen for various reasons, such as changing lanes recklessly, texting while driving, or driving under the influence. Using the evidence we gather, we’ll build a strong case that demonstrates the at-fault driver’s negligence.
- Our skilled attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurers often try to minimize accident payouts, but we’ll ensure that you receive a favorable settlement for your injuries and damages.
Sometimes, insurance companies and victims do not meet eye-to-eye during out-of-court negotiations. If your case goes to trial, our award-winning sideswipe car accident attorneys in California, with decades of combined experience in litigation, can represent you. We’ll stop at nothing until you get a fair settlement or award for your pain and suffering.
Why Trust Our Accident Attorneys
If you’re suffering injuries from a recent angled collision and are unsure of how to move forward, rely on the sideswipe accident attorneys California turns to. We will be your reliable allies throughout the legal process.
Here’s why you can trust us:
Our team of lawyers has decades of experience handling sideswipe accident cases in California. We understand the specifics of traffic laws and insurance policies that are relevant to your case. Our expertise allows us to build strong cases for our clients and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
We believe in putting our clients first. Our California sideswipe car accident attorneys take the time to understand your unique situation, needs, and goals. We work tirelessly to ensure that your voice is heard and your rights are protected. We’re not just your lawyers — we’re your advocates.
Our California attorneys have a proven track record of success in sideswipe accident cases. We’ve helped countless clients get paid adequately for their damages. Our success is a testament to our dedication, expertise, and relentless pursuit of justice.
We believe in maintaining open and transparent communication with our clients. Our lawyers who’ll handle your sideswipe accident cases will keep you updated every step of the legal process, answer your questions, and provide you with the facts you need to make informed decisions.
Our sideswipe accident attorneys in California work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case. This payment arrangement allows you to seek legal representation without worrying about upfront costs or hourly fees. Wondering if you have a valid claim? Call us now or fill out our “Do I have a case?” form.
Verdict for a client who was sideswiped by a commercial truck.– JUDD ROSS ALLEN
What Is A Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe accident occurs when the sides of two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions come into contact. This type of incident typically occurs when one vehicle drifts or swerves out of its lane or when two vehicles merge into the same lane at the same time.
According to an analysis report by the NHTSA, the most common causes of sideswipe accidents are a failure to focus on the road ahead and the lack of awareness of other drivers. If drivers take their eyes off the road, they might not notice important changes in their surroundings that could affect where they can safely drive.
This type of accident is also associated with reckless lane changes. According to the study, drivers who almost hit another car from the side did not carefully check their side-view mirrors, side windows, or center mirrors before switching lanes.
Our sideswipe accident lawyers in California have commonly encountered cases that are less severe than head-on collisions or T-bone accidents. However, these incidents can still lead to serious injuries and significant vehicle damage. Injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious ones, including open fractures and dislocated bones in the arms or elbows. The extent of the damages often depends on factors such as the speed and the safety features of the vehicles involved.
What Makes A Sideswipe Accident Dangerous?
One of the primary reasons sideswipe collisions are so dangerous is the element of surprise. The sudden jolt can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to more severe accidents involving multiple vehicles or even pedestrians.
Even seemingly minor incidents can cause injuries. Catastrophic injuries are possible if the sideswipe is particularly forceful or involves a larger vehicle, like a truck. In certain cases, the impact may even force a smaller car to slide underneath a bigger vehicle, a situation called an “underride.”
In 2022, the National Safety Council estimated that sideswipes and other two-vehicle collisions contributed to 2 million crashes in America. These cases led to approximately 1,600 fatalities and 427,000 nonfatal injuries across the U.S.
Common Sideswipe Accident Scenarios
There are many ways in which a sideswipe accident can occur. While we cannot prepare you for all possible traffic scenarios, there are a few common types of accidents that result in sideswipe collisions.
Here are the most common dangers to look out for when you are behind the wheel:
Changing Lanes
Many drivers simply do not check their blind spots properly before executing a lane change. A driver who causes a sideswipe while trying to change lanes is at fault for the accident, and our California sideswipe accident attorneys can help ensure they are held accountable for the resulting injuries.
There are many new safety features in new car models that can help prevent this scenario. Collision warnings, lane-drift assist warnings, and automatic braking can all help drivers avoid collisions with cars that are in the driver’s blind spot. Of course, drivers should never rely wholly on these technologies. Be sure to check your blind spots carefully before attempting to execute any lane change.
Parked Cars
In California, we have many busy cities with limited parking. This congestion means that street parking is common in several areas throughout the state. Unfortunately, street parking leaves these cars open to being hit. This situation can be especially common on narrow streets where street parking has limited the lanes of traffic to a tiny corridor. Distracted drivers are also more likely to sideswipe a parked car.
Drivers who park on the street should park as close to the curb as possible. Be sure you are within the lines of a designated parking spot. Doing this will make it very clear that the other driver was at fault for sideswiping your parked car. If this happens to you, feel free to call our sideswipe accident attorneys, who specialize in various car accident cases in California.
Merging Onto The Highway
California has many highways, state routes, and other busy thoroughfares. Drivers will inevitably have to merge onto these roads often. Some drivers get on and off the highway multiple times per day in the course of their regular commute. Some of our highways have short merging areas that must be navigated quickly. On busy roads, traffic is heavy, and this can make other motorists reluctant to let you in.
Be very careful any time you are merging onto a highway. Allow plenty of space between yourself and other cars, and never try to force your way in. If other drivers do not allow you into the merging lane, simply wait patiently with your turn signal on until there is an opening. If you get too aggressive and try to force your way in, you could be at fault for causing a sideswipe accident. The car that is already established in the traffic lane has the right of way.
Typical Injuries In Sideswipe Accidents
Our California sideswipe accident attorneys have helped victims recover compensation for several types of injuries, including:
- Fractures – The force of a sideswipe accident can break bones, particularly in the arms or legs.
- Eye Injuries – Airbag deployment or shattered glass can cause eye injuries, which could lead to blurred vision or even blindness.
- Back Injuries – The sudden impact of a collision can strain muscles and ligaments in the back and neck, leading to pain, discomfort, and limited mobility.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – In some cases, a sideswipe collision creates a force that can damage the spinal cord, leading to loss of sensation, partial or complete paralysis, and other life-altering conditions.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – These are serious injuries that can lead to long-term cognitive issues that affect a victim’s memory, bodily functions, and relationships.
- Burns – If the accident leads to a fire or explosion, occupants can suffer from first-, second-, or third-degree burns.
- Wrongful Deaths – In the worst-case scenario, the injuries sustained in a sideswipe accident can be fatal.
If you’ve been recently injured, reach out to our sideswipe accident lawyers in California. We can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of seeking compensation for your injuries.
Why Your Medical Bills Don’t Tell The Whole Story Of Your Injuries
Insurance companies try to make injury awards as simple as possible. They will often take the value of your medical bills and conduct a simple multiplication to come up with a dollar value for your pain and suffering (the multiplier is usually between one and three, depending on the severity of the accident and your injuries). Of course, this is a wildly unfair system that does not account for the pain and suffering that you endured because of this specific accident.
This practice is why it is important to hire our California sideswipe accident attorneys who know how to prove the value of all the intangible losses you have suffered. Here are just a few scenarios of how a victim could be denied fair compensation for their pain and suffering:
A Careless Driver Sideswipes An Older Woman's Vehicle
She breaks an arm and sees a doctor to have it set and treated. Unfortunately, like many older adults, this victim also happens to suffer from osteoporosis. This condition makes it difficult for her bones to heal correctly. Her recovery period is longer and more painful than it would be for a younger, more healthy victim.
When the bone finally heals, it is weak and never quite the same as it was before the accident. There is not much the doctors can do to correct this problem. Her medical bills still show a simple broken arm, but her pain and suffering are far greater than what a broken arm would create for a younger person without medical conditions. She must live with the pain and reduced function of her arm, which her sideswipe accident attorney should take into account when demanding compensation.
A Young, Healthy Man Breaks His Arm After Getting Sideswiped By A Passing Car
The broken shards of bone inside his body damage the nerves nearby. The bone sets nicely and heals without incident, but the nerves in his arm are still irritated. His doctor prescribes a mild neurological medication to calm the nerves. The bills for this medication are minimal, but the nerve injury is still painful.
He, too, may never be the same. The small medication bills do not reflect the actual pain of having an ongoing nerve injury.
Who Is At Fault In A Sideswipe Accident In California?
Like in any other car accident, sideswipe collisions can have multiple parties involved, including:
- Other motorists
- Car owners
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Employers
- Government entities
How is fault determined in a sideswipe accident? Identifying who is responsible for your injuries requires a thorough investigation into the details of the accident, including the behavior of other drivers, the condition of the vehicles involved, and the environment where the incident occurred. Talk to experienced sideswipe accident attorneys in California to learn more.
Determining Liability In Sideswipe Accidents
How do you know who’s responsible for compensating you in a sideswipe accident? Fault boils down to the concept of negligence, a legal term that refers to a person’s failure to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another party.
To establish negligence, our California sideswipe accident lawyers will make sure these four key elements are present:
- Duty Of Care – Each driver has a legal duty to act with reasonable care towards other road users. This includes obeying traffic laws, maintaining a safe distance, and being attentive to their surroundings.
- Breach Of Duty – Failure to uphold a driver’s duty of care leads to a breach. Common examples include changing lanes without signaling, driving under the influence, or failing to yield the right of way.
- Causation – The breach of duty must be directly linked to the accident. In simpler terms, the driver’s negligent actions must have caused the sideswipe.
- Damages – The accident must have resulted in some form of harm, whether property damage, injuries, or emotional distress.
If you’ve been recently involved in a collision and are unsure who’s at fault, it’s always wise to consult with the experienced sideswipe accident attorneys California has to offer. They can evaluate the specific circumstances of your accident, assess the potential liability of the driver of the side-swiping car, and advise you on the best course of action.
What Types Of Damages Am I Entitled To Recover?
In general, our California sideswipe accident lawyers will help you get compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are the most straightforward type of compensation. They cover the financial losses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. Some examples are:
- Medical Expenses – These include the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any future medical care you might need.
- Lost Wages – You can claim compensation for income lost because your injuries prevented you from working and reduced your future earning capacity.
- Property Damage – Economic damages can also include the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Meanwhile, non-economic damages are a bit more abstract, as they aim to compensate for the non-financial impact of the accident on your life. These can include:
- Pain and Suffering – You can seek financial compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced and your side-swipe accident injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – The inability to do or enjoy activities that you used to love can also be part of your claim.
- Emotional Distress – If you’re suffering from anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues resulting from the accident, you can claim compensation for how they affected your life.
You may also be awarded punitive damages. However, these are less common and are not tied to the losses you’ve suffered. Instead, they are intended to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or malicious behavior and to deter others from similar conduct.
The Evidence That Will Prove Your Claim
In order to prove your claim, your sideswipe accident attorney will need to demonstrate (1) who was at fault for causing the accident and (2) how much your claim is worth. Many critical types of evidence can be used to prove these facts. Every case is different, and your attorney will know what evidence is most persuasive in your particular case. Here are some of the most common types of evidence that California sideswipe accident lawyers use to prove their cases:
Photos And Videos Of The Accident Scene
Evidence from the accident scene is used to determine who was at fault for causing the accident. Photos and videos might be taken by officers who responded to the accident scene or by insurance company employees who were investigating the scene. In some cases, sideswipe accident attorneys can also use photos and videos taken by the victim.
If it is safe and you can do so, feel free to record evidence on your phone at the accident scene. However, you should never endanger yourself or others in order to take photos.
Stay far out of the path of oncoming traffic. Do not interfere with law enforcement investigators or emergency responders who are working on the scene. Do not move around if you have injuries that could be made worse. Follow the directions and advice of police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.
Testimony
In some cases, the insurance companies cannot tell who was at fault simply by looking at the physical evidence of the accident. They might need eyewitness testimony to hear what happened in the accident. The insurance company will ask for statements from both drivers. Of course, these statements do not always match up, and it is assumed that each driver will try to blame the other.
This fact is why insurance companies are especially interested in statements from bystanders and other “third parties” who do not have a stake in the case’s outcome. You should try to get any witnesses’ contact information if it is safe and possible to do so. Police officers will also gather this information at the scene if they are able to.
Expert Witnesses
Expert witnesses might be required to testify about how the accident and your injuries happened. Your California sideswipe accident attorney can hire an accident reconstructionist to offer a professional opinion about how the incident occurred.
In court, an accident reconstructionist is not allowed to offer an opinion about who was at fault because it is the “ultimate issue” of the case (which the jury must determine). Nonetheless, professional opinions are usually persuasive to a jury. An accident reconstructionist’s report can also be used in settlement negotiations to prove to the insurance company that their driver was, in fact, at fault for causing the accident.
Expert witnesses can also be used to prove the value of your claim. Once the insurance company accepts liability (or a jury finds the defendant at fault), you must prove how much compensation you are entitled to. There are many tricks an insurance company will use to try to reduce the value of your personal injury claim.
They might claim that your medical bills are unnecessarily high because your providers charged too much or recommended excessive treatment. This is especially common with chiropractors and other medical professionals who provide less traditional services. The insurance company will almost certainly downplay the amount of your pain and suffering in order to reduce your overall award.
This is where expert witnesses can be critical in proving your case. Your sideswipe accident attorneys can ask medical experts to testify about the care you received and why it was necessary. They can also testify about the effects of an injury: the recovery period, the physical pain it causes, and how the nature of the injury will impact a victim’s life. Testimony from medical experts can be very persuasive to a jury and even to the insurance company fighting against you.
Medical Records
Your medical records serve as objective evidence of the types of injuries you received and the necessary treatment. This objective data is persuasive to insurance companies because it relies on verifiable data and other reliable indicators of suffering. The accompanying medical bills will also have a specific value that can be used by your California sideswipe accident lawyers for calculating a personal injury award.
Of course, not all your losses will be documented in your medical records and bills. You are also owed compensation for your pain and suffering. In many personal injury cases, pain and suffering are the largest components of the overall award. This fact is why it is essential to supplement your medical bills with evidence about how your injuries impacted you.
Perhaps you were unable to sleep because you were in so much pain. Maybe you had to give up a beloved hobby, such as playing sports, because your injuries would not allow you to participate. Perhaps you lost your job and the sense of pride that comes from knowing you are needed in the workplace. All of these are genuine losses, and you are entitled to compensation for them.
Your testimony about the way your injuries impacted you will support your award for pain and suffering. Insurance companies are usually less swayed by this subjective data than by the cold, hard facts from your medical records. Even so, if your case goes to trial, your sideswipe accident attorneys can use this anecdotal data to persuade the jury. Jurors are humans. They have their own families, jobs, hobbies, and lives. They understand how painful it would be to be robbed of these essential things because of an injury caused by another driver’s negligence.
Statute Of Limitations For Filing Accident Claims
The statute of limitations sets a deadline for initiating legal proceedings. This time limit encourages the timely resolution of legal disputes. After all, evidence may deteriorate over time, memories fade, and witnesses become unavailable.
In most cases, California law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failure to do so within the allotted time frame generally means you lose the right to seek compensation.
If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim, you should consult with our experienced California sideswipe accident attorneys as soon as possible. They can help ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame, preserving your right to seek compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Will My Sideswipe Accident Case Take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The duration of your car side-swipe case depends on several factors, including:
- The Severity Of Injuries – More extensive injuries typically require more medical treatment, leading to a longer timeframe for reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI). When determining compensation, MMI is a crucial factor, especially in cases involving temporary or permanent disability.
- Fault Determination – Clear-cut cases where the fault is easily established tend to move faster than those with disputed liability.
- Settlement Negotiations – Reaching a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company can be time-consuming, especially if they contest your claim. Our dedicated sideswipe accident attorneys in California can advocate for your best interests during negotiations and ensure a timely resolution for your case.
- Court Involvement – If a settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit becomes necessary. The court system can add significant time to the process due to procedural steps and potential court appearances.
How Much Do Sideswipe Accident Attorneys Charge In California?
In California, personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, they’ll only get paid if they win your case or achieve a settlement. The fee is usually a percentage (between 33% and 40%) of the compensation awarded to the victim.
A contingency fee arrangement allows you to pursue legal action without worrying about the immediate financial burden, especially if you’re facing medical bills and lost wages. Moreover, since the lawyer’s fee is tied to your success, they’re highly motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer For A Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
Consider seeking legal help from our California sideswipe accident attorneys if:
- You sustained injuries and face substantial medical costs.
- There are multiple parties involved.
- There is extensive property damage, and the repair or replacement costs are hefty.
- There’s a disagreement about who caused the accident and who is liable for the damages.
- The insurance companies refuse to make a fair settlement offer or any settlement offer at all.
What If I’m Partially At Fault For A Sideswipe Accident?
You can still pursue compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. If you’re in this situation, you’ll need the help of competent sideswipe accident attorneys to minimize your percentage of fault.
California follows pure comparative negligence laws, which allow victims to file a claim even if they were up to 99% at fault. However, their percentage of liability would reduce their claim.
For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, you would receive 30% less of the compensation you’re entitled to. If your total claim is worth $100,000, you would only receive $70,000 in the end.
Contact The Top Sideswipe Accident Attorneys California Chooses For Justice
You don’t have to look far to find the best sideswipe accident attorneys in California. Our injury lawyers have decades of experience. We have collected over $500 Million for clients across the state, and we will fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve, too.
Call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let us handle the insurance paperwork and claims process so that you can focus on making the best recovery possible from your injuries.
Our experienced auto accident attorneys, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., serve clients in San Francisco, Riverside, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, Stockton, Oakland, Modesto, and throughout California.
