Sideswipe accidents are a common occurrence on San Antonio roads. They can cause serious disruptions, including injuries, emotional trauma, and vehicle damage. Determining fault is crucial to holding the right person accountable for medical bills, lost wages, and repair costs. The fault usually lies with the driver who can’t stay in their lane, doesn’t merge the correct way, or simply isn’t paying attention. But no two accidents are the same. The details are everything; our job is to dissect and use them strategically.
Common Scenarios in Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents don’t happen out of nowhere. Here are a few scenarios that could help us understand what may have led to your collision:
- Changing Lanes: Most sideswipe accidents happen because someone changes lanes without making sure it is safe. They fail to signal, skip checking their blind spots, or misjudge the speed and position of other cars. If a driver is not paying attention or following the rules of the road, they are likely the one at fault.
- Merging or Entering Traffic: Sideswipe collisions happen when drivers fail to yield to vehicles already in the lane or abruptly switch lanes to dodge construction or roadblocks without first checking if it is safe.
- Distracted or Impaired Driving: Distracted or impaired drivers are a liability waiting to happen. Sideswipe car accidents are often the result of texting, eating, or anything else that pulls attention from the road. Add driving under the influence or sheer exhaustion, and you have a recipe for disaster. These actions make sideswipes more likely and clearly prove who is at fault.
- Poor Road Conditions: Bad weather, rough roads, or debris might be out of your control, but staying in your lane is not. Drivers are responsible for adapting to conditions, whether slowing down in heavy rain or carefully navigating construction zones and narrow lanes. Road conditions might play a role in accidents, but if a driver fails to adjust and loses control, that is on them.
Complexities and Exceptions in Sideswipe Accidents
While many sideswipe accidents are straightforward, others involve complexities that make assigning fault harder. Some of the most common issues include:
- Multiple Drivers at Fault: Both drivers in a sideswipe crash sometimes share the blame. One may have changed lanes recklessly while the other was speeding or too distracted to react. Or both drifted toward the lane marker at the same time. If you are partly to blame, the goal is to minimize your share of fault.
- Insurance Coverage: Disputes over whose insurance policy pays the bill are where things get interesting. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough liability insurance, you might have to lean on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy. That is when the claims process gets complicated. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side is critical.
- Lack of Evidence: Determining liability in a sideswipe collision can get tricky without solid evidence. If there are no witnesses and both drivers are pointing fingers, the case comes down to the hard facts – damage patterns, surveillance footage, and anything else that tells the real story.
Determining Fault in Sideswipe Accidents
Showing fault is all about evidence. This is what matters when it comes to proving liability:
- Police Reports: Police reports are the cornerstone. Cops document the scene, call out violations, and take statements. That report is not just some formality. It is the first step in identifying who is at fault.
- Photos and Videos of the Accident Scene: Visual evidence tells the story better than words ever could. Photos, dashcam footage, the position of the cars, skid marks, and road conditions all paint a clear picture of what happened and who is to blame.
- Medical Records: If you sustained injuries in the accident, your medical records can demonstrate the collision’s severity. For example, bruises or scrapes on the side of your body that faced the impact can serve as evidence to support your account of the accident.
- Witness Statements: Independent witnesses provide unbiased testimony, supporting your side of the story and settling any disputes about fault.
Compensation Available After a Sideswipe Accident
Victims of sideswipe accidents may be eligible to pursue several types of compensation. Common examples include money covering:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment related to injuries caused by the crash
- Lost wages due to time off work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity caused by long-term injuries
- Pain and suffering, including the emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma experienced because of the accident
- The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle
Need to Discuss Your Sideswipe Accident? Contact Our Experienced Attorney Today
At Law Offices of Troy A. Brookover, we know how tough it is to deal with everything that comes after a sideswipe accident. With over 30 years of experience and thousands of clients, we know how to step in, take control, and win.
Our results speak for themselves:
- Secured multiple six- and seven-figure settlements for injured clients, including $1.1 million for a serious auto accident
- Successfully fought for clients facing disputes with insurance companies
- Delivered personalized, compassionate representation every step of the way
Clients frequently praise our dedication and knowledge:
“Troy Brookover is a tremendous attorney at law. Very knowledgeable and hard working, I have complete confidence in his abilities to argue and win my case. I never have to call Mr. Brookover for status since he and his entire staff kept me informed like no other attorney I have ever worked with… because of Mr. Brookover’s abilities, he is the ONLY attorney I chose to work with.” – Jack Shull
If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident in San Antonio, don’t face the challenges of pursuing compensation alone. Our team has the experience, resources, and determination to investigate your case and help you demand maximum compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced San Antonio car accident lawyer. Let us help you take the first step toward demanding the recovery you need and deserve.
