Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyers In Oxnard

Serious car accidents happen in many ways, but one of the most common is a sideswipe accident. This is when a car glances off the side of another when traveling in the same or opposite direction. Although a sideswipe may have a lower impact force than other accidents, it can still lead to severe injuries, death, and property damage. Like other car accidents in Oxnard, a sideswipe crash can result in compensation if another party is at fault. 

Seeking legal advice is crucial if you’ve suffered sideswipe crash damages, such as medical expenses. At Maho Prentice, LLP, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complex process of filing a personal injury claim to receive compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses and pain and suffering.  With a proven track record of obtaining tens of millions in settlements and verdicts in personal injury lawsuits, we’re here to fight for you.

How Does A Sideswipe Car Accident Happen? 

The most common reason for a sideswipe accident is when a negligent driver tries to change into an adjacent lane and hits another vehicle traveling in the same direction. Or, a motorist drifts into the next lane and glances off another car. Another possibility is a vehicle driving in the other direction loses control and hits the side of an oncoming car. Many sideswipe accidents happen because the driver is under the influence of alcohol, is distracted, suffers a medical emergency, or has a blown tire. 

Additional facts about sideswipe accidents with a negligent driver include: 

• Understeering or oversteering when on a steep curve causes many sideswipe crashes. 
• The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety states that 242,000 sideswipe accidents occur annually. 
• Sideswipe auto accidents lead to 27,000 personal injuries and 2,500 deaths annually. 
• Sideswipe crashes may be in the same or opposite direction. 
• Opposite-direction sideswipe crashes happen more often than same-direction accidents. 

Why A Sideswipe Car Accident Is Dangerous

The initial consequence of a sideswipe accident may be only vehicle damage. The problem is that one or both drivers may overreact and lose control, which can lead to severe accidents and injuries. 

For example, many drivers immediately correct their direction or move away from the car that hit them. This knee-jerk reaction can cause one or both drivers to lose control, possibly causing rear-end or head-on car accidents. Sometimes, one or both cars may flip over, causing passengers to be ejected from the vehicles and fatally injured. When avoiding the other vehicle, the driver may slam into other cars, trees, road signs, or street lights. 

Common Sideswipe Auto Accident Injuries

Sideswipe accidents usually happen unexpectedly because of a negligent driver, and the severity of injuries depends on where one vehicle hit the other, the speed, and the number of cars involved. 

The sides of motor vehicles have few protections in an accident other than the doors and small side airbags. During a front-end car accident, the engine, car frame, and airbags absorb most of the crash impact. In a rear-end accident, the trunk is a protective barrier between vehicle occupants and the other car. However, occupants are more exposed to crash forces if a vehicle strikes the side. 

Additionally, a sideswiping accident may cause your vehicle to lose control and strike other cars and objects. The severity of injuries may be higher if there is a significant weight difference between the vehicles. For example, if a large SUV sideswipes a small sedan, the latter vehicle occupants are more likely to have serious injuries. Some of the most common sideswipe accident injuries are: 

• Concussions
• Whiplash
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Burns
• Internal organ damage
• Lacerations

It’s critical to obtain immediate medical care after a car sideswipes and injures you. Even if the other driver was clearly at fault, obtaining fair compensation for your injuries can be challenging. Getting prompt medical attention ensures your injuries are treated promptly. 

The treating physician will note your auto accident injuries in your medical record. This will be critical information to obtain damages in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Otherwise, the insurance company may claim that your injuries are unrelated to the accident and not pay enough for your medical expenses and lost wages.

Who Is At Fault For Sideswipe Accidents? 

Usually, the party who didn’t check their blind spot or lost control and hit the other car is at fault. But many sideswipe crashes happen at high speed. So, proving fault can be challenging if both drivers tell different stories about who did what. This is when it is vital to have experienced car accident attorneys reviewing the crash evidence and assigning liability. 

Why Hire A Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyer? 

Like any car crash, sideswipe accidents can result in a personal injury lawsuit if negligence is involved. Suppose the other driver was texting and driving, driving under the influence, or didn’t check their blind spot before changing lanes. In that case, a personal injury attorney can help you obtain compensation for injuries, property damage, and more. Proving negligence in personal injury claims requires proving the four following legal elements: 

• The defendant owed you a duty of care. For example, a vehicle driver on the highway owes you a duty of care to drive safely and not injure other motorists. 
• The defendant violated the duty of care by sideswiping your vehicle because they were distracted. 
• You have damages caused by the accident, such as property damage and medical bills. 

A sideswipe accidents lawyer in Oxnard has the experience, skill, and resources to prove negligence, calculate your damages, and obtain the highest possible settlement. If settlement negotiations break down, your car accident attorney can file a lawsuit and proceed to court to convince a jury. The best way to obtain maximum compensation is to immediately retain an experienced personal injury lawyer in Oxnard. 

Contact Sideswipe Accident Lawyers Today

A sideswipe auto accident can be terrifying, and the injuries can be catastrophic. Medical treatment can be extremely costly. Additionally, you could have lost wages and mental and emotional trauma related to the experience and injuries. Talk to an Oxnard sideswipe accident lawyer today by calling (805) 774-1295 for a free legal consultation. Our personal injury lawyers at Maho Prentice, LLP, have the training, experience, and skill to obtain the best case outcome and compensation for you and your family. Personal injury attorneys are paid by contingency fees, so you will never pay any out-of-pocket legal expenses.