Sideswipe Car Accidents

The National Safety Council categorizes car accidents with other vehicles into four types: angle collision, head-on collision, rear-end collision, and sideswipe and other two-vehicle collisions. In car accidents involving other vehicles, sideswipe accidents accounted for 8.2% of deaths. Whether they result in death or not, a sideswipe accident can result in serious personal injuries and property damage. That is why it is important to understand how liability is determined in a sideswipe accident and who is financially liable for your damages.

What is a Sideswipe Collision Accident?

A sideswipe collision accident occurs when two vehicles collide along their sides. This can happen when two vehicles are traveling side-by-side in the same direction, or traveling in opposite directions on a road with no median. A parked vehicle can also be sideswiped by a moving vehicle.

What You Should Do After a Sideswipe Accident?

Whether you caused the sideswipe accident or not, there are several things you must do afterward:

• If your vehicle is still operable after the collision, you should stop and move your vehicle away from traffic to safe area
• Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver involved in the accident
• Obtain the contact information of any witnesses to the accident
• Take photographs of the scene of the accident and any damage to your vehicle
• Take photographs of your injuries
• See a doctor even if you do not have any visible injuries
• Contact a car accident attorney
• Do not speak to the other driver’s insurer without 

Determining Liability in a Sideswipe Accident

When two moving vehicles are involved in a sideswipe accident, determining who caused the accident and who is liable can be difficult. Where there are witnesses to the accident, eye witness accounts may help to determine the events that led to the sideswipe collision. Where there are no eyewitnesses, accident reconstruction experts can investigate the crash and collect and preserve evidence to determine the root cause of the accident and injuries. Under certain circumstances, liability may also be inferred from evidence taken at the time of the evidence such as which side of the road the cars ended up, and the tire marks left by the vehicles.

Determining liability in a sideswipe collision accident can be complicated. If you have been injured in a sideswipe accident, a car accident lawyer who can help investigate your crash and determine the cause of your accident. Your specialized Louisville personal injury lawyer will also help you deal with insurers, and ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your damages.

Contact a Louisville, Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer

Let our experienced car accident attorneys in Louisville help you recover financial compensation for the damages you suffered as a result of a sideswipe accident. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC. today at (502) 369-0616 today or contact us online for your free case evaluation.