Sideswipe accidents fall under the category of one of the most commonly happening accidents on the road. In most cases, sideswipes do not hurt the driver or the occupants of the car but can leave severe damage to the vehicle. However, severe cases may lead to one or more injuries.
In other accidents, the driver who hits another driver is at fault and required to pay the damages. It is usually difficult to determine fault in a sideswipe accident, especially without conducting a thorough investigation. If another person has sideswiped your car and caused damages, you can establish fault with the help of a Conyers accident lawyer.
What is a sideswipe accident?
A sideswipe accident takes place when two vehicles parallel to each other collide lengthwise, that is, along the side of the car. These accidents usually happen when one or both vehicles fail to yield the right of way. Some common situations when sideswipe accidents occur are:
- When vehicles try changing lanes with not enough room.
- Weather conditions lead a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- Vehicle changing lanes where it has been prohibited by the law.
- A parked car struck by a moving vehicle.
How to determine fault in a sideswipe accident?
Fault determination is rather difficult in a sideswipe accident as compared to others. However, the process is pretty much the same.
If you or the other party file a compensation claim with the insurance company, they conduct their own investigation to determine who was responsible and to what extent. No insurance company gives money away without thoroughly going through the facts of the case.
Your attorney may investigate as well. The fault is usually determined by the location of the vehicles during the accident and how they were moving in relation to the lines on the road.
Some pieces of evidence that your attorney may gather during the investigation that may help answer concerns regarding the accident include:
- Eyewitness statements
- Police reports
- Photographs and footage of the accident scene
- Expert witness statements
- Medical records of all involved parties
- Physical evidence on the road, like skid marks
- Reports from auto mechanics
What can you do?
The best way to deal with a sideswipe accident is to get your injuries treated and documented by a medical professional and hire an attorney to handle the case. Gathering evidence in a car accident can be difficult, especially when you have no experience in the field.
An attorney possesses expert knowledge and years of practice experience which can overcome any legal obstacles and resolve your issues with ease.
