West Palm Beach Sideswipe Accident Lawyer
Steps to Follow After a West Palm Beach Sideswipe Accident
It is important to take the proper steps following a sideswipe accident where you aren’t at fault. These will help you preserve the evidence to show that you are not liable for any damages. Your focus after an accident should be primarily on two things: 1) your health, and 2) gathering evidence of the other driver’s liability.
Secure the area.
Do not stop in a high trafficked area. Move over to the side of the road or onto a median so you are out of the way of oncoming traffic. However, if your vehicle is severely damaged or a passenger is critically injured, put out orange cones and put on your hazards, but do not move the vehicle.
Contact the police.
Florida law requires that police attend to the scene of a car accident. They will assist with securing the area, taking official statements, and file an accident report that you will later require for your claim.
Exchange information.
Get the other driver’s name, driver’s license number, insurance company and policy number, make of vehicle, and their vehicle’s license plate number. Note if you believe they are inebriated or were driving recklessly to the police.
Don’t admit fault.
Saying “I’m sorry” or admitting fault out of social niceties is a quick way to ensure that you won’t get any compensation. Taking responsibility or admitting any form of fault can be seen as admitting liability.
Seek medical attention.
Get checked out by a doctor to ensure that you are okay. Adrenaline can reduce pain, so you may not even realize you’re hurt. Seek emergency attention for more severe injuries.
Contact a West Palm Beach sideswipe accident lawyer.
Before you contact your insurance company or file your claim, speak with a West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer for assistance in getting maximum compensation.
Contact a West Palm Beach Sideswipe Accident Lawyer Today
An expert attorney knows that insurance companies prioritize their bottom line over their clients. We prioritize our clients. That means we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve, even if it means hiring experts and going to trial.
Find out what lengths we’ll go to for your case by calling us today.
How common are sideswipe accidents?
Sideswipe accidents are common in countries with multi-lane highways like the United States.
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety found that over 242,000 sideswipe crashes are reported every year. In 2018, sideswipe collisions caused 2.7% of all fatal car crashes in the United States.
All of the staff were professional, knowledgeable and resourceful. They provided the best service.
I was involved in a rear end collision in which I sustained injuries to my neck and lower back. The initial attorney dropped the ball in filing timely which voided the case. Thanks to this firm, the case was reinstated and I received the compensation due.
Determining Fault In a Sideswipe Accident
It’s difficult to determine fault in a sideswipe accident simply because of how many types of sideswipe accidents there are. These accidents can involve cars traveling in the same or opposite directions. They can result in merging lanes, from lane changes, or from impaired driving.
Typically, fault is determined based on road lines. If a vehicle crosses the center line or a lane division when they sideswipe the other car, then they are found at fault, as the other car was not changing their position between lanes.
However, sometimes two cars are both at fault. Florida is a comparative fault state, meaning that fault can be split between the two parties. In this case, they may both be able to seek damages for the part of the accident that they were not liable for.
This gets increasingly complicated and requires the assistance of a West Palm Beach sideswipe accident lawyer to help navigate a dual-fault claim.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe collisions can occur from a variety of factors. However, the most common causes point to distracted or reckless driving behaviors as the common issue:
- Drivers failing to signal before changing lanes
- Drivers drifting between lanes while distracted
- Impaired drivers weaving between lanes
- Reckless driving
- Drivers failing to check their blindspots before switching lanes
- Two drivers changing into the same lane
- Poor road conditions, such as wet or icy highways
Damages to Include in a Sideswipe Accident Lawsuit
In a vehicle accident, you can pursue two types of damages: property and personal injury damages. Property relates to the cost of repairing the damage to your vehicle and any additional rental fees or taxi fares you require while you wait. Personal injury fees relate to your medical requirements and rehabilitation after the accident.
Personal injury damages can also fall under non-economic damages, or things that you cannot put a cost on. These include your suffering, anguish, and any loss of quality of life.
Statute of Limitations for Florida
In Florida, you have four years from the date of your sideswipe accident to file a claim with the courts. If you miss this deadline, it is unlikely that the court will hear your case.
While you have a long period of time, it is vital to file your claim as soon as possible. This will ensure access to evidence and that the events are still fresh in your mind.
Bringing on a West Palm Beach sideswipe accident lawyer early in the process will allow them to do more for your case. They will be able to go to the scene of the accident, liaise with insurance agents, and help counsel you on what not to say so you don’t damage your case.
If you are looking for maximum compensation for your injuries, don’t wait to hire a lawyer who will defend your rights.
Common Injuries from Sideswipe Accident
Some sideswipe injuries only result in a broken tail light and an accelerated heartbeat. However, others can result in severe personal injuries that may require a West Palm Beach personal injury attorney.
Common injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones, especially in the arms and legs
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Lacerations from glass or metal
- Internal injuries
If you have suffered any of these injuries as a result of a sideswipe accident, contact a West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer to start your claim today.
Get in touch
Call us or fill out one of our web forms to speak with a West Palm Beach auto accident lawyer to get help filing your claim to get the money you’re owed.
515 N Flagler Dr, Suite 1150
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 621-4200