Sideswipe accidents are among the most dangerous types of car accidents in Winter Haven. A sideswipe accident happens when two vehicles are traveling alongside each other in the same direction and one vehicle crosses lanes and collides with the other vehicle.
Automobiles and their occupants are particularly vulnerable in sideswipe accidents. The sides of a vehicle aren’t as well protected as the front and rear; vehicles can also be forced into oncoming traffic or off the road. A sideswipe accident involving a big truck could result in a car being pinned underneath the truck.
Common Injuries from Winter Haven Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents can result in severe injuries, including:
- Bone fractures
- Abrasions, deep cuts, and puncture wounds
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ injuries
- Burns
- Amputations
- Disfigurement
In the worst cases, sideswipe accidents can result in wrongful death.
Who Is Liable in a Sideswipe Accident?
Florida state law states that “No vehicle shall be driven from a direct course in any lane on any highway until the driver has determined that the vehicle is not being approached or passed by any other vehicle in the lane or on the side to which the driver desires to move and that the move can be completely made with safety and without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the same direction.”
In short, a driver has a responsibility to ensure that the lane next to them is clear before changing lanes.
In most cases, sideswipe accidents occur because the driver of one vehicle simply fails to see the car next to them when they change lanes. Distracted and impaired driving are often to blame. Poor visibility and adverse weather can also trigger a sideswipe accident.
What Compensation Can I Get after a Sideswipe Accident?
Damages resulting from a sideswipe car accident can include:
- Medical bills (current and ongoing)
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
If your insurance policy doesn’t cover the extent of your damages, you can seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
Before you file your personal injury claim, you should speak to a car accident lawyer in Winter Haven who has experience representing clients injured in sideswipe accidents. Your attorney can guide you in all legal matters, help you gather the evidence you need to establish your claim, assign a dollar value to your damages, and negotiate with the insurance company to obtain the total compensation you deserve for your damages.
Here’s What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Winter Haven Sideswipe Accident
Tania Rivas is a leading Winter Haven personal injury attorney who has represented clients all over Central Florida who have been injured in sideswipe accidents and other types of car accidents. She has obtained millions in dollars in settlements for her clients, including a $600,000 settlement for a driver who suffered a back injury in a Tampa, FL sideswipe accident.
Don’t wait to take action after your car accident. Contact Rivas Law Group online or call us at (877) 299-5539 to schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation. Tania will discuss your case, answer any legal questions you may have, and provide honest, professional advice on the best way to proceed with your personal injury claim.
