Sideswipe Accidents Lawyers in Milwaukee

A sideswipe accident is when a vehicle brushes against the side of another vehicle. The vehicles may be traveling in the opposite or the same direction. One of the most common causes of such accidents is improper lane changing. Sideswipe accidents can be extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds as the driver may lose control of the vehicle.

Another reason why sideswipe accidents are dangerous is that the drivers are often unaware of the imminent collision and therefore are not able to take an emergency driving maneuver to prevent it. The sudden and unexpected impact may also cause the driver to react instinctively and overcompensate while trying to maintain control. This can start a chain of events that may cause a catastrophic accident. Sideswipe accidents can also impact other vehicles and even cause a pile-up accident.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Collisions

There are numerous reasons why sideswipe accidents occur. If the two vehicles are traveling in the same direction, then the causes could include failure to check blind spots before changing lanes, drifting into another lane due to driver distraction, or losing control of the vehicle due to reckless driving or road rage.

For sideswipe accidents in vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, the top causes include attempting to pass another slower-moving vehicle when it is unsafe to do so or swerving across the divider line due to driver fatigue or intoxicated driving. In some cases, mechanical failure or issues with the vehicle can also cause sideswipe accidents. Sideswipe accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other potentially life-altering injuries.

Who is at Fault in a Sideswipe Car Accident?

The fault in sideswipe accidents depends on several factors, including the driving behavior of the parties involved in the crash and the traffic laws where the accident occurred. Generally, the driver guilty of changing lanes without a signal, improper passing, drifting out of their lane, speeding, or reckless driving is at fault.

Establishing liability in sideswipe auto accidents is challenging. There is a possibility of shared liability in such accidents. You may have to rely on surveillance footage or eyewitness testimony to prove that the other party was at fault. In some cases, you could use the service of accident reconstruction experts to help demonstrate how the accident occurred. An experienced personal injury attorney at our law firm can help you establish liability for your motor vehicle collision.

Steps To Take Immediately After A Sideswipe Accident

First and foremost, you need to ensure your safety and the safety of other parties involved in the accident. Move to a safe spot and call the police for emergency assistance. You should always call law enforcement officers for any serious car accidents and wait at the scene until they arrive unless you have to be taken away by ambulance for emergency medical attention.

While you are at the accident scene, start gathering evidence that can be useful in building a strong insurance claim or lawsuit against the opposing party. Take photos of the vehicle damage, debris, and skid marks as they can help establish how the accident happened.

You also want to get the contact information of other parties involved in the crash, including the driver’s insurance information, driver’s license number, and vehicle license plate number. Lastly, you must contact a Milwaukee car accident attorney immediately after the accident. Engaging Milwaukee sideswipe car accident lawyers early in the process can help you avoid common pitfalls that can undermine your case. They can also help you understand your rights and responsibilities in traffic accidents.