Philadelphia Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyers
If you have been involved in a sideswipe car accident in Philadelphia, an experienced car accident attorney at PhillyLaw is here to assist. Our Philadelphia car accident lawyers understand the complexities of car accident claims and are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Whether your accident was caused by a momentary distraction, a blatant disregard for traffic laws, or poor driving conditions, our Philadelphia car accident attorneys are prepared to investigate your car accident claim thoroughly and advocate on your behalf. At PhillyLaw, we prioritize your recovery and legal peace of mind. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact PhillyLaw for a free consultation with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer to learn more about your rights to recover compensation for your injuries.
Liability for a Sideswipe Car Accident in Pennsylvania
Sideswipe car accidents happen when the sides of two parallel vehicles coming from the same direction or opposing directions make contact. This type of motor vehicle accident often happens on multi-lane roads, during lane changes, or when a vehicle fails to stay within its lane. The impact can range from a minor scrape to a serious car accident, leading to loss of vehicle control and further accidents. Sideswipe accidents can result from various factors, including distracted driving, failing to check blind spots, impaired driving, or adverse weather conditions. Identifying fault in these incidents requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
In Pennsylvania, determining liability in a sideswipe car accident involves analyzing the actions of all parties involved. The state follows a comparative negligence system, meaning that a party can recover damages even if they are partially at fault, as long as their degree of fault does not exceed 50 percent. This approach to liability acknowledges that multiple factors can contribute to the occurrence of an accident.
For a driver to be held liable for a sideswipe car accident, it must be shown that they breached their duty to operate their vehicle safely, and this breach directly resulted in the accident and subsequent damages. Common causes of sideswipe accidents include failing to check blind spots before changing lanes, distracted driving, or drifting out of a lane. In such cases, evidence such as eyewitness testimony, traffic camera footage, and police reports can be crucial in establishing negligence.
At PhillyLaw, our Philadelphia car accident attorneys possess the expertise necessary to navigate Pennsylvania’s laws regarding liability in sideswipe car accidents. We are committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation into your claim, identifying all at-fault parties, and advocating for the full compensation that you are entitled to as a result of your car accident. Contact us for a free consultation with a Philadelphia car accident lawyer to learn more about how to recover damages.
What to Do After a Sideswipe Car Accident
Following a sideswipe car accident, it’s crucial to take certain steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights:
Check for Injuries
Prioritize the well-being of yourself and anyone else involved in the accident. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries.
Move to Safety
If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move vehicles to the side of the road, if possible, to avoid obstructing traffic and further accidents.
Call the Police
Report the accident to the authorities, even if it seems minor. A police report can be vital documentation for your insurance claim and any legal proceedings.
Exchange Information
Swap contact and insurance details with the other driver. Include names, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance policy numbers.
Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, including damage to all vehicles involved, road conditions, and any relevant street signs or signals. This can serve as important evidence later.
Gather Witness Information
If there are eyewitnesses, collect their contact information. Neutral third-party witnesses can provide valuable statements that support your account of the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Be honest about the details but avoid admitting fault or making statements that could be used against you later.
Contact a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer at PhillyLaw
Before accepting any settlement offers, consult with a skilled car accident lawyer who can help evaluate the offer and advise on the next steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
These steps can help protect your interests and prepare you for the legal processes that may follow a sideswipe car accident.
Damages Available for Injuries Due to a Sideswipe Car Accident
Victims of sideswipe car accidents in Pennsylvania are entitled to seek compensation for a variety of damages, both economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible losses that can be calculated, such as:
- Medical Bills: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatments related to the car accident injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for the income lost due to time away from work as a result of the injuries sustained in the car accident, including future lost earning capacity if the injuries impact the victim’s ability to work.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the car accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, which are more difficult to quantify but equally impactful, including:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and the overall decline in quality of life resulting from the injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Damages for psychological effects of the car accident, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to enjoy hobbies and activities you once participated in before the car accident.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded for a car accident. These are not meant to compensate the victim but rather to punish the defendant for egregious behavior or gross negligence and to deter similar conduct in the future.
At PhillyLaw, our experienced car accident attorneys are committed to ensuring that you receive full and fair compensation for all damages resulting from a sideswipe car accident. We understand the profound impact these accidents can have on your life and are here to support you through every step of the legal process.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit for a Sideswipe Car Accident
If attempts at securing fair compensation through insurance claims are unsuccessful or if the offered settlements do not adequately cover the damages sustained, filing a car accident lawsuit may be the next course of action. Initiating a legal suit begins with the filing of a complaint in the appropriate court, detailing the circumstances of the accident, the damages sought, and the legal basis for holding the defendant liable.
Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations
In Pennsylvania, car accident victims have a limited time frame, generally two years from the date of the motor vehicle accident, to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Failing to file within this period could result in losing the right to seek compensation through the court system.
Preparing Your Case
Preparation involves gathering all relevant evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any other documentation that supports your motor vehicle accident claim. This stage may also involve depositions, where witnesses and involved parties are questioned under oath.
Going to Trial
While many car accident cases are resolved through settlements before reaching trial, some cases do proceed to this stage. At trial, both sides will have the opportunity to present their evidence, and a judge or jury will make a determination on liability and the amount of damages to be awarded.
Seeking Legal Representation
Given the complexities of car accident litigation, seeking representation from a knowledgeable Philadelphia car accident attorney with experience in sideswipe car accidents is advised. A Philadelphia personal injury attorney at PhillyLaw will not only provide legal guidance through each step of the process but can also act as a negotiator for settlements with your insurance company and represent your interests in court.
At PhillyLaw, our car accident attorneys are skilled in handling the intricacies of car accident cases in Pennsylvania. We are prepared to aggressively advocate on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected, and striving to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses in your car accident claim.
Taking the step to file a lawsuit can be a daunting process, but with competent legal support from a skilled car accident lawyer at PhillyLaw, victims of sideswipe car accidents can pursue the justice and compensation they deserve.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Car Accidents
Sideswipe car accidents often stem from a variety of behaviors and conditions on the road.
Changing Lanes
One of the primary causes of a sideswipe car crash is drivers changing lanes without proper signaling or checking their blind spots, leading to collisions with vehicles in the adjacent lane.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, including the use of mobile devices, adjusting the radio, or other activities that take the driver’s attention away from the road, is another significant factor in a car crash.
Impaired Driving
Additionally, impaired driving due to alcohol or drug use dramatically increases the risk of sideswipe car crashes by reducing the driver’s reaction time and judgment.
Fatigue
Fatigue can also play a crucial role in a sideswipe car crash, as tired drivers may drift into adjacent lanes unknowingly.
Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions, such as slippery surfaces due to rain or snow, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in sideswipe motor vehicle accidents.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving behaviors, including speeding and reckless lane changes, are often underlying causes of these types of accidents. Understanding these common causes can help drivers be more mindful on the road and take necessary precautions to avoid sideswipe accidents.
Common Car Accident Injuries from a Sideswipe Car Accident
Sideswipe car accidents, although they may seem less severe when compared to frontal or rear-end collisions, can still result in significant injuries to those involved. The nature of these injuries often depends on the speed at which the accident occurred, the size of the vehicles involved, and whether the occupants were wearing seatbelts. Some of the most common injuries include:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
The sudden side-to-side motion can cause severe neck strain or whiplash, potentially leading to long-term discomfort and reduced mobility.
Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
The impact can cause occupants’ heads to hit windows or steering wheels, leading to concussions or more severe brain injuries.
Broken Bones
Arms, legs, ribs, and even hips can break upon impact, especially if the collision force pushes the vehicle into a hard object or causes it to roll.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Muscles, ligaments, and tendons can be stretched, torn, or bruised during a sideswipe accident, leading to pain and swelling that may not be immediately apparent.
Lacerations and Bruises
Broken glass and twisted metal can cause cuts and bruises, some of which may require medical attention to prevent infection or address cosmetic concerns.
Internal Injuries
The force of the impact can cause internal bleeding or damage to organs, which may not be immediately evident without medical examination.
Wrongful Death
In tragic circumstances, sideswipe car accidents can lead to fatalities, giving rise to wrongful death claims. These claims are filed by the deceased’s surviving relatives or estate representatives, seeking compensation for their losses, including funeral expenses, loss of income and support, as well as pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before their passing. Wrongful death actions require a demonstration that the accident was caused by another’s negligence or intentional act, directly leading to the victim’s death.
Navigating a wrongful death claim involves a complex legal process, necessitating the guidance of an experienced attorney who can help the family understand their rights and pursue justice for their loved one. Under Pennsylvania law, as with personal injury lawsuits, there is a statute of limitations that applies to wrongful death claims, typically two years from the date of death, underscoring the importance of seeking an experienced car accident attorney from PhillyLaw without delay to ensure the family’s ability to hold the responsible parties accountable.
The Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at PhillyLaw are Dedicated to Car Accident Victims
The Philadelphia car accident lawyers at PhillyLaw are not only dedicated to representing car accident victims but are also committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate legal assistance throughout the entire legal process. Our legal team understands the overwhelming impact a car accident can have on your life and well-being. We strive to alleviate the burden by handling all aspects of your claim, from thorough investigation and evidence gathering to negotiating with insurance companies and pursuing litigation if necessary. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the full compensation you are entitled to for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages resulting from the accident. At PhillyLaw, an experienced personal injury attorney will stand by you every step of the way in your Philadelphia car accident case, offering personalized attention and unwavering support to help you recover and move forward. Contact our team today for a free consultation.