Sideswipe Accidents
A sideswipe accident can happen in the blink of an eye, resulting in painful physical injuries and expensive property damage for those involved. As a victim of a sideswipe crash in California, you may be entitled to financial compensation from the at-fault driver. Work with an experienced car accident lawyer in Los Angeles to ensure you get fair results for your accident claim.
What Is a Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe car accident occurs when the sides of two motor vehicles make contact with each other. This type of crash is seen most often on freeways in California, when a driver tries to change lanes without checking blind spots or when two drivers switch into the same lane at the same time. It can also refer to an accident where the sides of two vehicles that are traveling in opposite directions collide.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
The majority of sideswipe car accidents reported in California are traced back to human error, such as careless or reckless driving behaviors.
Common causes of sideswipe accidents include:
- Unsafe or improper lane changes
- Failing to use a turn signal when changing lanes
- Failing to check a vehicle’s blind spots
- Weaving in and out of multiple lanes
- Reckless or aggressive driving behaviors
- Distracted driving or cell phone use
- Drowsy driving
- Driver intoxication
- Speeding or racing
- Making mistakes while merging
- Failing to yield the right-of-way on on-ramps and off-ramps
- Vehicle mechanical failures, such as tire blowouts
- Dangerous road conditions, such as potholes or construction zones
Before you can recover financial compensation for your sideswipe accident in California, you or your personal injury attorney in Los Angeles must determine the cause of the crash.
Types of Financial Compensation Available for a Sideswipe Accident Claim in California
In California, all drivers are required to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance on their automobile policies. As of January 2025, these amounts will be $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury insurance, plus $15,000 in property damage insurance.
By filing a claim with an at-fault driver’s insurance provider, you may recover financial benefits for the following losses:
- Past and future medical bills
- Any surgeries or medical treatments you require
- Physical therapy and ongoing rehabilitation
- Medications or medical devices
- Motor vehicle repairs or replacement
- Losses of income and earning potential
- Temporary or permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
If you were severely injured in a sideswipe accident and have suffered significant losses, a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you negotiate with an insurer to achieve a settlement that fully compensates you for your current and future losses.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney Help After a Sideswipe Crash?
Contacting a car accident lawyer to discuss your sideswipe accident can shed light on your legal rights and options. The other driver involved in the accident may be financially responsible for your losses under California’s insurance laws, or you may have grounds to bring a personal injury lawsuit against one or more parties.
A lawyer will carefully evaluate your case to determine the best path forward. Then, your lawyer can negotiate or litigate to fight for maximum financial compensation on your behalf. If you were recently involved in a sideswipe accident in the Los Angeles area, the attorneys at Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP can help you recover. Start by requesting a free case evaluation.