Charleston Sideswipe Accident Lawyer

A sideswipe accident in Charleston occurs when a driver moves into another lane colliding with a car that’s next to them. While the impact isn’t as severe as it is in other types of accidents, it can still result in serious injuries. Drivers and passengers in Charleston can be badly hurt in a sideswipe accident, and their vehicles seriously damaged. If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a sideswipe accident, you need a reliable Charleston sideswipe accident lawyer on your side. Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney is an experienced car accident lawyer waiting to assist you. So don’t delay: call 843-701-8029 for the assistance you need today.

What are Common Types of Sideswipe Accidents?

Here are some common scenarios for sideswipe accidents seen in Charleston:

  • One car is driving side-by-side with another car moving in the same direction and attempts to turn in front of them.
  • One car is driving side-by-side with another car in the same direction and drifts into the other car’s lane.
  • Two cars are traveling in different directions and one car drifts over the center lane, sideswiping the other car.

What are Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents?

Sideswipe accidents in Charleston typically occur for the following reasons:

One car in another’s blind spot

If one car is slightly behind a car that’s turning or moving over, it may fall into that driver’s blind spot so the driver doesn’t see the car until it’s too late. Drivers should be careful to look over their shoulders and check all mirrors before attempting to turn or switch lanes.

Distracted driving

Drivers can become distracted by electronics, billboards, and even their own thoughts. If they are not paying attention to the road, they may neglect to check to see if a car is next to them when they are turning or moving over a lane.

Driving under the influence

Drugs and alcohol reduce a driver’s judgment so they may not be aware that they are drifting into the other driver’s lane.

Drowsy driving

Fatigued driving is said to be just as dangerous as intoxicated driving when it comes to impairing judgment.

Cars merging improperly

Sideswipes can occur when one driver fails to yield to another driver merging into traffic or when two drivers try to merge into the same lane from opposite sides.

Oversteering or understeering

Oversteering or understeering at road curves can cause a car to drift into a different lane and swipe the car either passing or traveling beside them.

Who Is to Blame for a Sideswipe Accident?

Typically, the driver that merged into the lane and failed to look for the other vehicle is to blame in a sideswiped accident, but establishing liability isn’t always so simple. For example, there could be extenuating circumstances. The driver that swerved may have done so to avoid dangerous activity on the other side of the vehicle.

In any case, it can be difficult to establish blame in a sideswipe accident. Both vehicles may have gotten damaged in a similar fashion making it easy for the drivers to say the other was at fault. Your Charleston car accident lawyer will gather evidence that clarifies who caused the sideswipe accident.

What Damages Can I Claim in Charleston for a Sideswipe Accident?

The damages you can claim will vary depending on your personal situation and the extent of your losses and injuries. You may be able to collect compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earnings
  • Property damage
  • Emotional pain and suffering
  • Wrongful death

Getting a lawyer for a sideswipe accident in Charleston is a good idea to determine what you are eligible to claim and ensure that you are fairly compensated.

How Dangerous Are Sideswipe Accidents?

You may think that sideswipe accidents are not as dangerous as other types of accidents because the impact is not as great. However, the cars collide on their sides where there is only a thin metal barrier protecting the passenger from the collision. Furthermore, the airbags and seatbelts do less to protect passengers who are hit from the side.

So exactly how dangerous are sideswipes? Here are some Insurance Institute of Highway Safety statistics to consider:

  • About 242,000 sideswipe crashes happen every year
  • Sideswipe accidents result in approximately 27,000 injuries and 2500 fatalities every year
  • Opposite direction sideswipes happen more often than same direction sideswipes

Let Our Charleston Sideswipe Accident Lawyers Help You With Your Claim

Whether you need to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit from a sideswipe accident, Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney will gather evidence to build a strong case. We will fight for you in and out of court to seek a positive outcome.

Plus, we won’t collect a dime unless we help you win your case.

Why wait another day? Don’t delay, call Trey!

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