Damages Related to Side Swipe Auto Accidents
For most people, driving is a regular (and often necessary) part of their daily routine. Because driving is such a routine habit, it can be easy to forget the potential dangers of driving. Unfortunately, the truth is that car accidents are a regular occurrence and have the potential for severe property damage and personal injury. In the worst cases, car accidents can even result in death. While a few accidents are caused by poor road conditions or vehicle malfunctions, the majority of accidents are caused by reckless or negligent driving and could have been avoided all together with safer driving practices. The attorneys at Tawwater Law Firm understand the serious damage that can result from auto accidents and they offer compassionate and aggressive legal representation to those who have been victims of such accidents. We can help our Oklahoma City clients in collecting damages from head-on auto accidents, rear-end accidents, side swipe accidents, and more.
Causes of Side Swipe Accidents
A side swipe accident is one in which the sides of two vehicles collide against each other. Side swipe accidents most often occur when a driver is attempting to make a lane change, but may also be the result of drifting into another lane of traffic or unsafe merging. In most cases of side swipe accidents, the cause is unsafe driving practices. Some of the reckless and negligent actions that may result in a side swipe accident include the following:
- Driving under the influence
- Texting while driving
- Distraction from passengers
- Reaching for something in the car
- Driving while fatigued
- Looking at something other than the road
- Failing to check surroundings before changing lanes or merging
Some may assume that the damages of a side swipe accident may not be that severe, especially when compared to other types of collisions, such as head-on accidents. Side swipe accidents can actually be very damaging to a vehicle and its passengers and may result in severe injuries. The first reason that side swipe accidents cause so much damage and injury is because there is often little protection on the side of a car. Most cars are designed for protection in the case of a head-on or rear-end collision and have features such as bumpers and air-bags to soften the blow in these types of accidents. In a side swipe accident, there is very little protection between the car door and the passenger. Another reason that side swipe collisions can be so damaging is because they often lead to a secondary accident. Once a vehicle is struck from the side, it is likely to be pushed off course and may collide with another vehicle, a guardrail, or other objects along the road.
Collecting Compensation
Victims of side swipe accidents should seek legal representation to ensure that they receive fair and just compensation for damages suffered. While monetary compensation cannot take away the emotional and physical pain that may result from a side swipe accident, it can help clients be prepared for the financial hardships (medical expenses, lost wages, auto repairs, etc.) that are likely to result from a car accident. Our attorneys are experienced in proving liability in side swipe accidents and will fight to ensure that our clients are well taken care of.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been involved in an auto accident and are unsure about your legal rights, schedule a consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys at Tawwater Law Firm. We will listen to the details of your case and advise you on the best course of action for collecting just compensation for damages suffered. We look forward to hearing from you.
