South Florida Injury Attorneys Blog
Have you ever been in a sideswipe accident? It can be a scary and confusing experience, especially if you’re not sure who’s at fault. Thankfully, your car accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale may be able to help prove fault and get you the compensation you deserve.
Here, we’ll explore some of the key factors that go into determining fault in a sideswipe accident. We’ll also explain how an experienced accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale can build a strong case on your behalf.
Your Accident Attorney Serving in Fort Lauderdale Will Evaluate Your Case Thoroughly
When you’ve been injured in a sideswipe accident, you may be wondering how your car accident lawyer serving in Fort Lauderdale will be able to prove that the other driver was at fault. In many cases, it can be difficult to determine who is truly at fault in this type of crash.
There are certain factors that your accident attorney serving in Fort Lauderdale will consider when trying to determine who was most likely responsible for your accident.
What Factors Will Your Car Accident Lawyer Take Into Account for Cases in Fort Lauderdale ?
Every car accident case is different. From the outset, it can be hard to determine who was at fault. However, there are some things that your car accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale will consider. These include:
- The position of the vehicles before and after the collision – this can help to show which vehicle swerved into the other’s lane
- The damage to each vehicle – this can help to show which vehicle caused the majority of damage
- Eyewitness testimony – if there were any witnesses to the accident, their statements can be very helpful in determining who is at fault
- The police report – the police report can sometimes contain information that can help to determine who is at fault
Ultimately, it is up to your lawyer to review all of the evidence and decide who is most likely at fault for the accident. That’s why we suggest that you don’t wait too long to speak with a skilled accident attorney serving Fort Lauderdale.
What Exactly Is a Sideswipe Accident and How Is It Different from Other Motor Vehicle Accidents?
A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of a car or SUV hits the broad side of another vehicle. This type of collision can occur when two cars are going the same way and one vehicle swerves into the other’s lane.
It can also happen when a vehicle makes a wide turn and strikes the side of another vehicle that is coming from the opposite direction.
Our car accident lawyers serving Fort Lauderdale have also seen these crashes take place when one vehicle rear-ends another and causes it to swerve into oncoming traffic or off the road altogether.
One of the reasons sideswipe accidents are so dangerous is because the cars involved in this sort of crash are often speeding. This means the accident victims may suffer serious bodily injuries. They could even die as a result of the collision.
For this reason, we suggest you contact an accident attorney serving in Fort Lauderdale as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
How Can Your Car Accident Lawyer Serving Fort Lauderdale Prove Fault in a Sideswipe Accident?
There are a few key things that your car accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale will need to prove in order to show that the other driver was at fault in a sideswipe accident.
First, they will need to show that the other driver was in the wrong lane when they collided with your vehicle.
Second, they will need to show that the other driver failed to signal their intention to change lanes.
Third, they will need to show that the other driver was speeding or driving recklessly at the time of the accident. All of this evidence will be used to prove that the other driver was at fault and should be held responsible for the damages caused by the accident.
Determining Negligence in a Sideswipe Accident
The difficult thing about these types of accidents is that it’s hard to prove that one driver was primarily responsible. Often, our accident attorneys serving in Fort Lauderdale find that both drivers may share some degree of responsibility for the accident.
For your attorney to collect damages on your behalf, they’ll need to prove the defendant was negligent. To do this, they must show that the defendant failed to take reasonable steps to avoid the collision.
This can involve a variety of things. For example, you may be able to prove that the other driver was speeding. Or maybe they were driving recklessly or failed to yield the right of way.
In some cases, witnesses may be able to provide testimony about what happened leading up to the accident. Accident reconstruction experts may also be able to provide valuable insights into how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
It’s Critical That You Call the Police Immediately After the Crash
If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident, it’s critical that you call the police immediately. This will ensure that a proper investigation can be conducted and that all of the necessary evidence is collected. Your car accident lawyer serving in Fort Lauderdale will need this evidence to build a strong case on your behalf and prove fault.
At the scene of the accident, be sure to exchange information with the other driver involved. You’ll need their name, contact information, insurance company and policy number. It’s also important to get the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
Once the police arrive, they’ll likely ask you for a statement about what happened. It’s important to be honest in your statement but avoid admitting fault or making any apologies. These could be used against you later on.
After the police have completed their report, you should then contact your insurance company to file a claim. Be sure to keep copies of all documentation related to the accident, including the police report, medical bills and any repair estimates. Your car accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale will use this evidence to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
What Evidence Will Your Car Accident Lawyer Serving Fort Lauderdale Use to Prove Fault?
If you’ve been in a sideswipe accident, your car accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale will use various types of evidence to prove fault and help you recover damages. Here’s a look at some of the most common types of evidence used in these cases:
- dashcam footage
- security camera footage
- eyewitness testimony
- police reports
- accident reconstruction experts
Your lawyer will review all of this evidence and determine who was at fault for the accident. If you were not at fault, you may be able to recover damages from the other driver or their insurance company.
What Damages Will Your Car Accident Lawyer Serving Fort Lauderdale Demand on Your Behalf?
If your accident attorney can prove negligence, there’s a good chance you’ll be entitled to damages. Since every case is different, there’s no way to know for sure what types of damages you’ll be entitled to.
However, in most of the sideswipe accident cases we handle, our car accident lawyers serving Fort Lauderdale will demand some, or all of the following:
- Medical expenses: If you’ve been injured in a sideswipe car accident, your first priority should be seeking medical attention. Your accident attorney serving in Fort Lauderdale will demand reimbursement for all of your medical expenses, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, prescription costs, and any future treatment that may be necessary.
- Lost wages: If you’re unable to work because of your injuries, your car accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale will demand compensation for lost wages. This includes not only the wages you would have earned if you were able to work, but also any potential earnings you might have had if you’d been able to advance in your career.
- Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional anguish caused by a sideswipe car accident can be significant. Your car accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale will demand compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
- Property damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the accident, your car accident lawyer serving in Fort Lauderdale will demand reimbursement for repairs or replacement costs.
Contact a Skilled Car Accident Lawyer Serving in Fort Lauderdale Today
If you or someone you love has been involved in a sideswipe car accident, contact a skilled car accident lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale today. You can call our office at (561) 800-8000 or, if you prefer, you can reach out to our firm through our website.
We do offer all new clients a free, initial consultation. This means you can sit down with a seasoned accident attorney serving in Fort Lauderdale free of charge.