Sideswipe accidents — when two vehicles going in the same direction make contact — often comes as a surprise, which contributes to the loss of vehicular control that follows. These dangerous accidents are even more hazardous when a large commercial truck is involved. You and your passengers can be seriously injured in this kind of crash. Find a sideswipe truck accident attorney to represent you and seek the monetary damages you deserve after such a harrowing experience. In New Jersey, call RAM Law for experienced representation.
What Is a Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe accident is a type of accident that occurs when a commercial truck and another vehicle traveling in the same direction make contact with each, usually along the side. This can happen when one vehicle changes lanes without checking blind spots or when two vehicles drift into each other while driving on a narrow road or in tight quarters. Sideswipe accidents cause damage to the sides of the vehicles involved, but can also result in injuries to drivers and passengers.
These accidents can be particularly dangerous if they cause one or both vehicles to lose control and collide with other objects or vehicles on the road. If you find yourself in a sideswipe accident, contact a trusted sideswipe truck accident attorney. The best trucking accident lawyers in New Jersey are at RAM Law. They navigate the legal system for you.
What Can a Truck Accident Attorney Do if I’ve Been in a Sideswipe Accident?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may be facing a wide range of challenges and uncertainties, including physical injuries, emotional trauma and financial losses. If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident, a sideswipe truck accident attorney helps you in several ways, including:
Investigating the accident
Assessing liability
Negotiating with insurance companies
Representing you in court
A sideswipe truck accident attorney handles the complex legal process and the insurance issues that arise after a sideswipe accident. Your lawyer ensures that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. A skilled attorney knows to take into consideration all the financial losses you suffer from the accident.
Who’s at Fault in a Sideswipe Accident?
Determining fault in a sideswipe accident can be complex, as it depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. In general, fault is:
Assigned to the driver who made an improper lane change or who failed to maintain their lane and collided with another vehicle.
Shared between both drivers if they were both driving recklessly or if there were hazardous road conditions that contributed to the accident.
Assigned to a third party, such as a construction crew or government entity responsible for maintaining the road.
Ultimately, fault in a sideswipe accident is determined based on the evidence and testimony presented by both sides. You require the knowledge of a qualified attorney or accident reconstruction specialist to establish the liability of the truck driver.
What Type of Injuries Can Result From a Sideswipe Truck Accident?
A sideswipe truck accident can result in a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious, life-threatening injuries. The force of the impact and the speed at which the vehicles were traveling greatly affect the severity of the injuries suffered. The most common injuries that can result from a sideswipe truck accident include:
Soft tissue injuries. These injuries include whiplash, strains, sprains and contusions. Soft tissue injuries can cause pain, swelling and reduced mobility. Some injuries require physical therapy or other treatments to fully heal. If the injuries are centered in your neck or upper back, they may have long-term implications.
Head and brain injuries. These injuries range from concussions to traumatic brain injuries. They can result in headaches, dizziness and cognitive impairment, among many other symptoms.
Spinal cord Injuries. These injuries include herniated discs, spinal fractures and other injuries that can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries result in paralysis or other permanent disabilities.
Broken bones. A sideswipe truck accident can result in broken bones, which can be painful and require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Internal injuries. These injuries affect organs, such as your liver, spleen or kidneys. While they aren’t always immediately apparent, they can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Emotional trauma. Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder may result from a sideswipe truck accident, requiring long-term care management.
If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe truck accident, seek medical attention promptly. Make sure you consult with a qualified attorney to protect your rights and seek compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been in a Sideswipe Truck Accident?
After a sideswipe truck accident, you should take several important steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
Seek medical attention. The first priority after any accident is to seek medical attention for any injuries to you or your passengers.
Call the police. Contact the police and report the accident. They file a report, gather evidence and help ensure that all parties involved are safe and taken care of.
Gather information. Obtain the contact and insurance information of the other driver. Get contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you have sustained.
Contact a trucking accident attorney. A trucking accident lawyer navigates the complex legal issues that arise after a sideswipe truck accident.
Notify your insurance company. Contact your insurance company and report the accident as soon as possible to start the settlement process.
Seeking medical attention, gathering information, contacting an attorney and notifying your insurance company are the basic steps to follow after an accident with a truck. But to help ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve, you need an experienced trucking accident lawyer who knows the process.
When You Are Injured, Our Truck Accident Lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. Will Help
An accident can be life-changing and saddle you with mounting medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our seasoned truck accident lawyers at Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, L.L.P. can help. Call 732-247-3600 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in New Brunswick, Somerville, and Freehold, New Jersey, and we serve clients in Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Somerset County.
