Injured In An Ohio Sideswipe Accident?
Sideswipe accidents can have horrific consequences. Depending on where your car is struck, it might leave the highway, collide with a stationary object such as a tree or a boulder, or turn over. If struck on either side of the trunk, just forward of the bumpers, it may go into a spin and end up facing in the opposite direction, or roll over. Severe sideswipe accidents can cause severe brain injury from the lateral movement the vehicle’s spinning causes on the brain.
If you are injured in a sideswipe accident, you should seek the counsel of a skilled Ohio auto accident attorney at Crandall & Pera Law. We are known for working to obtain the best possible settlements on our clients’ behalf. Our firm has the resources and skill to build a solid case against the negligent party. Call us today and find out more about how we can help.
What Causes Sideswipe Accidents?
Lack of attention to the surrounding traffic is the major cause of sideswipe accidents. Negligent lane changes in particular can cause such an accident. When another car is close by in an adjoining lane and you are in its driver’s “blind spot,” their making a sudden lane change can be disastrous. Their sudden lane change without signaling, or with directional signals as an afterthought, gives you little or no time to react to the encroachment.
Sideswipes also occur during merges from entry lanes onto the main highway. Drivers already on the highway have the right of way over those entering it. The simple courtesy of slowing down slightly to let another driver to merge into traffic and get ahead is far less likely to cause an accident by speeding up to assert one’s right of way.
Another example of lack of traffic awareness is opening a vehicle’s door into traffic without carefully considering what traffic is approaching, how large it is and how fast it seems to be moving. Doors have been lost that way, and so have lives. Cyclists and motorcycle riders are especially vulnerable to collisions with doors, and the resulting accident can cause permanent injuries.
What Can I Do If I’m Involved In A Sideswipe Accident?
Even if you are not seriously injured, even if there is only property damage, consult with an experienced auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will obtain all the necessary documentation that can mitigate your share of responsibility, such as police reports or reports of forensic investigators who examined the accident scene immediately after the accident. By proving the other side was completely or mostly at fault, it can help you recover maximum compensation.
Attempting to handle the insurance companies alone is often a mistake. An adjuster may try to settle the case quickly for less than it is worth. Do not feel pressured to accept less compensation than you deserve.
We Obtain Justice For Those Injured In Sideswipe Accidents
If you or a loved one was injured because a negligent driver sideswiped your car, let the Ohio sideswipe accident lawyers at Crandall & Pera Law help you obtain the compensation you deserve to cover the cost of medical care, alleviating the strain on your finances. We can also ensure that you receive proper rehabilitation and related long-term care if necessary.
We can make the difference between favorable and unfavorable outcomes in sideswipe accident cases. Please call us at 855-444-6651, or fill out our convenient contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation with an Ohio car accident attorney. We serve clients throughout Ohio, including Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Chesterland and Chagrin Falls.