SHARE:

Who is at Fault in Side-Swipe Accident?

who would be at fault in a side-swipe car accident

Vehicle accidents, regardless of who is at fault, cause property damage as well as personal injuries and personal liability issues. A Side-swipe accident occurs when vehicles are traveling in the same direction and the side of one vehicle hits the other.

In many cases, this type of accident, also known as an unsafe lane change, occurs when one vehicle changes lanes and side-swipes another vehicle. These accidents are often the result of improper merging or lane changes. Establishing fault in a side-swipe accident can be difficult to determine, though the vehicle which leaves its lane is usually at fault.

Who is at Fault?

How to determine fault in a side-swipe accident

Drivers are responsible for following traffic rules and performing in a way that does not put other vehicles in danger which means you must stay in your lane until it is safe to change lanes or merge into traffic. Failing to do so can result in a side-swipe accident for which you are determined at fault and liable. It can be difficult to determine fault, though the types of damage, as well as the location of that damage, can help to establish fault. Even where the vehicles eventually stopped can provide clues to what happened to cause the side-swipe accident. Of course, drivers’ testimonies and witnesses’ accounts also help establish fault.

The fault usually lies at the feet of the driver who changed lanes. Drivers are responsible for ensuring a lane change is safe by checking mirrors, blind spots, and by using turn signals to indicate the intent to change lanes. Drivers should also stay alert and adjust speed according to traffic and weather conditions. Speed is often a factor in side-swipe accidents. Other causes can be road rage or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

There are even instances in which the driver who did not change lanes can bear some of the fault. For example, if the other driver speeds up or slows down as the driver changes lanes, is talking or texting, or purposefully refusing to allow the other vehicle to change lanes or merge.

Injuries Common in Side-swipe Accidents

common side-swipe car accident injuries

When you are involved in a side-swipe accident, call the authorities for assistance – to get help for the injured and file an accident report. Side-swipe crashes can cause severe head injuries like concussions or traumatic brain injuries as well as other injuries including:

If you are injured in a side-swipe accident, your doctor will examine you thoroughly, ordering tests like X-rays and MRIs to determine the extent of your injuries. Once you have been diagnosed, the doctor will create a customized care plan to alleviate your pain and help you fully recover. This treatment may include physical therapy, pain management, massages, and more to restore your body to full function.

If you have been injured in a side-swipe accident, the experts at County Line Chiropractic Medical and Rehab are awaiting your call with the goal to alleviate your pain and return you to full health and strength.

Load more posts

Want to learn more? Stop by one of our
offices for a consultation!

With five convenient South Florida locations to best serve you, there is nothing stopping you from making an appointment! Call today and start feeling better.

  • ‘86

    Helping patients for over 30 years

  • 5

    Full-service rehab centers

  • X

    Non-Invasive alternative to surgery

Testimonials

We treat our patients like our own family.

We are committed to providing each and every patient with the highest quality, customized care they deserve. You can count on our chiropractors to help you live a happy, healthy, and pain-free life without any surgical procedures or harmful medications.

We hope to hear from you soon!

If you’re ready to find the relief you’ve been longing for, you owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment at County Line Chiropractic today. We can’t wait to meet you and enlighten you on the power of chiropractic care and natural healing.