A sideswipe accident can leave you with a range of injuries and a deep sense of frustration. If you or a loved one suffered injuries because another driver lost control or made a reckless move, you’re likely dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, and financial worries. Recovering after a crash is never easy, especially when someone else’s negligence caused it.
You deserve justice and compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured, and you have every right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, pursuing an injury claim requires the help of a seasoned car accident attorney. You need a knowledgeable legal professional to guide you through the process and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
If you’re unsure what to do next following a sideswipe crash someone else caused, contact a car accident attorney near you for a free consultation.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents in Missouri
Sideswipe accidents happen for various reasons, and sometimes they occur so fast that it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what went wrong. However, certain factors are often linked to these types of collisions. Below are some of the most common causes in Missouri.
Vehicle Type and Design
Some vehicles, particularly larger ones like SUVs and trucks, are more likely to be involved in sideswipe accidents. Their size, shape, and blind spots make it harder for drivers to see other vehicles in adjacent lanes. Sideswipe collisions often occur when a driver of a larger vehicle attempts to change lanes without properly checking for other cars. The sheer mass of these vehicles can also cause more significant damage during a collision, making them a key factor in sideswipe accidents.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Excessive speed and reckless behavior behind the wheel greatly increase the chances of a sideswipe accident. Drivers who weave between lanes without signaling, tailgate, or speed past other vehicles put everyone around them at risk. Sideswipes often happen when these drivers misjudge the space between lanes or fail to give others enough room. Speeding also reduces reaction time, meaning a driver may not notice they’re drifting into another lane until it’s too late to avoid a crash.
Road Conditions
Missouri’s roads can sometimes pose hazards that contribute to sideswipe accidents. Icy conditions, snow, or uneven surfaces can make it hard to maintain control of a vehicle. When cars slide or lose traction, they may veer into neighboring lanes, resulting in sideswipes. Similarly, road construction zones or poorly marked lanes can create confusion and contribute to these accidents.
Tire Blowouts or Defects
A sudden tire blowout can cause a driver to lose control, leading to an unintended lane change and a sideswipe accident. In some cases, tire defects play a role, meaning the manufacturer or mechanic may bear some responsibility for the crash. Whether it’s a blowout or a defect, the consequences of these incidents are often severe, especially at high speeds on highways.
Common Injuries Resulting from Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may have lasting effects. While every accident is different, here are some of the most common injuries that victims suffer:
Whiplash
- Caused by sudden jerking of the head and neck
- Can result in neck pain, stiffness, and headaches
Shoulder and Arm Injuries
- Often affects the side of the body closest to the impact
- May include bruising, sprains, or more severe injuries like fractures
Head Injuries
- Can range from minor concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- May occur if the head strikes a window, door, or other parts of the vehicle
Cuts and Abrasions
- Often caused by broken glass or twisted metal
- Can vary in severity from minor to deep cuts requiring stitches
Chest Injuries
- May include bruising, broken ribs, or internal organ damage
- Can be caused by impact with the door, seatbelt, or airbag
Back Injuries
- Can range from muscle strains to more serious spinal cord injuries
- May result in chronic pain or mobility issues
Knee and Leg Injuries
- Often occur when legs impact the dashboard or door
- Can include bruises, sprains, or fractures
Psychological Trauma
- May include anxiety, PTSD, or fear of driving
- Can persist long after physical injuries have healed
Soft Tissue Injuries
- Includes damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons
- May cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility
Facial Injuries
- Can occur if the face impacts the steering wheel, airbag, or window
- May include bruises, cuts, dental injuries, or fractures
It’s important to seek medical attention after any accident, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, as some symptoms may develop over time. Regardless of the type or extent of the injury you experienced, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer for advice on obtaining compensation and assistance with the process.
Things to Consider About Sideswipe Accident Claims in Missouri
If you’re considering pursuing a claim after a sideswipe accident in Missouri, there are some important legal factors to keep in mind. The success of your case may depend on how well these details are handled, so it’s important to understand them from the start.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
Each state imposes a time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek damages. In Missouri, for instance, the statute of limitations allows you five years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit in court. If you miss this deadline and don’t have an attorney file a suit on your behalf, you could lose your right to seek compensation altogether.
Certain exceptions can extend the time you have to file, but relying on exceptions is dangerous. Additionally, insurance companies may have their own deadlines for filing a claim with them and claims against government entities typically have far shorter deadlines and a lot of legal complexities to overcome.
Given the importance of acting within any prescribed deadlines and preserving evidence to support your claim, you must consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
Comparative Fault Laws in Missouri
Missouri operates under a comparative fault system, meaning that more than one party can be held partially responsible for an accident. Even if you were partly at fault for the sideswipe accident, you may still be able to recover compensation. However, the amount you can receive will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Potentially Liable Parties
While it’s common for the other driver to be held responsible in a sideswipe accident, there may be other parties who share liability. For instance, if a vehicle defect caused the crash, the manufacturer could be accountable. Similarly, if poor road conditions contributed to the accident, the government agency responsible for maintaining the roads could be liable. An experienced attorney can identify all potentially responsible parties and build a solid compensation claim for you.
Getting Compensation After a Missouri Sideswipe Accident
If you’ve already sought medical treatment and are now recovering at home or in the hospital, you’re probably wondering what comes next. Getting compensated for your injuries and losses after a sideswipe accident can help you heal and move on with your life.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help you recover various forms of compensation (damages) from the parties responsible for your suffering. These include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers everything from hospital stays and surgeries to medications, physical therapy, and follow-up care. If you need ongoing medical treatment, your lawyer can include those future costs in your claim.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries have kept you out of work, you may be able to recover the income you’ve lost. This can also include compensation for any loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working at all or in the same capacity as before.
- Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and emotional distress caused by an accident can have a lasting impact on your quality of life. While it’s harder to calculate than medical bills or lost wages, pain and suffering compensation is still an important part of your recovery.
- Property Damage: In addition to injuries, a sideswipe accident can cause significant damage to your vehicle. You may be able to recover the costs associated with repairing or replacing your car.
An experienced attorney can thoroughly assess your case and pursue the maximum compensation possible. They can help obtain damages that cover all of the losses you’ve experienced due to the accident.
Why You Need Legal Representation
Hiring a personal injury attorney after a sideswipe accident is one of the best decisions you can make to protect your interests. There are many benefits to having legal representation, particularly when it comes to navigating the complexities of personal injury claims. Here’s how a lawyer can help.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
When you’re recovering from an accident, dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. An attorney can handle communication with insurers and other parties involved in your case, making sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve. They also understand how to assess the full scope of your losses, including both current and future damages.
Moreover, an attorney can prevent you from making mistakes that could harm your case. For example, insurance companies may try to get you to make statements or sign documents that could reduce your compensation. With a lawyer on your side, you have someone who knows how to avoid these traps.
How an Attorney Can Help Build a Strong Case
Building a strong case requires gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and sometimes consulting with experts in accident reconstruction or medicine. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the crash, looking for details that could strengthen your claim. They’ll gather police reports, medical records, and other critical documents to establish liability and prove the extent of your damages.
Your attorney can also negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court and advocate for your rights every step of the way.
Contact an Experienced Sideswipe Car Accident Attorney Now
If a careless or reckless driver caused a sideswipe accident that hurt you or a family member in Missouri, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. The car accident attorneys at Cook, Barkett, Ponder & Wolz are here to advise you of your rights, support you throughout the process, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can start building a case for you. Evidence can disappear or be destroyed, and witnesses can forget what they saw. You need to act quickly so we have ample time to prepare your case and negotiate for a fair settlement. If the insurance company won’t offer a reasonable settlement, our personal injury lawyers are ready to take your case to court and present a compelling case on your behalf.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you maximize your financial recovery.