St. Louis Sideswipe Accidents

Drivers are supposed to maintain a single lane of travel. If they drift into another lane, they can be found at fault for the resulting injuries and damages. If you were injured in a sideswipe accident in St. Louis, Miller & Hine is available 24/7 for a free consultation in which we can discuss your legal rights and options. Call us today at (314) 408-5708 to get started.

What Is a Sideswipe Collision?

A sideswipe collision occurs when a vehicle collides with the side of a vehicle in an adjoining lane that is traveling in the same direction.

Dangers of Sideswipe Accidents

These car accidents can be very dangerous, especially when they happen at higher speeds. Accidents that occur at higher speeds often result in more serious injuries because the force involved in the crash is greater. Drivers may be surprised by the impact and may lose control of their vehicle or overcorrect, causing secondary crashes. The sides of vehicles also often contain fewer or less effective safety equipment tools than other parts of the vehicle.

Common Reasons for Sideswipe Collisions

Sideswipe collisions can occur for many different reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:

• Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes or merging
• Distractions, such as cell phones, vehicle controls, or others in the vehicle
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Making unsafe lane changes
• Changing lanes at the same time

An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate your case and gather evidence to establish liability.

What to Do After a Sideswipe Collision

If you are involved in a sideswipe collision, there are immediate steps you can take to protect your health and legal rights, including:

• Report the accident to the authorities. You don’t know if the other driver might’ve been drunk or whether you may have suffered serious injuries. Ignore the at-fault driver’s requests not to call the police, which are only to limit their responsibility for the accident.
• Exchange information. Ask the other driver for their name, contact information, and insurance information. Write down their car description.
• Take photos of the accident. Take wide shots and close-up photos of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, nearby signs, and weather conditions. If there are any skid marks or debris on the road, take pictures of these things, too.
• Make note of your surroundings. Look around to see if there are any traffic cameras or surveillance cameras. Write down a description of the accident while your memory is fresh.
• Ask witnesses for their names and contact information. The statement of an objective witness can go a long way toward proving fault for the accident.
• Seek immediate medical attention. If you were not taken to the emergency room from the scene of the accident, seek prompt medical attention for your injuries.
• Call an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help preserve valuable evidence and advise you of the next steps in your claim.

Call Miller & Hine If You Were Injured in a Sideswipe Collision

Our car accident attorneys offer a free initial consultation to discuss your legal rights and options following a car accident. We work on a contingency-fee basis, so we don’t charge you anything upfront. We only get paid if you get paid. Call us today to get started with your claim.