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Sideswipe accidents happen fast. One moment, you are driving peacefully down the road, and the next, another vehicle clips the side of your car. These crashes often leave victims confused and hurt, wondering what happens next. When you need a Summerville car accident lawyer who knows how to handle these specific cases, Trey Harrell stands ready to fight for your rights.
What Makes Sideswipe Accidents Different
Sideswipe collisions occur when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions make contact along their sides. Unlike head-on crashes or rear-end accidents, sideswipes create unique patterns of damage and injury. The force typically spreads along the length of your vehicle rather than concentrating at one point.
These accidents frequently happen during lane changes, merging onto highways, or when drivers drift out of their lanes. Weather conditions like rain or fog can make lane boundaries harder to see, increasing the risk. Heavy traffic situations also create more opportunities for vehicles to come into side contact.
The damage from a sideswipe might seem minor at first glance. Your car may still be drivable, and you might feel fine immediately after the crash. However, both vehicle damage and injuries can be more serious than they initially appear.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Collisions
Driver error accounts for the majority of sideswipe accidents in South Carolina. People make mistakes, but some behaviors significantly increase the risk of these crashes.
- Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Distracted driving from cell phones or other devices
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Aggressive driving behaviors like weaving through traffic
Mechanical failures can also lead to sideswipe accidents. A blown tire can cause a driver to lose control and veer into another lane. Faulty steering components might make it difficult to keep a vehicle in its proper position. These mechanical issues do not excuse the accident, but they can complicate determining who bears responsibility.
Road conditions play a role as well. Poorly maintained lane markings make it harder for drivers to stay in their lanes. Construction zones with shifted traffic patterns create confusion.
Injuries That Result from Sideswipe Crashes
The side-to-side motion of a sideswipe accident creates specific injury patterns. Your body gets thrown laterally across the seat, which can strain muscles and joints in ways they are not designed to handle.
Neck and back injuries are extremely common. The sudden sideways force can cause whiplash, herniated discs, and muscle strains. These injuries may not cause immediate pain, but they can develop into chronic conditions that affect your daily life for months or years.
Head injuries can occur when the impact causes you to strike the side window or door frame. Even without direct contact, the rapid movement can cause your brain to bounce inside your skull, potentially leading to a concussion.
- Whiplash and neck strain from lateral movement
- Back injuries, including herniated discs and muscle spasms
- Head injuries from contact with the vehicle interior
- Shoulder and arm injuries from gripping the steering wheel
A skilled Summerville car accident lawyer knows how to investigate these accidents thoroughly and help you get the compensation you deserve.
South Carolina Laws Governing Sideswipe Accidents
In South Carolina, you can still recover damages even if you are partially to blame for the accident, as long as your percentage of blame does not exceed 50 percent. If the other driver was 70 percent at fault and you were 30 percent at fault, you can recover 70 percent of your total damages.
The state requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. However, these minimum amounts often fall short of covering serious accident damages.
South Carolina Code Section 56-5-1900 requires drivers to exercise due care when changing lanes. This law becomes especially important in sideswipe cases where improper lane changes caused the accident. Proving a violation of this statute can strengthen your claim significantly.
Note that in South Carolina, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. This might seem like plenty of time, but insurance companies often drag out negotiations, hoping you will accept a low settlement or miss the deadline entirely.
Proving Fault in Sideswipe Cases
Determining who caused a sideswipe accident requires careful investigation. Physical evidence from the scene tells an important story. The location and pattern of damage on both vehicles can reveal which car was in the wrong lane or moving improperly.
Witness statements provide valuable outside perspectives. Other drivers, passengers, or pedestrians may have seen actions that led to the crash. Their accounts can corroborate your version of events or reveal details you might have missed.
Modern technology offers additional evidence sources. Many vehicles now have event data recorders that capture information about speed, steering input, and braking in the seconds before a crash. Traffic cameras, security cameras from nearby businesses, and even dashboard cameras from other vehicles might have recorded the accident.
Types of Damages Available in Sideswipe Cases
South Carolina law allows accident victims to recover various types of damages. Economic damages are typically easier to calculate because they involve specific dollar amounts.
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that do not have clear monetary values. Calculating these damages requires experience and skill.
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment and ongoing care
- Lost wages from time away from work due to injuries
- Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle
- Pain and suffering compensation for physical and emotional distress
Areas We Serve in Summerville and Surrounding Communities
We handle cases in the following zip codes and surrounding areas:
- 29483 – Downtown Summerville and historic district
- 29485 – North Summerville and residential neighborhoods
- 29486 – West Summerville and commercial areas
- 29484 – South Summerville and industrial zones
Our service area also includes nearby communities like Goose Creek, Moncks Corner, and North Charleston. We have successfully represented clients from Dorchester County, Berkeley County, and Charleston County in sideswipe accident cases.
Contact Us Today
You do not have to face this challenge alone. Trey Harrell has the experience and dedication to fight for the compensation you need and deserve. We handle all aspects of your case while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for a consultation about your sideswipe accident case. Remember, Trey Helps!
