Who Is Responsible in a Sideswipe Accident?

According to research from the National Safety Council, side-impact crashes, which may also be referred to as T-bone collisions or roadside accidents, are second only to head-on accidents in the number of serious fatalities and injuries caused every single year.

In a side-impact collision, one vehicle hits another in a perpendicular direction and it often takes the human body a second or longer to catch up with the intervening force.

When this occurs a whip-like snapping effect may toss the driver from one side to another or back and forth. While seat belts and airbags can help, the human body is only capable of absorbing a certain amount of force. If the amount of force in the vehicle accident exceeds the body’s ability to absorb it, then injuries may occur.

The impact can also be made more significant in the event of a second crash into a stationary object like trees, concrete lane dividers, or other items. What follows are several of the most common causes of sideswipe collisions and what you should do if you’re involved in an accident.

When someone else’s negligence is responsible for the injuries you have sustained, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim in order to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

You need to consult with an experienced New Jersey car accident attorney as soon as possible after your sideswipe accident in order to protect your future.

These are the most common causes of sideswipe accidents:

• Running a red light. While this is also illegal, it is clear evidence of negligence as well.
• Failing to yield. Anytime that a stop sign is placed at a four-way intersection, the traffic rules and regulations require one driver to yield to another. If the wrong driver moves forward, he or she may be found negligent in a case.
• Failing to come to a full stop at a four-way intersection. It is illegal to roll through a stop sign. It is important for each person to stop completely at the stop sign.
• Turning into different traffic lanes. Anytime that a driver is in a turning lane and is legally allowed to make a turn across traffic, it is essential to wait until it is safe to do so. A driver who cuts across traffic may be held liable in court.
• Aggressive or reckless driving. Often reckless and aggressive behavior behind the wheel will go hand in hand. This could lead to liability in a personal injury case.
• Texting or talking on cell phones. Any form of distraction is extremely dangerous and may lead to car accidents in New Jersey.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Intoxicated drivers frequently do not have the judgment capacity in order to avoid serious accidents and may become critically injured.
• Failing to gauge oncoming traffic when turning right at an intersection: While most drivers will look both ways before turning right at an intersection, one who does not may be found liable if he or she proceeded through the intersection when it was unsafe or illegal for him or her to do so.

What to Do If You Have Been in A Side Swipe Car Accident

The immediate aftermath of a side swipe car accident in New Jersey can be extremely overwhelming and frustrating. Understanding the next steps, you may take is critical. Hiring the right New Jersey car accident attorney to represent your interests is essential going forward.

You should never hesitate to communicate with an attorney even if you are not yet sure whether or not you’ll file a claim.

Speaking with an attorney simply shows that you are serious about protecting your rights and will work hard to understand the next steps that you should take.

Contact An Expert New Jersey Car Accident Attorney Today

Speaking to a lawyer helps you determine what a case might look like and your best avenues for resolution. You may be able to resolve your claim outside of court if you hire an attorney who works hard to conclude things in the negotiation stage.

Unfortunately, some claims require litigation, and you need a lawyer who will work hard on your behalf. Reach out to an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer immediately after the accident to discover more.