If you need legal representation for any accident involving a large commercial size truck, trust Burg Simpson's experience. Schedule your free consultation today.
Sideswipe accidents cause serious injuries, especially when they involve tractor-trailer trucks. With the extensive blind spots that large trucks have, lane changes and merges become extremely hazardous. Statistics show most sideswipe car accidents occur on the vehicle's left rear side.
While modern vehicles feature blind spot detection systems, older models lack this technology. We urge drivers to remain attentive to blind spots while prioritizing road safety.
At Burg Simpson Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact of such collisions. If you or a loved one has been affected by a sideswipe accident, our empathetic and knowledgeable team of personal injury lawyers at Burg Simpson is here to help. Call for a free consultation at 888-895-2080.
A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of one vehicle contacts another. Often occurring between vehicles traveling parallel to each other, these collisions usually happen due to blind spots that hinder a driver’s awareness of surrounding traffic.
Sideswipe accidents with large trucks can cause severe injuries or fatalities due to their size and weight. To put things in perspective, a tractor-trailer can weigh between 35,000 and 80,000 pounds compared to a couple thousand for the average passenger vehicle. If a truck driver fails to notice a car in their blind spot during a lane change, a collision can force the vehicle into oncoming traffic, further increasing the destruction caused.
In extreme cases, fatalities can occur. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, nearly 5,000 large truck accidents resulted in death in 2020.
Sideswipe accidents often happen during lane changes or when two vehicles attempt to merge onto the same roadway. Sideswipe semi-truck accidents have devastating consequences. Understanding what causes these types of accidents may help to prevent them. The six primary factors which contribute to sideswipe collisions are:
Sideswipe car accidents can lead to devastating injuries and long-term consequences for those involved. Common injuries resulting from these collisions include:
If you are involved in a car accident with a tractor-trailer truck, take immediate steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here are some steps to take after a sideswipe car accident incident:
Remember, taking these steps after a sideswipe truck accident can help protect your legal rights as well as ensure you get compensated for your damages.
Determining fault in a tractor-trailer related sideswipe collision involves examining various factors. To best determine which driver caused the accident, the following evidence will need to be examined and considered:
We understand that a large truck sideswipe accident can leave you facing physical and emotional challenges and financial burdens. That is why we want to make sure you know that you may be entitled to various types of compensation to alleviate the financial burden as well as the stress and anxiety associated with your personal injury.
This compensation can include:
Serious injuries from sideswipe collisions with big rigs can lead to mounting medical bills, including multiple doctor visits, surgeries, therapy, and medication. Ambulance and emergency room fees can also be significant. Health insurance copays and deductibles may further strain finances.
Additionally, ongoing or long-term expenses like rehabilitation or home care for traumatic brain injuries can persist. If injuries hinder your ability to work, lost income can further impact your capacity to afford medical care, especially if you lose your health insurance.
If you've experienced a sideswipe accident with a tractor-trailer truck, recovery may necessitate time off work, leading to lost wages and financial pressure on you and your family. Lost wages encompass missed income and potential earnings if you are unable to return to work in the future.
Sideswipe collisions involving large trucks often have fatal injuries or lead to catastrophic injuries and lasting psychological distress, resulting in pain and suffering. Pain and suffering refers to physical discomfort from serious injuries like broken bones or TBIs as well as emotional trauma from the distressing event.
Most sideswipe accidents involving passenger vehicles and semi-trucks result in significant property damages. The size and weight of commercial trucks worsen the vehicle wreckage. A sideswipe accident between a large truck and a small car could cause both vehicles to be completely totaled.
There are time limits for filing a claim seeking compensation following a sideswipe collision involving trucks. This deadline is called the statute of limitations and varies by state.
In most states, this timeframe is two or three years from the date of the sideswipe accident. For example, Colorado is two years, and New York is three years. However, Florida's limit is four years.
It is best to pursue your sideswipe accident claim as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to receive compensation. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system to pursue justice and secure compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you were involved in a sideswipe accident with a tractor-trailer truck, a car accident lawyer will handle your case by gathering evidence to determine who is at fault. This process may include the following:
They may also consult with accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and financial experts.
Once your lawyer can determine fault, they will work to help you calculate and recover the total compensation you are due for things like medical bills and property damage. They will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and file any necessary legal documents, while keeping you informed throughout the process.
Have you been sideswiped by a commercial truck and left to deal with the consequences of someone else's negligence?
At Burg Simpson, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with being involved in a serious sideswipe accident. Our mission is to provide you with exceptional legal representation as we fight for the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Burg Simpson is a prestigious national law firm with over 40 years of proven success, having recovered over $2 billion for our clients. Our team of accomplished attorneys is well-versed in state laws throughout the United States, enabling us to protect your rights and best interests, no matter where the sideswipe accident occurred.
We take pride in our local impact and national strength, which allows us to recover every penny you deserve for your injury and losses. By choosing Burg Simpson, you can trust that our personal injury lawyers will handle your case professionally and with care and compassion.
Our extensive network of attorneys offers the support and experience needed to confront large corporations, big insurance companies, and their vast legal teams. At Burg Simpson, we believe in earning legal victories through hard work, determination, and a relentless commitment to excellence. Our passion for results creates a stress-free experience for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your personal injury case ourselves.