Why You Need a Sideswipe Hit-and-Run Lawyer
Being involved in a sideswipe crash can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, especially if the other driver flees the scene, making it a sideswipe hit-and-run accident. Hit-and-run car accidents make the situation even more complicated, as identifying the at-fault driver becomes challenging. This is where hiring a dedicated attorney can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and obtaining the compensation you deserve if you were injured.
In these situations, a passionate lawyer can navigate the legal complexities and ensure that you receive fair treatment from the insurance company. They will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence from the scene, such as a police report, and build a strong personal injury claim to hold the negligent driver accountable. Additionally, an attorney can handle all communication with insurance companies, relieving you of the stress and ensuring that your interests are protected.
At Zirkin & Schmerling Law, your well-being is our top priority. We are here to provide comprehensive legal support to help you navigate through these challenging times.
Compensation for Sideswipe Collision Accidents
In Maryland, victims of sideswipe accidents or crashes may be entitled to recover compensation for various damages from the driver who was at-fault, including:
1. Medical bills: This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any other medical care required due to the sideswipe incident.
2. Lost wages: If your injuries from the sideswipe accident prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you lost during your recovery period.
3. Future earning capacity: In cases of serious injuries or disabilities from the sideswipe incident, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of future earning potential.
4. Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident can be awarded.
5. Property damage: If your vehicle was damaged in the sideswipe collision, you can claim compensation for the repair or replacement costs.
6. Punitive damages: In cases where the other driver’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional in causing the sideswipe accident, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault driver.
What Should You Do Immediately Afterwards?
The first step after an accident is to call the police, and then seek medical care when EMTs arrive. After that, it’s essential to have a skilled attorney on your side to see that all potential damages are accounted for and that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to from the other driver who was at fault.
Our experienced attorneys are committed to delivering personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.
What Causes Sideswipe Car Accidents?
Sideswipe accidents occur with vehicles due to various reasons, including:
1. Distracted driving: Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging in other distracting activities and not paying attention may fail to maintain their lane, leading to a crash with other vehicles traveling in the same direction.
2. Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can significantly impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to control their vehicle, increasing the risk of driving in the wrong direction or a sideswipe accident or sideswipe collision.
3. Failure to check blind spots: When changing lanes or merging, drivers must thoroughly check their blind spots to ensure it is safe to proceed. Failure to do so can result in a sideswipe accident with one car or multiple cars.
4. Aggressive driving: Tailgating, frequent lane changes, and other aggressive driving behaviors can increase the risk of sideswiping two vehicles or causing these crashes.
5. Poor road conditions: Narrow lanes, construction zones, debris on the road, or wet or icy roads make it difficult to drive safely and can force other drivers to swerve or merge unexpectedly, leading to a sideswipe collision.
6. Vehicle defects: Faulty brakes, steering issues, or other mechanical problems can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, potentially resulting in a sideswipe accident with other vehicles involved.
Who Is At Fault in Sideswipe Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Determining fault in a car accident can be complex, but a compassionate attorney can help navigate the process. Generally, when the driver fails to maintain a single lane or improperly merge into another lane they are considered at fault. However, there are instances where both drivers may share fault, or other factors, such as road conditions or vehicle defects, may contribute to the sideswipe accident or collision.
In sideswipe accidents, identifying the hit-and-run driver can be challenging, but a skilled personal injury lawyer can employ various techniques to gather evidence from the accident scene.
Evidence Needed to Prove Fault
Witness statements
Witnesses can provide eyewitness accounts with valuable information about the events leading up to the sideswipe accident and the description of the fleeing vehicle for the accident report.
Surveillance footage
Security cameras from nearby businesses or traffic cameras taking pictures may have captured the car crash or the fleeing vehicle.
Vehicle debris
Collecting and analyzing any debris left at the scene or in a lane of travel can help identify the make and model of the other vehicle involved in a sideswipe crash.
Expert reconstruction
Accident reconstruction experts, such as a police officer, can analyze the evidence and provide insights into the events that led to the sideswipe collision.
Once the at-fault driver is identified, your attorney can pursue a claim against their insurance company or file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages.
Common Sideswipe Accident Injuries
Sideswipe accidents or sideswipe collisions can result in various injuries, ranging from minor to severe, depending on the speed and angle of impact.
Common injuries associated with sideswipe car accidents include:
1. Whiplash and neck injuries: The sudden jerking motion caused by the impact can cause soft tissue injuries to the neck and shoulders.
2. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and head injuries: In severe sideswipe crashes, the impact can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and motor skills.
3. Back and spinal cord injuries: The force of the sideswipe collision can cause herniated discs, spinal fractures, or even spinal cord damage, leading to partial or complete paralysis.
4. Broken bones: The impact in a sideswipe accident can cause fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, or ribs, depending on the angle of the collision.
5. Lacerations and bruises: Broken glass or debris from the crash can cause cuts, abrasions, and bruises.
6. Emotional trauma: The traumatic nature of the sideswipe car accident can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other psychological issues.
Seeking immediate medical attention after being injured in a sideswipe accident or sideswipe collision is crucial, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Your medical records and a police report will also serve as valuable evidence in your personal injury claim when you’ve been injured.
Contact Zirkin & Schmerling Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe accident in Maryland, it’s essential to seek legal representation from experienced attorneys at Zirkin & Schmerling. Schedule your free consultation today.
Our dedicated team of lawyers will work tirelessly to investigate your sideswipe car accident case, gather evidence from the scene, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these sideswipe accidents or sideswipe collisions can take, and we are committed to fighting for your rights. With decades of local experience and a proven track record, we are dedicated to securing the best possible results for you and your family.
Don’t hesitate to take legal action – contact us today at (410) 753-4611 to schedule a free consultation and free case evaluation to learn how we can help you navigate this challenging situation, protect your legal options, and start the road to financial recovery.
