It may seem like a minor accident at first, but Kansas City sideswipe car accidents often lead to significant injury or even death. That’s why sideswipe car accident lawyers are so important; they’re the ones who will help you get back on your feet after this traumatic event.
These crashes regularly occur with both vehicles moving at high speeds. Trucks are predominantly involved, causing potentially fatal injuries to the car’s occupants.
It’s important to remember that car accidents resulting from sideswipes are often due to the negligence of another driver, which means you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.
Contact the Kansas City car accident attorneys at Langdon & Emison today to learn how we can help you.
What is a sideswipe car accident?
A sideswipe car accident occurs when a driver hits another vehicle on the side at an angle. This can occur when a driver is pulling in front of another car, overcorrects, or simply fails to maintain control while driving.
These sideswipes normally occur when one vehicle pulls out in front of another car or passes them on the right side. It often happens during weather with bad visibility or when drivers fail to check their blind spots when merging onto motorways.
5 Steps to Take After a Sideswipe Accident in Kansas City
Sideswipe car accidents aren’t always serious, but this doesn’t mean you should let the other party off without any consequences for their actions. Instead, you must take certain steps to protect yourself and your passengers:
- Get out of your vehicle if it is safe to do so.
- Check on other drivers and passengers to make sure everyone is okay.
- Don’t give an accident report to the other party if they are not a police officer. You should give this information to the police on the scene, who will share it with the other party in their official police report.
- Take photos of the sideswipe car accident scene, including damaged vehicles, impaired driver signs, road conditions, speed limit signs, lane markings, weather, etc.
- Contact a lawyer immediately for assistance in getting you the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Car Accidents in Kansas City
Most sideswipe car accidents are caused by distracted or impaired drivers, but there are other common causes of sideswipe crashes as well.
Sideswipe collisions can occur when vehicles try to change lanes too quickly or fail to check blind spots before merging onto highways.
Trucks are commonly involved in sideswipe car accidents, especially when drivers are fatigued behind the wheel.
In almost all cases, one driver is negligent in causing the accident. They may either be impaired or were not paying proper attention to the road.
In rarer cases, the weather is the culprit for sideswipe car accidents. When there is no traction on roadways and a vehicle hydroplanes, the driver can lose control and sideswipe another vehicle without meaning to.
Injuries from Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe car accidents can cause serious injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to life-altering brain damage.
Sideswipe crashes often result in broken bones. However, there are other possible serious sideswipe accident injuries, including:
- Contusions
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Neck and back injuries and paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
Sideswipe car accidents can leave you with long-term medical bills and lost time from work, so be sure to contact a sideswipe car accident lawyer if you want to receive compensation for your injury-related sideswipe damages.
If you’ve been hurt, call Langdon & Emison. We can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your Kansas City sideswipe car accident. Contact us today for a free consultation at (816) 793-8867.
Who is liable for a sideswipe car accident?
First, you must determine who is liable for your damages. If the other driver was operating their vehicle negligently, they may have violated Kansas laws and should be held responsible for your sideswipe accident.
The most likely liable party is the driver who hit your vehicle. However, in some cases, even though they hit your car, they will not be the liable party. If they sideswiped your vehicle due to a mechanical failure, poor work practices from the trucking company, unclear road signage, or the vehicle being improperly loaded, then the driver would not be liable.
Sideswipe Car Accident Damages
If you were sideswiped in a car accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should pay for any damages to your car.
You can receive compensation to cover your medical expenses. You may also be entitled to compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Damage to personal property
- Wrongful death
Work with a sideswipe car accident lawyer to get fair compensation. Insurance companies commonly attempt to give you less than you’re owed.
Contact Langdon & Emison Today for Assistance with Sideswipe Car Accident Damages in Kansas City
If you or someone you know has been sideswiped, Langdon & Emison is here. Our team will review the details of your case at no charge and explain how much compensation you can expect to receive if you pursue a legal claim.
Contact our sideswipe car accident lawyers today at (816) 793-8867 for a free case review.