Experienced Sideswipe Collision Attorney in Houston, Texas

When a car hits the side of another car, it’s called a sideswipe collision in official reports. People might not talk about these as much as crashes from behind or front, but they still cause a lot of accidents every year. 

If you get hurt in an accident like this, you might get compensation to cover things like medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. It’s really important to be careful while driving in Houston to prevent these sudden and really serious accidents.

Getting involved in a sideswipe collision can be a distressing experience. It can cause a wide range of setbacks, including physical injuries and property damage. At Hollingsworth Law Firm, we understand the impact of such cases and are ready to help you seek compensation. It is essential to know your rights if you have been a victim of sideswipe collisions in Houston. Thankfully, our sideswipe lawyers in Houston are ready to help you every step of the way.

How Can I Pursue Financial Recovery from a Side Swipe Accident in Houston, Texas?

Experiencing a sideswipe accident in Houston, Texas, can be a disorienting and distressing event. If you find yourself in such a situation, pursuing financial recovery becomes a vital step to help you cope with the aftermath. Whether you were a driver or a passenger, understanding the process of seeking compensation is essential.

To pursue financial recovery from a sideswipe accident in Houston, Texas, you can follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: First, ensure your health and safety. Seek medical care for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Medical documentation is crucial for your claim.
2. Document the Scene: If it’s safe to do so, take photos of the accident scene, the damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant signs or signals.
3. Exchange Information: Obtain the contact and insurance details of the other driver involved in the sideswipe accident. Also, gather information from any witnesses present.
4. Report to Law Enforcement: If there is significant damage or injuries, call the police to the scene. An official police report will be useful for your claim.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company. Provide them with accurate information but avoid admitting fault or making detailed statements.
6. Consult an Attorney: Contact a sideswipe accident attorney in Houston. They can assess your case, guide you through the legal process, and determine the potential for financial recovery.
7. Gather Evidence: Your attorney will help gather evidence such as accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.
8. Determine Liability: Your attorney will investigate to establish who was at fault for the sideswipe accident. Liability is crucial for pursuing a claim.
9. File an Insurance Claim: Work with your attorney to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Provide necessary evidence and documentation.
10. Negotiate with Insurers: Insurance companies may offer settlements. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and more.
11. Consider Legal Action: If negotiations don’t lead to a fair settlement, your attorney might recommend filing a lawsuit. This could lead to a trial where a judge or jury decides the outcome.

Common Causes of Side Swipe Accident in Houston

Side swipe accidents in Houston can occur due to various reasons, often resulting from driver errors and other factors. Some common causes of side swipe accidents include:

1. Lane Change Errors: When a driver fails to properly check their blind spot or signals incorrectly while changing lanes, they can collide with a vehicle in the adjacent lane.
2. Distracted Driving: Activities like texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using in-car entertainment systems can divert a driver’s attention from the road, leading to unintentional lane drift and sideswipe collisions.
3. Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction times, and ability to stay within their lane, increasing the likelihood of side swipe accidents.
4. Fatigue: Drowsy driving can cause a driver to drift out of their lane or fail to respond to sudden changes in traffic, resulting in side swipe collisions.
5. Speeding: Driving at excessive speeds reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions, making it more likely for them to inadvertently collide with another vehicle.
6. Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and other aggressive driving behaviors can lead to sideswipe accidents, especially in congested traffic.
7. Inadequate Mirror Usage: Failing to use rear view and side mirrors effectively can result in a driver not noticing a vehicle in the adjacent lane, leading to a collision during a lane change.
8. Merging Errors: Incorrectly merging onto highways or onto adjacent lanes can cause a driver to collide with a vehicle already occupying that space.
9. Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, ice, or snow can reduce visibility and traction, increasing the chances of drivers losing control and sideswiping other vehicles.
10. Roadway Design: Narrow lanes, poorly marked lanes, and confusing intersections can contribute to side swipe accidents, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
11. Mechanical Failures: Vehicle malfunctions, such as brake failures or steering problems, can cause drivers to lose control and collide with other vehicles.
12. Inexperience: Inexperienced drivers may struggle to handle complex traffic situations, making them more prone to sideswipe accidents, particularly in high-traffic areas.

To prevent side swipe accidents, drivers should practice safe driving habits, including proper use of mirrors, maintaining a safe following distance, avoiding distractions, and adhering to speed limits. Staying alert, obeying traffic laws, and using turn signals when changing lanes are also crucial steps to reduce the risk of these types of accidents.

We Also Represent the Following Practice Areas

• Dangerous Roadway Accidents
• Distracted Driving
• Drunk Driving Accidents
• Fatal Car Accidents
• Highway Accidents
• Hit And Run Accidents
• Multi-Vehicle Pileups
• Parking Lot Accidents
• Rear End Accidents
• Rollover Accidents
• Single Vehicle Accidents
• T-bone or Side Impact Collision

Contact our Houston Sideswipe Collision Lawyers Today

Hollingsworth Law Firm is committed to protecting your rights. Our Houston car accident lawyer is prepared to guide you through the legal journey and pursue the rightful compensation you’re owed. Call our Houston personal injury lawyers today at (713) 637-4560 for a free consultation, and allow us to manage the legal intricacies while you concentrate on healing.