Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling side by side make contact. These collisions often occur during lane changes, merging, or when a driver drifts out of their lane.
If you were injured in a sideswipe accident in Dallas, Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The Dallas sideswipe car accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation from the responsible party when you contact (214) 556-8321 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers After an Accident in Dallas, TX?
After a sideswipe accident, insurance companies may dispute fault or offer less compensation than you deserve. Led by attorney Jeff Benton, Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers helps injured people in Dallas, TX, protect their rights and pursue fair compensation.
Clients choose our Dallas car accident lawyers because of their:
- Proven track record of recovering millions of dollars for injured clients
- Experience in handling car accident, truck accident, and other personal injury claims
- Recognition from the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Schedule a free consultation with one of our Dallas personal injury attorneys so that you can discuss your sideswipe accident and learn about your legal options.
What Is a Sideswipe Car Accident?
A sideswipe occurs when the sides of two vehicles make contact while traveling next to each other. These collisions often happen when a driver changes lanes, merges into traffic, or drifts out of their lane without noticing another vehicle.
There are two main types of sideswipe accidents:
- Same-direction sideswipes: Two vehicles traveling in the same direction collide, often during a lane change or while merging.
- Opposite-direction sideswipes: Vehicles traveling in opposite directions make contact, often when one driver crosses the centerline.
Although some sideswipe accidents result in minor vehicle damage, others can cause drivers to lose control, strike nearby vehicles, or crash into roadside barriers.
What Are the Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents in Dallas?
Many sideswipe accidents happen because a driver fails to check their surroundings before changing lanes. Heavy traffic, busy highways, and frequent merging can increase the risk of these collisions in Dallas.
Common causes of sideswipe accidents include:
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots
- Failing to use turn signals
- Distracted driving, including texting or using a phone
- Speeding or making aggressive lane changes
- Failing to yield when merging onto a highway
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Drifting out of a lane due to fatigue or inattention
Sideswipe accidents may occur on busy Dallas highways such as I-35E, I-635, and US-75, where drivers frequently change lanes and merge into traffic.
Who Is Liable for a Sideswipe Car Accident in Texas?
Liability for a sideswipe accident generally depends on which driver acted negligently and caused the collision. For example, a driver who changes lanes without making sure the movement is safe may be responsible for an accident.
Texas law requires drivers to remain within a single lane as nearly as practical and prohibits them from changing lanes unless the movement can be made safely.
Evidence that may help establish liability includes:
- Police accident reports
- Photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene
- Dashcam or surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Vehicle positions and roadway markings
More than one driver may share responsibility for a sideswipe collision.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Sideswipe Car Accident?
Compensation in a Texas sideswipe accident claim may include economic and non-economic damages such as:
- Medical bills and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Property damage to your vehicle
An attorney can evaluate your losses, gather supporting documentation, and help you pursue compensation from the responsible party.
How Long Do I Have to File a Sideswipe Accident Lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, most injured people have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation through the courts. Certain exceptions may affect the filing deadline, depending on the circumstances of the case.
It is important to act quickly after a sideswipe accident. Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and accident scene details may become harder to obtain over time. Consulting a car accident attorney in Dallas can help you understand the applicable deadline and protect your right to pursue a claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Dallas Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyers
If you were injured in a sideswipe car accident in Dallas, Texas, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. At Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers, our team can investigate your accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Dallas sideswipe car accident attorney.
