We see many types of auto-related personal injury accidents at Lerner and Rowe Attorneys. One of the common types of auto accidents is a “sideswipe.” Sideswipes occur when two vehicles make contact with each other by brushing (or colliding with) the sides of their cars. Sideswipes can happen when one car attempts to change lanes and doesn’t see another car in the next lane. Those may be “blind spot” sideswipes. Or they can occur when a driver drifts into an oncoming lane.
Auto accidents usually occur when there are two drivers and both vehicles are moving. But if you’ve ever returned to find your car parked on a busy street and a side mirror missing, you know that some sideswipes happen when your car isn’t moving.
Causes of Most Sideswipe Collisions
The most common sideswipe auto accidents occur because of:
- Alcohol or drugs – Impaired driver unable to control vehicle
- Anger – Intention sideswipe as a result of road rage
- Blind spot – Driver fails to see car in adjacent lane and attempts to merge
- Distracted driver
- adjusting music or navigation system
- applying makeup
- eating
- hair grooming
- kids/pets
- texting/cell phone use
- Exhaustion – Driver dozes at the wheel and veers into adjacent lane
- Unseen smaller vehicle – Large vehicle, or semi-truck, doesn’t see smaller car or motorcycle in adjacent lane
Sideswipe accidents typically cause property damage. But, when cars are traveling at high speeds, they can be deadly. Your Lerner and Rowe Attorneys are prepared to help you pursue damages and receive compensation when sideswipe auto damage or personal injuries occur.
Sideswipe Collision Injuries
If there is such a thing as a “good” auto accident, it’s one in which no one is hurt. Cars and car parts are easily repaired or replaced. Still, Lerner and Rowe attorneys can represent victims with injuries resulting from a sideswipe collision. Such injuries may include:
- Neck and/or back – These are most prevalent in sideswipe collisions.
- Disc – Disc injuries may require an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose. Symptoms can include:
- bowel/bladder issues
- emotional (sleeplessness, irritability)
- headaches
- heaviness and/or pain in arms (loss of range of motion)
- neck pain
- radiating pain to legs/feet
- lastly, tingling and/or numbness in hands, arms, or legs
- Internal organs
- Life-threatening trauma
- Whiplash – This can occur when your neck or head rapidly jerk backward and then forward. This stretches the soft tissues of your neck or back beyond the normal range of motion, as a result. Symptoms may include:
- headache
- neck stiffness
- pain – from mild (pins-and-needles) to excruciating
- reduced range of motion
- shoulder and/or upper back pain
- lastly, tingling, weakness, or numbness radiating from shoulder through arm
The worst type of sideswipe accident is one in which you lose a loved one as a result of the collision. If that occurs, please contact Lerner and Rowe attorneys. Your loved ones are priceless, but they may leave behind family members who will have a reduced quality of life because of their loss.
Your Local Lawyers: Lerner and Rowe Attorneys of Phoenix
Some of the best attorneys in Arizona are right here in Phoenix! You are more than welcome to visit our Phoenix-area offices at 52 E. Baseline and 2701 E Camelback Rd. #140. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. But, we are available 24/7. Just call us at 602-977-1900, or complete an online case review form.
Your consultation is free, and there’s no fee unless you win. We understand the stress and pain personal injury can cause, and your Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys of Phoenix can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our representatives are also available any time via our LiveChat feature, day or night, because we know worries and concerns don’t have business hours. So don’t wait. Call us at 844-977-1900 today!