A sideswipe auto accidents occurs when the side of one vehicle strikes or scrapes along the side of another vehicle. Improper lane changes, distracted driving, and failure to yield the right of way are among the common causes of sideswipe auto accidents in Fort Lauderdale.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries or property damage when another driver sideswiped you, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help you get compensation from the at-fault driver. Your lawyer will handle all the details of your injury claim, including dealing with the insurance company and adjuster so you can focus on getting better.
How Do Side Swipe Accidents Happen in Fort Lauderdale?
When two cars collide on their sides, the driver and passengers of each car are at risk of direct impact and catastrophic injuries. A driver whose focus is on anything other than the safe operation of their vehicle can cause a serious accident. Driver errors and misjudgments can compromise road safety.
Drug or Alcohol Intoxication
Getting behind the wheel after overly indulging in drugs or alcohol can seriously impair your driving ability. It can cause blurry vision, impaired judgment, and slow response times that can lead to a sideswipe auto accident.
In Fort Lauderdale, the vibrant nightlife and accessibility to alcohol can exacerbate this risk. Impaired drivers are more likely to cross into adjacent lanes without noticing, especially late at night or during weekends. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits in Florida are 0.08% for most drivers, but even lower levels can lead to dangerous miscalculations behind the wheel.
Improper Lane Changes
Changing lanes requires focus and careful observation. When a driver fails to check their blind spots for a vehicle next to them, they can cause a sideswipe crash.
Florida law requires drivers to signal before changing lanes and ensure the maneuver can be made safely. Inadequate signaling, sudden lane weaving, or overtaking without proper clearance on busy Fort Lauderdale roads like I-95 or US-1 significantly heightens the risk of a side-swipe collision. Commercial vehicles and large trucks are particularly prone to sideswipes if drivers fail to account for their extended blind spots.
Distracted Driving
Drivers who are not paying full attention to the road because they are either texting on a mobile device, adjusting a radio setting, or reaching for items in the back seat may find themselves drifting out of their lane and striking the car next to them.
The Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law prohibits the use of handheld devices in school and construction zones, but distraction goes beyond texting. In Fort Lauderdale’s dense traffic corridors, even a momentary glance away from the road can lead to lane deviation. The increasing use of infotainment systems and navigation apps contributes to cognitive overload and driver distraction, which are leading factors in side-impact crashes.
Who Is Financially Liable for a Sideswipe Collision?
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will handle your injury claim from start to finish, identifying the legal elements of negligence and fighting for maximum compensation. These components include duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages. You can prove them in your car accident claims with a robust collection of evidence.
What Evidence Proves Financial Liability?
A car accident attorney in Fort Lauderdale will have familiarity with claims like yours, meaning they will know how to build a persuasive case file. It will include:
- Official police report
- Photos and videos
- Eyewitness accounts
The evidence they compile will also support the value of your compensation request, including medical bills, direct deposits, and property repair estimates.
How Long Do You Have to Sue the At-Fault Driver?
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, the personal injury and wrongful death statutes of limitations are generally two years. If it expires before you file your lawsuit, the court could bar you from doing so. A local attorney can interpret the filing deadline (including any potential exceptions) and file your lawsuit on time.
Types of Injuries in a Sideswipe Auto Accidents
Sideswipe accidents can lead to serious injuries even if the collision seems minor. Victims often suffer:
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Head trauma from side-window impact
- Shoulder and rib injuries from seatbelt strain
- Broken arms or legs from intrusion into the vehicle
In high-speed sideswipe collisions, rollover risks increase, particularly for SUVs and trucks. These incidents can result in spinal cord injuries or fatalities. Immediate medical attention and comprehensive documentation of injuries are essential.
Steps to Take After a Sideswipe Auto Accident
If you’re involved in a sideswipe crash, follow these steps:
- Move your vehicle to a safe location.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if needed.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and injuries.
- Seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Fort Lauderdale for legal guidance.
These steps help preserve your rights and support any potential legal claims.
Common Scenarios That Lead to Sideswipe Auto Accidents
While lane changes are a frequent cause, side-swipe accidents can happen under a variety of conditions:
- A vehicle merging from a ramp onto a highway without checking the blind spot.
- Aggressive driving or road rage resulting in intentional swerving.
- Failing to yield while exiting a parking lot or driveway.
- Drifting during a turn due to weather conditions or distraction.
Awareness of these scenarios of sideswipe auto accidents can help drivers be more cautious and reduce the risk.
How Road Conditions Contribute to Sideswipe Auto Accidents
Environmental and infrastructure factors also play a role in many sideswipe collisions. These include:
- Narrow lanes in construction zones
- Poor road markings or faded lane lines
- Potholes or uneven pavement causing sudden swerves
- Inadequate lighting on roadways at night
When combined with driver inattention or speed, these conditions increase the likelihood of drifting into adjacent lanes. Municipal negligence in maintaining safe roads may also factor into liability under certain circumstances.
In some cases, local governments or contractors may be partially liable if roadway conditions contributed significantly to the accident. A seasoned Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer will investigate all contributing factors, including road maintenance records and crash reports.
Additionally, driver reactions to unexpected obstacles, such as a pedestrian suddenly crossing or an object falling from a vehicle, can trigger swerving that results in a sideswipe crash. Understanding how to respond calmly and correctly in such moments can help avoid collisions.
Get Legal Support for a Sideswipe Accident Claim in Fort Lauderdale
You can seek compensation if distracted driving or any of the other common causes of sideswipe auto accidents in Fort Lauderdale led to your car crash. Explore the benefits of hiring a law firm that treats clients with dignity and respect. Call (954) 633-8270 today for a free consultation with a team member at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato.
Don’t wait to protect your rights. A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time, gather critical evidence, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
If you’ve suffered serious injury or financial loss, your lawyer will help calculate damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property repair costs, and pain and suffering. Their experience with sideswipe auto accident in Fort Lauderdale can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
