Maison Law represents victims of sideswipe accidents in San Luis Obispo. We strive to protect the community of San Luis Obispo by using the judicial system to stand up for victims of auto accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe accident, contact us at Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
Do I Need A Lawyer for a Sideswipe Accident?
If you’ve sustained serious injuries or damage to your car after a sideswipe accident, you may be left with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and significant emotional stress. An accident attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries, damages to your vehicle, and the pain and suffering you’ve had to endure.
In many auto accident cases, it is common practice for insurance companies to try and get you to sign a much lower settlement than your accident is worth. This tends to leave victims of car accidents with medical and auto repair bills they’re not prepared to pay for on their own. That’s where we come in. At Maison Law, we know the tactics insurance companies take and we will not allow victims of car accidents in San Luis Obispo to be taken advantage of.
Contact one of our experienced car accident attorneys today to get a free consultation and case evaluation.
What is a Sideswipe Collision?
A sideswipe collision typically occurs when two cars are traveling in the same direction and collide with one another. It is usually the result of one of the vehicles veering out of their lane. These accidents may seem small, but from all the sideswipe collisions we’ve seen occur on San Luis Obispo’s HWY 1, we understand just how dangerous these accidents can be. And with the expansion of HWY 46 East into a four-lane highway this year, the likelihood of these accidents only increases.
Since nearly all sideswipe accidents occur on multi-lane highways, they occur at incredibly high speeds, which tends to result in much worse injuries and vehicular damage than your average low-speed crash. Also, high speeds make it more difficult for drivers to react or control their vehicle once they’ve been hit, causing them to:
- Spinout
- Skid into other lanes of fast-moving traffic
- Crash into barriers, guardrails, or off the side of the road
- Flip and roll
The results of these accidents are devastating because it is so easy to involve more than 2 drivers, leading to major injuries and vehicular damage.
How Do You Determine Who Is at Fault for a Sideswipe Accident?
California applies comparative fault in sideswipe accidents. Meaning, the judge will assign a percentage of the fault to both drivers if both are to blame for the accident. This percentage determines how much of your medical bills and vehicle damage will be covered.
That is why it is important to have an experienced accident attorney you can turn to in case you are involved in a sideswipe accident. Attorneys will fight for fair compensation to recover:
- Medical bills for future and present treatment
- Car repair bills
- Lost wages
- Disability assistance if you are unable to do daily tasks
If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident, we’re ready to discuss your case and get you back on your feet. Contact us today to speak with a knowledgeable San Luis Obispo accident attorney for a 100% free consultation and case evaluation.
What Is the Typical Compensation for a Sideswipe Accident?
With California being a comparative fault state, it is difficult to determine the exact amount you will be compensated. However, the more severe your injuries, the higher the settlement amount tends to be. The most common sideswipe injuries tend to be:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Severe lacerations
- Whiplash
If you’ve sustained injuries from a sideswipe accident and are seeking damages from the at-fault party, it is key to gather the following evidence to support your claim:
- Police report
- Witness statements
- Recorded evidence such as photographs, dash cams, and traffic cameras
- Physical evidence from the scene of an accident
If you’re unable to obtain these items after an accident, an experienced accident attorney’s job is to get them for you and ensure you are compensated for your damages.
FAQs
Q: Can you get compensated if the accident was your fault in California?
A: Yes, however, the amount of compensation will be reduced by the percentage of the fault assigned to each driver.
Q: How does car insurance work if you are injured in a car accident and are not at fault?
A: In California, the injured victim must file car accident claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Q: Do I pay a deductible if I’m not at fault for a car accident in California?
A: If you are not at fault, then you do not have to pay a deductible.
Contact a Sideswipe Accident Attorney in San Luis Obispo
If you or a loved one are hurt in a sideswipe accident in San Luis Obispo, the accident attorneys at Maison Law are here to help. Our mission is to stand up for the victims of auto accidents in San Luis Obispo. With careless drivers and dishonest insurance companies, getting into a car accident can be a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be.
Contact Maison Law today for your free consultation and case evaluation.
