Wilmington Sideswipe Accident Lawyer

When sideswipe car accidents occur, they can be extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds. If a driver drifts out of their lane or attempts to change lanes without signaling, the collision can cause one or more motorists to lose control of their vehicles, leading to serious injuries.

If you were injured in a sideswipe accident caused by a negligent driver in Wilmington, North Carolina, contact a car accident lawyer at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, to discuss your legal options. Our personal injury attorneys can help you file a claim to seek fair compensation for your injury-related expenses. If your injuries were not your fault, you may have a right to recover your losses from the at-fault driver.

Contact Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, online or call today to speak to a sideswipe collision lawyer in Wilmington in a free consultation.

Reasons to Get Help from Our Wilmington Sideswipe Car Crash Lawyers

The attorneys at Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, have over 40 years of experience representing clients in North Carolina in a wide range of injury cases. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured people, including those harmed in auto accidents and truck accidents. Our attorneys have a reputation for effective and aggressive advocacy.

According to one of our clients:

“Mr. Fred Poisson is a wonderful attorney, person, and genuinely caring individual. His staff is caring and shows support for all his clients. Very blessed to have him.” H.M.

Determining fault after a sideswipe car accident can be challenging. You need an experienced attorney who understands the types of evidence necessary to prove fault and who will pursue justice for you. Our law firm possesses the knowledge, resources, and tenacity to help you seek accountability and a stable financial foundation for healing and rebuilding.

What Is a Sideswipe Car Accident?

Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in the same direction or opposite directions collide with each other’s sides. A sideswipe crash can also occur when one car is stationary. Most sideswipe accidents happen when one driver drifts out of their lane or makes an unsafe lane change without checking for other vehicles.

According to data from the National Safety Council, sideswipe accidents are the third most common type of auto collision, accounting for 23 percent of all collisions in 2023.

Can a Sideswipe Trigger a Secondary Collision?

One significant risk of sideswipe collisions is that they can cause secondary collisions. One driver might swerve to avoid one vehicle and hit others, or the impact can cause drivers to lose control of their cars. Losing control could result in a separate rear-end or head-on collision, both of which cases can result in significant injuries or fatal injuries.

If a sideswipe accident triggers further secondary collisions, responsibility typically traces back to the one who caused the initial side collision. However, other drivers may also share blame for secondary collisions. In these cases, an experienced attorney can identify all responsible parties and their insurance coverage to maximize the sources of compensation available.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Collisions in Wilmington

Below are some of the most common causes of sideswipe collisions in Wilmington:

• Distracted Driving – A driver texting or talking with passengers might drift out of a traffic lane if not paying attention.
• Improper Lane Changes – Drivers can cause accidents if they don’t signal before changing lanes. Aggressive driving, such as weaving between lanes, can cause sideswipe collisions.
• Failure to Yield – Drivers may be involved in sideswipe collisions if they do not properly yield the right of way when turning or pulling out of parking spaces.
• Impaired Driving – Drunk drivers have impaired judgment and coordination and may veer out of their lane when driving.
• Poorly Marked Roads – Sideswipes may occur if road lanes are not adequately marked or the dividing lines are too faint to see.
• Vehicle Malfunctions – Mechanical failures, like defective turning blinkers, can cause sideswipe accidents when merging.

Determining fault in a sideswiped car accident can be tricky. It is often one driver’s word against another ‘s regarding who drifted out of their lane and caused the collision. Insurers may try to shift the blame. Having a knowledgeable injury attorney representing you and dealing with insurers on your behalf is important.

Potential Injuries from Sideswipe Accidents

Many people associate sideswipe car accidents with glancing blows and minor damage. However, the injuries sustained in sideswipe car crashes can be serious.

Sideswipe injuries may include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Bruises and soft-tissue injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Abrasions and scrapes
• Spinal cord injuries
• Chest injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Hip and leg injuries

Legal Rights and Compensation for Sideswipe Accident Victims in Wilmington

If the driver who caused the sideswipe accident was negligent, you may file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation for your injury-related expenses. The courts may find drivers who violate traffic laws and operate their vehicles without appropriate safety precautions to be negligent. For instance, if a driver fails to signal a lane change and sideswipes you when trying to merge lanes, you could argue that the driver was negligent.

Depending on the circumstances, a personal injury lawsuit may seek compensation for your losses, including the following:

• Medical bills and continuing medical expenses
• Lost wages and other forms of employment compensation
• Diminished earning capacity due to partial or total disability
• Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
• Quality of life reductions

The State of North Carolina uses a contributory negligence standard to determine fault in personal injury cases. You are not eligible to recover financial compensation if you were partly to blame for a car accident. The strict nature of these laws underscores the importance of working with an experienced injury attorney who can advocate for you and push back against attempts by insurers to shift the blame and avoid paying insurance claims.

Contact Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, for a Free Consultation

If you have been injured in a sideswipe accident, you must act quickly to protect your right to seek compensation. A car accident attorney with Poisson, Poisson & Bower, PLLC, can explain your options for seeking financial restitution and represent you in negotiations with insurance companies and potential litigation.

If you have questions about your rights after a sideswipe car accident and want to speak to a Wilmington car accident attorney, contact us online or call today.