Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyer in Greensboro NC
Were you injured in a sideswipe car accident in Greensboro or elsewhere in North Carolina? You may not know where to turn in the aftermath of the crash. You might be losing income if you are unable to work. Medical bills and other expenses may pile up as you heal from your injuries. A Greensboro sideswipe accident lawyer from Ward Black Law can fight for your legal interests while you focus on your recovery.
Turn to the sideswipe car accident lawyers at Ward Black Law for help in Greensboro, North Carolina. We have experience with all types of motor vehicle accidents, including sideswipe accidents. Our attorneys understand the difficulty people face after being hurt in car crashes. We want to help you during this difficult time. Our lawyers are prepared to handle all aspects of your car accident case so you can concentrate on your health and well-being.
To find out more about how we can help you, contact us now for a free consultation.
What Is a Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe accident is a collision between two vehicles traveling next to each other, essentially in the same direction. These accidents can occur when one driver attempts to change lanes without checking to see if another vehicle is in their blind spot. Sideswipe accidents can also happen when two lanes merge into one, and a driver fails to account for that change. These accidents also commonly occur as vehicles attempt to merge on or off the highway, but they can happen in other circumstances as well.
Sideswipe car accidents can vary in how much damage they cause, but there is always the potential for a seemingly minor collision to trigger a more severe impact. For example, one vehicle may push another into oncoming traffic, or a struck vehicle may experience a second collision with guardrails, signs, trees, or other stationary objects.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Car Accidents in Greensboro
Some common causes of sideswipe car accidents are:
- Failure to yield to other vehicles when merging
- Failure to check blind spots
- Failure to use turn signals before changing lanes
- Improper or poorly marked lanes or merges
- Distracted driving, including using a cell phone while driving
- Speeding
- Failure to keep a proper lookout for other vehicles
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Inclement weather
- Aggressive driving
- Falling asleep or drowsy driving
Common Injuries After a Sideswipe Car Accident
Injuries from a sideswipe car accident can range from relatively minor to severe. Some common injuries after a sideswipe accident include:
- Whiplash – A common injury in car accidents, whiplash occurs when the driver’s neck moves back and forth rapidly in the collision.
- Back and spinal cord injuries – Various back injuries can occur, from back strains to back sprains, herniated discs, and fractures. Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis below the site of the damage.
- Cuts and bruises – Because of the impact between the vehicles, the driver may come into contact with parts of their vehicle, causing cuts and bruising.
- Broken bones and joint damage – Impact with part of the car or from being crushed can cause bones to fracture and injure delicate structures in the joints.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) – A traumatic brain injury can occur when a driver’s head hits something in the vehicle during the impact, such as the dashboard or windshield. These injuries range from less severe concussions to extensive brain injuries with life-altering symptoms.
Who Is at Fault for a Sideswipe Accident?
North Carolina has a contributory negligence rule for determining fault in car accident cases. That means the plaintiff (the party who brings the lawsuit) may not be able to recover compensation if the defendant can show the plaintiff is in any way responsible for the accident. This law is tough on accident victims, as it prevents a plaintiff from recovering money even if the defendant was almost entirely at fault for the accident.
The sideswipe car accident attorneys at Ward Black Law understand the intricacies of the North Carolina negligence standard. We know how to gather evidence and use it to build a case showing the defendant is entirely to blame for an accident. We want to help you pursue compensation for the injuries you sustained in an accident that was not your fault.
Compensation for a Greensboro Sideswipe Accident
The compensation you can pursue after a sideswipe accident depends on the nature and severity of the accident. You may be entitled to seek the following accident-related financial losses:
- Past and future medical expenses – If you have medical expenses due to the accident, the other driver or their insurance company may pay for these financial losses. We can also seek compensation for future medical care or therapies you may need due to the accident.
- Lost wages – If you are off work because of a sideswipe accident, you may be entitled to payment for the wages you could not earn while recovering from your injuries. You might also be entitled to compensation if ongoing impairment from your injuries will affect your future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering – Our attorneys can pursue compensation for the pain incurred and overall loss of enjoyment of life you endured due to the accident.
- Emotional distress – A sideswipe accident can be very traumatic and affect your emotional and mental state. If you have experienced this after a sideswipe accident, we can seek damages for these circumstances.
Why You Need Our Greensboro Sideswipe Accident Attorneys
The sideswipe accident attorneys at Ward Black Law in Greensboro have the knowledge and experience to handle your car accident case. We are prepared to investigate the facts and circumstances of the accident, assess the parties’ liability, and communicate with insurance companies for you. If the insurance company fails to settle for the compensation you need, we will be ready to file a lawsuit to pursue maximum compensation in court.
