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    sideswipe accident

    In a split second, a simple lane change can turn into a serious collision. A sideswipe car accident occurs when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact with each other’s sides. While these accidents may seem minor, they can result in significant damage and serious injuries. If you’ve been in a sideswipe accident in South Carolina, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial. A skilled South Carolina car accident lawyer can help you manage the challenges of a personal injury claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

    At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we’ve been helping car accident victims since 1968. We have extensive experience handling South Carolina car wreck cases, including sideswipe accidents. For instance, we secured a $200,000 personal injury settlement for a man who sustained a labral tear in his right hip after being sideswiped on I-526 when he swerved to avoid a sudden traffic stop.

    Our results highlight our commitment to helping our clients recover from unexpected and life-changing events. We understand the challenges you face, from dealing with medical bills and lost wages to the stress of an insurance company. Our legal team is here to handle the details of your case so you can focus on your recovery.

    Our South Carolina Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover from Your Car Wreck

    When you are involved in a car wreck, the aftermath can be stressful for you and your family. Dealing with your injuries, car repairs, and the insurance company can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. One of our qualified South Carolina car accident lawyers can help lighten your burden and protect your rights. Your legal team at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has experience handling all types of car accidents, including sideswipe collisions. We know how to investigate the facts of the case, determine who is at fault, and build a strong car accident claim for you.

    One of the biggest hurdles in any personal injury claim is proving that the other driver was negligent. A sideswipe collision often occurs due to the error of one driver. This can include distracted driving, failing to check blind spots, or making an improper lane change.

    Our car accident attorneys are committed to gathering the necessary evidence to prove your case. We can obtain police reports, interview witnesses, and even reconstruct the accident scene if needed. This detailed approach is designed to show the at-fault driver’s responsibility and secure the fair compensation you need to cover your expenses.

    Common Causes of Sideswipe Car Accidents in South Carolina

    Sideswipe accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but they are almost always the result of driver error. Here are some of the common causes that can help you prove fault and strengthen your personal injury claim.

    • Improper Lane Changes: A driver who fails to check their blind spot before merging or changing lanes is a leading cause of sideswipe collisions. This is a common form of negligent driving.
    • Distracted Driving: A distracted driver who is texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road may drift into another lane without realizing it.
    • Drowsy Driving: A driver who falls asleep at the wheel or is too fatigued to stay in their lane can easily cause a sideswipe accident.
    • Driving Under the Influence (DUI): A driver impaired by drugs or alcohol may not have the ability to maintain control of their vehicle, leading to a sideswipe collision.
    • Overcorrecting: If a driver swerves to avoid an obstacle or an animal, they may lose control and sideswipe a nearby vehicle.
    • Speeding and Reckless Driving: Excessive speed can make it difficult for a driver to react in time to prevent a sideswipe accident, especially on crowded highways.
    • Poor Road Conditions or Vehicle Defects: Although less common, factors such as potholes or a defective vehicle component, like a faulty tire, can contribute to a sideswipe crash.
    • Medical Emergencies: If a driver suffers a medical emergency behind the wheel, they may become unresponsive or lose control of their vehicle.

    Fault and the Modified Comparative Negligence System in South Carolina

    South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence system to determine who is entitled to compensation after an accident. Under this law, you can still collect damages even if you are partially at fault, as long as you’re less than 51 percent at fault. This system can be complex and has a direct impact on your ability to recover money.

    To put it simply, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you are barred from recovering any compensation. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you were 20% at fault, your final award would be $80,000.

    Unfortunately, the insurance company of the other driver may try to game the system, by trying to pin some or all of the blame on you. An experienced South Carolina sideswipe car accident lawyer knows how to fight against unfair accusations. Our team will gather medical records, police reports, and other evidence to show that the other party was the primary cause of the accident, which helps you recover the maximum amount possible.

    Sideswipe Accidents Involving Different Types of Vehicles

    Not all sideswipe collisions are the same. The type of vehicles involved can significantly impact the severity of the crash, the injuries sustained, and the complexity of the legal claim. At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our attorneys have handled sideswipe accidents involving all types of vehicles, from passenger cars to motorcycles to commercial trucks.Different types of vehicles involved in sideswipe accidents

    • Car-on-Car Sideswipe Collisions: Even between two standard vehicles, a sideswipe can cause serious harm, particularly if it occurs at highway speeds. Drivers may lose control and collide with barriers or other vehicles. In multi-lane traffic or construction zones, these accidents can set off chain reactions that injure multiple motorists.
    • Motorcycle Sideswipe Accidents: Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to sideswipe crashes. Even light contact between a car and a motorcycle can cause the rider to lose balance and be thrown from the bike, often resulting in catastrophic injuries such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or road rash. These crashes often occur when a driver fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes, misjudges the distance of a motorcycle, or drifts too close in heavy traffic.
    • Sideswipe Collisions Involving Commercial Vehicles: When a semi-truck or commercial vehicle sideswipes a smaller car, the results can be devastating. Due to their large size and weight, trucks can easily crush or force passenger vehicles off the road. These collisions may be caused by fatigued truck drivers, wide turns, improper lane changes, or equipment failures such as brake or tire defects. Truck sideswipe accidents require a different level of investigation, often involving black box data, driver logs, and compliance with federal trucking regulations.
    • Pedestrian, Moped, and Bicycle Sideswipe Crashes: Sideswipe impacts aren’t limited to cars and trucks. In some cases, a vehicle that veers too close to the shoulder can sideswipe a pedestrian, bicyclist, or moped rider, often with catastrophic results. These victims typically suffer severe orthopedic injuries, head trauma, or spinal damage.

    Because sideswipe accidents can vary so widely depending on the vehicles involved, it’s essential to have a law firm with experience handling all types of collisions. A firm that understands the unique challenges of motorcycle, truck, and multi-vehicle crashes will know how to uncover the truth, preserve key evidence, and take on powerful insurance and trucking companies. At Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our proven experience across these complex cases gives our clients a critical advantage in securing the compensation they deserve.

    How a South Carolina Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Get a Fair Settlement

    Sideswipe collisions might look minor at first glance, but they can cause major injuries and messy disputes over fault. That’s why having a car accident lawyer can be an invaluable asset. Our team at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers is familiar with the local roads, traffic patterns, and legal system. We can help you with every step of the process, from the investigation,  to your medical treatment, and through insurance negotiations. We do it all, so you can focus on recovery. Here’s what you can expect when we handle your sideswipe collision claim:

    • Detailed Investigation: We will thoroughly investigate the accident scene and the vehicles involved in the incident. We’ll speak with witnesses, analyze police reports, and utilize our resources to gather evidence that proves the other driver’s negligence.
    • Evidence Preservation: Our team works quickly to secure proof like vehicle damage reports, paint transfers, and roadway markings before they are lost or destroyed.
    • Medical Documentation: We coordinate with your doctors to ensure your injuries are properly treated, and will use the records to clearly link those injuries, such as whiplash, herniated discs, or shoulder trauma, to your crash.
    • Stand Up to Insurers: The insurance company may try to pressure you to accept a low settlement before the full extent of your injuries are clear or deny your claim entirely. Our South Carolina sideswipe car accident attorney will handle all communication with them and fight for a fair settlement that covers all of your damages.
    • Calculating Full Damages: From lost wages and vehicle repair costs to long-term medical treatment and pain and suffering, we will work to show the full extent of your damages. We can also assist you in calculating future costs related to your injuries.
    • Litigation When Needed: If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court. We will provide strong legal representation to ensure your rights are protected.

    Since 1968, Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has helped tens of thousands of injured South Carolinians recover more than half a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements. While no two cases are alike, our history of success puts pressure on insurance carriers to treat our clients fairly, helping victims move forward with dignity and financial stability.

    What to Do After a Sideswipe Collision in South Carolina

    Your actions immediately following a sideswipe collision can have a significant impact on your personal injury claim. Knowing what to do can help you protect your rights and strengthen your case.

    1. Check for Injuries: The first step is to assess your own health and that of any passengers. Call 911 immediately and request an ambulance if anyone is seriously hurt.
    2. Move to Safety: If possible, move your vehicles to the side of the road to prevent a second accident.
    3. Contact the Police: Call the police to report the accident. A police officer will come to the accident scene to create a report, which can be crucial in your case.
    4. Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, phone number, insurance information, and license plate number. Do not admit fault or get into it with the other parties involved.
    5. Document the Scene: Take photos or video of the damage to both vehicles involved, the location of the accident, and any visible injuries you have.
    6. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, it is important to medical treatment right away. Some injuries, like whiplash or a concussion, may not show up immediately.
    7. Contact a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer: Before you speak to the other driver’s insurance company, contact a car accident lawyer. They can guide you through the process and handle all communication with the insurance company. Most firms, including ours, offer free consultations. So, there’s nothing to lose by seeking help.

    Why You Need a South Carolina Sideswipe Car Accident Lawyer

    Sideswipe accidents can be more complicated than they seem. The insurance company of the at-fault driver will likely try to blame you, minimize your injuries, or offer a low settlement. Without proper legal representation, you may not be able to recover the full amount you are owed.

    Our team at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers has a thorough understanding of South Carolina law. We know how to value cases, guide medical treatment, and prove negligence, to secure a fair settlement. When you’re up against a big insurance company, you’re an underdog. That’s why we’re committed to helping car accident victims level the playing field and recover from their physical and financial losses.

    We understand the stress and uncertainty you may be feeling. That is why we offer a free consultation with a no obligation case evaluation. We will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your case. Our goal is to make this difficult time a little easier for you.

    FAQs About Sideswipe Car Accidents

    Sideswipe Car Accidents

    What is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim for a sideswipe accident in South Carolina?

    In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including those resulting from a sideswipe accident, is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation. However, other factors may apply that could shorten your deadline. It is important to speak with a car accident attorney to determine the applicable timelines in your unique case.

    How is a sideswipe accident different from a T-bone or rear-end collision?

    A sideswipe accident occurs when the sides of two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact. In contrast, a rear-end collision happens when the front of one vehicle hits the back of another, and a T-bone crash (or broadside collision) is when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another, typically at an intersection.

    Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company offers me a settlement?

    It is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer before accepting any settlement offer from an insurance company. The initial offer is often much lower than what your case is truly worth. An attorney can assess the full extent of your damages, including future medical costs and lost wages, and negotiate for a fair settlement.

    What kind of damages can I recover in a sideswipe accident claim?

    You may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are awarded for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

    Can a sideswipe accident be the fault of both drivers?

    Yes, it is possible for both drivers to be at fault in a sideswipe accident. South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to still recover damages as long as you are not 50% or more at fault. An experienced attorney can help determine the percentage of fault for each party and work to maximize your compensation.

    Recovering from a Sideswipe Accident in South Carolina

    After a sideswipe accident, you may be facing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship. Dealing with medical appointments, physical therapy, and car repairs can feel like a full-time job. You should not have to handle this on your own.

    Our legal team is here to help you get the compensation you need to cover your expenses and move forward with your life. We have experience with all types of personal injury cases and can help you navigate the complex legal system in South Carolina.

    As one of our clients, Terri M., said:

    “We truly appreciate the hard work and dedication that Jeff Gerardi and his team at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers put into resolving our car accident case. We’ve relied on Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers for several years now, and they continue to exceed our expectations. Jeff kept us informed throughout the process with personal phone calls, which made a big difference. Mary was also incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, always available to answer our questions and provide guidance. We highly recommend Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers to anyone in need of reliable, professional legal support.”

    We are committed to providing the same level of service and dedication to every client we represent. If you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe accident, call us at (888) 324-3100 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.

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