Tampa Sideswipe Accident Lawyer
A sideswipe collision occurs when two vehicles are traveling in the same direction and one vehicle hits the other in the side. In the majority of cases, this happens because one driver was changing lanes, or merging into traffic from an on or off ramp. The driver that left their lane is typically at fault for these types of accidents, but determining which driver left their lane is not always so easy. A Tampa sideswipe accident lawyer can help you determine if another driver was at fault and if so, ensure you recover the fair settlement you deserve.
Our Tampa Sideswipe Accident Attorney Can Determine Fault
All motorists have a duty of care to remain in the lane they are traveling in and if they must change lanes, to do so only once they have determined it is safe. It is easy to determine that a motorist that made an improper lane change is at fault for the accident. However, determining which driver left their lane is not always so straightforward.
In some cases, the location of the property damage to vehicles can provide a clue as to which driver was at fault. In other instances, the position of the vehicles can also indicate which motorist was at fault. The majority of the time, however, fault is determined based on the accounts of all motorists involved and eyewitness statements. Even then, witness statements often differ, which can also make determining fault in a sideswipe accident difficult.
Our Tampa Sideswipe Accident Attorney Explains Common Causes of Crashes
It is true that most often, the driver that left their lane of travel is at fault for a sideswipe accident. The common causes of these crashes include:
- Failing to ensure there is an appropriate amount of room to change lanes
- Failing to ensure blind spots were clear before changing lanes
- Becoming distracted and drifting into another lane
- Failing to signal
- Speeding
- Recklessly cutting off another driver
- Impaired driving, causing the motorist to swerve from their lane
Of course, it is not always the driver that changed lanes that is at fault for an accident. The driver that was hit may also be found partly at fault. This commonly happens when the other motorist takes the following actions:
- Speeds up as the other driver is changing lanes to go in front of them
- Reduces their speed as the other motorist changes lanes to go behind them
- Drives while distracted
- Refuses to let another driver enter their lane of travel
Even though the law seems clear, it is not always easy to determine which motorist was at fault for a sideswipe accident, which is just one way in which working with an attorney can help.
Our Tampa Sideswipe Accident Attorney Can Help with Your Case
If you have been injured in a crash, our experienced Tampa sideswipe accident attorney at The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. is here to advise on your case. Call us today at 813-217-5715 or contact us online to schedule a free case review with one of our attorneys.
