(215) 569-0200 
Philadelphia Sideswipe Accident Attorney
Sideswipe accidents occur when the sides of two vehicles make contact, often while traveling in the same direction. These crashes may appear minor, but they can lead to serious and catastrophic injuries, especially at highway speeds or in heavy traffic.
What Causes Sideswipe Accidents?
Sideswipe accidents typically happen due to the following:
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers who fail to signal or check blind spots may drift into another lane and sideswipe a nearby vehicle.
- Distracted Driving: A driver using a phone, adjusting controls, or looking away from the road may veer out of their lane.
- Merging Without Caution: Drivers entering a highway or changing lanes in congested traffic may not yield to vehicles already in the lane.
- Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers often struggle to maintain lane position and may swerve unpredictably.
- Fatigue: Tired drivers may nod off or lose focus, drifting into adjacent lanes.
- Aggressive Driving: Some drivers intentionally make abrupt or reckless lane changes out of frustration or impatience.
These crashes can occur on any road but are especially common in multi-lane highways, city streets with heavy traffic, on-ramps and off-ramps, construction zones, and narrow roads or areas with reduced lanes. A sideswipe accident may involve only two vehicles, or it may trigger a chain reaction involving multiple cars if one or both drivers lose control.
Determining Fault in a Sideswipe Crash
Fault in a sideswipe accident usually rests with the driver who left their lane without proper caution. To hold that driver accountable, you must show that they acted negligently. Evidence may include:
- Dashcam footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Police reports
- Vehicle damage patterns
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
In some cases, both drivers may share fault. Pennsylvania uses a comparative negligence system, which means you can still recover compensation if you are less than 51 percent at fault, but your damages will be reduced accordingly.
Types of Compensation Available
If you suffered injuries in a sideswipe accident, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation:
Medical Expenses
Coverage for emergency care, hospitalization, follow-up visits, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
Lost Wages
Reimbursement for income lost due to missed work during your recovery.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Compensation for any permanent impact on your ability to work or earn income in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Payment for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property Damage
Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Reimbursement for expenses related to transportation, home modifications, or medical equipment.
If a loved one died in a sideswipe accident, surviving family members may claim compensation for funeral costs, loss of support, and emotional suffering.
How a Philadelphia Sideswipe Accident Lawyer Can Help
Sideswipe accident claims can be difficult to prove, especially when the other driver denies fault or claims you caused the crash. A Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer can strengthen your case by:
- Investigating the scene and gathering critical evidence
- Working with accident reconstruction experts if needed
- Identifying all liable parties, including commercial drivers or vehicle owners
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Calculating the full value of your damages, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs
- Negotiating a fair settlement or filing a lawsuit if necessary
Legal support gives you the best chance to recover the compensation you deserve. Call (215) 569-0200 to speak with the legal team at Rosenbaum & Associates.