Hurt in a Sideswipe Accident? We Can Help.
Free Case Consultations Available
If you were injured in a sideswipe accident in Houston or throughout Texas, you need an experienced attorney on your side; sideswipe crashes occur when two vehicles traveling side by side make contact along their sides. These collisions can cause serious injuries. The Adley Law Firm is a personal injury law firm based in Houston dedicated to helping sideswipe accident victims. We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis (no fees unless we win). Contact us today for a free case evaluation, and let our Houston sideswipe lawyers protect your rights.
What Is a Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe accident happens when the sides of two vehicles make contact as they move in adjacent lanes. For example, on Houston’s busy freeways, a driver changing lanes without checking blind spots may clip the side of another car. These crashes are usually a glancing impact, but they can still send a vehicle spinning or colliding with other cars and obstacles. Improper lane changes are a leading cause; in fact, unsafe lane changes were a factor in over 41,000 crashes in Texas in one recent year. Take extra care when merging on highways or busy streets to avoid sideswipes.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
- Distracted driving: Texting, calling, eating, or anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road
- Failing to check blind spots or use a turn signal before changing lanes
- Speeding or aggressive driving: Weaving through traffic or making sudden lane swerves
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which impairs judgment and reaction time
- Driver fatigue: Falling asleep at the wheel or driving while drowsy
- Bad weather: Rain, fog, ice or other conditions that reduce visibility and traction
- Vehicle defects: Brake failures or other mechanical issues that cause loss of control
Each of these factors can easily lead a driver to drift out of their lane or merge unsafely. For instance, failing to look in your mirrors or check blind spots is a common reason sideswipes happen. Understanding these causes can help you drive defensively and also spot when another driver’s negligence contributed to your crash.
Injuries from Sideswipe Collisions
Sideswipe crashes can range from minor fender-benders to serious accidents causing significant injuries. Common injuries include whiplash (neck and back injuries), concussions or other head trauma, spinal cord damage, broken bones, cuts and bruises, and internal injuries (such as bleeding or organ damage). Even seemingly minor impacts can cause unexpected harm – for example, a slight sideswipe may jerk your body suddenly or cause your car to hit something else. It is critical to seek medical attention right away after a sideswipe accident. Getting checked by a doctor creates a record of any injuries, which is important evidence in your case. Medical bills for sideswipe accident injuries can be substantial: even moderate injuries often require many thousands of dollars in treatment. Severe injuries (like brain or spinal trauma) can quickly exceed six figures in medical costs. In addition to treatment, victims may lose income while recovering and suffer ongoing pain or disability.
- Neck and back injuries (whiplash, herniated discs)
- Head injuries (concussions, traumatic brain injury)
- Spinal cord injuries or paralysis
- Fractures (arms, legs, ribs) and soft tissue injuries (sprains, bruises)
- Internal injuries (organ damage, internal bleeding)
- Emotional trauma (anxiety, stress, PTSD from the accident)
Because some injuries (such as internal bleeding or concussions) may not be immediately obvious, doctors recommend full check-ups even if you feel “fine.” Proper documentation of these injuries will strengthen your claim for compensation.
Fault and Liability in Texas
Texas law requires drivers to maintain their lane and only change lanes safely. If a driver changes lanes without signaling or checking for nearby cars and causes a crash, that driver is usually found at fault. For example, if one car drifts into another lane and collides with a vehicle traveling there, the drifting driver can be held liable. In some cases, fault can be shared – for instance, if both drivers change lanes at the same time, Texas law divides responsibility proportionally. Keep in mind that under Texas’s comparative-fault rules, even if you share some blame, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
On a practical level, causing an unsafe lane change also carries consequences: a Texas ticket for an unsafe lane change can include up to a $200 fine and two points on the driver’s record. More importantly, the at-fault driver’s insurance must pay for the other person’s damages. That is why gathering evidence at the scene is critical. Take photos of all vehicle damage and note any paint transfer marks – these clues can show who hit whom. If possible, get contact information from witnesses and note the position of the cars. Police reports often include diagrams or witness statements that establish the facts. Building solid evidence (photos, witness info, video) helps prove which driver made the unsafe maneuver.
Steps After a Sideswipe Accident
- Ensure Safety and Call 911: Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible. Call emergency services to report the crash and get medical help for anyone injured. The police report is important evidence.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of all vehicles involved (including close ups of damage), license plates, and the surrounding area (skid marks, road signs, traffic signals). These photos can be critical in proving fault.
- Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance information. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. Be polite and brief – do not admit fault or apologize for the crash.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, visit a doctor as soon as you can. Some injuries (like concussions or internal injuries) may not appear immediately. Your doctor’s records will serve as proof of injury linked to the accident.
- Notify Your Insurer: Call your insurance company to report the accident. Give only the basic facts to your adjuster. You do not have to give a recorded statement or details about fault; it may be wise to let your attorney handle communications.
- Consult an Attorney: Contact a personal injury lawyer right away. A lawyer can guide you through the claims process, protect you from making mistakes, and ensure deadlines are met. For example, Texas law requires you to file any personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident. If this deadline passes, you may lose your right to compensation.
Taking these steps will protect your health and your legal rights. Don’t delay – evidence like skid marks or traffic video may disappear over time, so prompt action is crucial. Remember: do not admit fault or accept blame at the scene. Focus on safety, documentation, and getting help.
Potential Compensation
If another driver’s negligence caused your sideswipe accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. In Texas’s at fault system, the responsible driver’s insurance must cover your damages. Recoverable losses generally include:
- Medical expenses: All medical costs related to the accident, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and future medical needs.
- Lost income: Wages you missed while recovering, as well as reduced earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non economic harms caused by the accident
- Punitive damages: In cases of egregious negligence (for example, a drunk driver), Texas law may allow extra damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Settlement amounts vary widely. Minor crashes involving only property damage might settle for a few thousand dollars, while serious injury cases can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands. Every case is different. Our lawyers will evaluate the full value of your claim – including future medical needs and pain and suffering – to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Why Choose Adley Law Firm?
Adley Law Firm is a top-rated personal injury firm in Houston that knows how to handle sideswipe accident cases. Our attorneys have the experience and resources to stand up to insurance companies and fight for you. We will thoroughly investigate your crash – obtaining the police report, analyzing vehicle damage, and, if available, reviewing traffic camera or dashcam footage – to establish exactly what happened. We gather evidence from witnesses, inspect the scene, and use any available data to prove fault. Then we negotiate aggressively with insurers to pursue the maximum recovery you deserve, or take the case to court if necessary.
With Adley Law on your side, you get personalized attention and legal guidance every step of the way. We offer a free, no obligation consultation to review your accident. We proudly serve clients throughout Texas and provide full bilingual support (se habla Español) so language is never a barrier. Remember, we work on a contingency-fee basis – you pay nothing up front and owe us only if we win your case. Let us handle the paperwork and negotiations while you focus on getting better.
Contact Adley Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Your time to act is limited, and the Adley Law Firm is here to help. If you’ve been in a sideswipe accident, call our Houston office 24/7 or use our website’s contact form to schedule your free case evaluation. We will discuss the details of your crash, explain your rights, and outline the best next steps – all at no cost to you. With Adley Law Firm on your side, you can concentrate on healing while we handle the legal work. Let us fight for justice and the compensation you deserve after a sideswipe collision.