Who Is Responsible for a Side-Swipe Car Accident in New Jersey?

On a cold winter morning, you are driving to work.

You are crossing the highway when, all of a sudden, a car on the left side collides with you. This causes you to hit the gas pedal and turn the wheel, which leads to you driving into a concrete wall.

The accident leads to internal organ damage, a broken rib, and an inability to walk for several months.

If the situation outlined above sounds like something you have experienced, you may be able to obtain compensation.

But who will compensate you? The answer to that question depends on who is responsible for your side-swipe car accident in New Jersey. In the article below, we’ll help you understand liability in side-swipe accidents and how you can seek compensation.

If you want to move forward with your personal injury case, Contact Us Online. Or give us a call at  856-284-6446.

Understanding Side-Swipe Car Accidents

A side-swipe car accident is when two vehicles collide with one another side-to-side.

Just as an example, if two cars are right next to each other and the car on the right tries to move into the left lane but ends up hitting the car on the left, this would be a side-swipe car accident.

The majority of side-swipe car accidents occur as a result of the following:

1. Two cars are going in the same direction and one car wants to move in an adjacent lane but attempts to do so when another car is occupying their space in the adjacent lane.
2. Two cars are going in the opposite direction and one car moves into the other lane, with cars going in the opposite direction, accidentally colliding with the side of another car after swerving.

These accidents usually occur because one driver is negligent in their actions, such as by being under the influence, driving recklessly, or being distracted by their phone — among many other possibilities.

Every side-swipe car accident leads to vehicular damage, of at least one kind or another. And many lead to serious injuries for the car’s occupants.

For one thing, the initial side impact can cause injuries in its own right. But that is only the first possible source of your injuries.

That’s because side-swipe car accidents often cause New Jersey drivers to violently turn their steering wheels. And the secondary collision can cause even more serious injuries.

Liability in Side-Swipe Car Accidents

The person who is at fault for a side-swipe car accident will, in nearly every instance, be the person who leaves their lane of travel when they cannot legally do so.

If one driver is moving across one lane, and then moves onto another lane when they cannot do so, causing a side-swipe car accident, then this driver is likely to be considered at fault for the accident.

On the other hand, fault can be complicated if both vehicles are changing lanes at the same time.

A situation like the above could lead to both drivers being at fault. Or, one driver being slightly more at fault than the other, if they were under the influence or engaged in another, negligent, behavior.

Fault will, in most cases, determine liability. And, if one driver is moving into another lane when they are not legally allowed to do so, they will likely be considered at fault for the side-swipe accident.

Keep in mind, however, that the driver who hit you may not be the only at-fault party. And all at-fault parties could owe you compensation.

For example, if improperly placed road construction signs or any hidden sign caused a driver to swerve out of the way suddenly and then side-swipe you, you might also be able to pursue compensation from the road construction company..

Legal Recourse for Victims of Side-Swipe Car Accidents in New Jersey

If your New Jersey side-swipe accident was someone else’s fault, you likely can pursue compensation via insurance and/or a car accident lawsuit.

The exact legal options available to you will depend on the unique details of your case. But if you are able to pursue compensation for your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the following damages, among others:

• Medical bills
• Future medical bills
• Car damage
• Lost wages during your recovery
• Lost future wages due to disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of consortium
• Scarring and disfigurement

An experienced New Jersey auto accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and the compensation potentially available to you.

Were You in a Side-Swipe Car Accident? Call Rosengard Law Group

To put it simply: You may be able to obtain compensation for the side-swipe car accident you experienced.

That’s good news. But it doesn’t mean the process will be easy or guaranteed.
For legal help, contact Rosengard Law Group by calling 856-284-6446 or contacting us through our website.