Side-Swipe Collisions in Illinois

Top-Rated Car Accident Injury Lawyers Serving DuPage County and Kane County

Side-swipe collisions are common on Illinois roads, often leading to significant injuries and vehicle damage. These car accidents occur when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact, frequently as a result of one driver failing to check their blind spots, making unsafe lane changes, or driving while distracted. Although they might seem less dangerous than head-on or rear-end collisions, side-swipes can cause drivers to lose control, especially at high speeds, leading to secondary crashes or even rollovers.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our Illinois car accident attorneys recognize that these accidents can have a severe impact on victims, leaving them with not only physical injuries but also financial burdens from medical expenses and lost wages. We are committed to helping victims recover compensation for their injuries and losses, ensuring they can focus on their recovery.

Why Side-Swipe Collisions Happen

Side-swipe collisions can occur in various scenarios, from highways to congested city streets. Often, they stem from driver negligence, with common causes including:

1. Blind Spot Errors: A frequent cause of side-swipe collisions is a driver changing lanes without properly checking their blind spots. On highways and multi-lane roads, this oversight can lead to vehicles colliding side-by-side.
2. Distracted Driving: Drivers who are distracted by their phones, navigation systems, or even passengers may drift out of their lane without realizing it, resulting in a side-swipe collision.
3. Aggressive or Impatient Driving: Speeding, weaving through traffic, or attempting unsafe lane changes in heavy traffic can all result in a side-swipe accident. Aggressive driving increases the risk of side-swipes, especially on highways where vehicles are traveling at high speeds.
4. Fatigue: Fatigued drivers may lose focus, causing their vehicle to drift into adjacent lanes, which can lead to a side-swipe collision.

While these accidents can occur in a variety of driving conditions, they often happen at higher speeds, making the impact more dangerous. If a side-swipe forces one or both vehicles off the road or into another object, the results can be catastrophic.

Common Injuries in Side-Swipe Collisions

Though side-swipe collisions may seem less severe than other types of accidents, they can still cause serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries resulting from side-swipe crashes include:

• Whiplash: The sudden impact can cause the neck to snap forward and backward, resulting in whiplash. This injury can lead to chronic pain and stiffness, requiring extensive physical therapy.
• Concussions and Head Injuries: If the vehicle is hit hard enough, the driver or passengers may strike their heads against the window or side of the car, leading to concussions or traumatic brain injuries.
• Shoulder and Arm Injuries: In a side-swipe, the driver’s and passengers’ arms or shoulders may be pinned or impacted against the vehicle, causing fractures or dislocations.
• Back and Spine Injuries: The jarring force of a side-swipe can lead to spinal injuries, herniated discs, or long-term back problems.
• Fractures and Lacerations: Depending on the severity of the collision, occupants may suffer broken bones or deep cuts, particularly if the side windows shatter.

Even in cases where the initial impact seems minor, long-term complications can arise. It’s critical to seek medical attention immediately after a collision to ensure that any injuries are diagnosed and treated.

Proving Liability in Side-Swipe Collisions

Establishing liability in side-swipe collisions can be challenging. Unlike head-on collisions, where fault is often obvious, determining which driver caused a side-swipe may require a more detailed investigation. In most cases, the driver who made an improper lane change or failed to check their blind spots is at fault.

Some of the evidence that can help establish liability includes:

• Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses who saw the accident unfold can provide valuable insights into which driver was at fault.
• Dashcam Footage: Video footage from either party’s dashcam or nearby surveillance cameras can provide clear evidence of what happened leading up to the crash.
• Police Reports: An official police report often includes details about the accident, such as the location, road conditions, and any traffic violations that contributed to the crash.

In Illinois, establishing fault is critical to recovering compensation for damages. Even if you share partial fault for the collision, you may still be entitled to compensation under the state’s comparative negligence laws, as long as you are less than 50% responsible.

Seeking Compensation for Side-Swipe Collisions

If you’ve been injured in a side-swipe collision, it’s essential to pursue compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to recover:

1. Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments required as a result of the accident.
2. Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost wages during your recovery. In cases where the injury leads to long-term disability, you may also recover damages for lost future earnings.
3. Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident is also available. This can include damages for the loss of enjoyment of life if the injuries impact your daily activities.

The Long-Term Impact of Side-Swipe Collisions

Though side-swipe collisions can sometimes result in minor vehicle damage, the long-term effects on victims can be significant. Many individuals experience lingering pain, require ongoing medical treatment, and suffer from reduced quality of life due to their injuries. Financially, the costs of recovery can be overwhelming, making it critical for victims to seek full compensation for their losses.

“Side-swipe collisions are often overlooked as less severe, but they can leave victims with serious injuries that have long-lasting consequences. It’s essential to seek legal help to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and aren’t left bearing the financial burden alone.” – John J. Malm, Illinois car crash lawyer

Navigating the Legal Process After a Side-Swipe Collision

If you or a loved one has been injured in a side-swipe collision, navigating the legal process can be complex. Working with an experienced Illinois car accident attorney is essential for building a strong case, gathering evidence, and ensuring that you recover the maximum compensation for your injuries.

At John J. Malm & Associates, with offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of side-swipe collisions and other car accidents. We work closely with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to build the strongest possible case for our clients, helping them recover the compensation they need to move forward.

If you’ve been involved in a side-swipe collision, contact our firm today for a free consultation. We are here to help you get the justice you deserve.