Sideswipe accidents happen in an instant, leaving victims with serious injuries and uncertainty about what to do next. But determining who caused the crash is rarely straightforward . These collisions frequently occur when one driver changes lanes without checking their blind spot, drifts out of their lane, or fails to yield the right-of-way. Because both vehicles are often moving in the same direction, insurance companies will move fast to dispute liability, shift blame, and pay victims as little as possible for their injuries and losses .
If you were injured in a Houston car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. But you need a law firm with the resources, experience, and proven trial record to stand up to powerful insurers and corporations and win.
At Zehl & Associates, we have recovered Billions for accident victims. We prepare every case for trial and fight for record-setting results while ensuring our clients have access to the best medical care and the financial resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Below, we explain how fault is determined in a Houston sideswipe accident and how our undefeated personal injury attorneys can protect your rights and your financial recovery.
What Is a Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another vehicle.
These crashes most commonly happen when:
- A driver changes lanes without ensuring the lane is clear
- A vehicle drifts out of its lane
- Two vehicles attempt to merge into the same lane
- A driver fails to yield while entering or exiting a roadway
- A driver loses control of their vehicle
Although some sideswipe collisions result in only minor property damage, others can force vehicles into nearby traffic, barriers, or off the road, causing severe injuries and multi-vehicle accidents.
Who Is Usually at Fault?
In many cases, the driver who leaves their lane without safely doing so is responsible for the accident. Texas drivers have a duty to ensure they can safely change lanes before moving into another lane of traffic.
Failing to check mirrors, blind spots, or surrounding traffic before changing lanes may constitute negligence. However, every accident is different, and fault depends on the specific facts of the collision.
Can Both Drivers Share Fault?
Yes, because Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. In some sideswipe accidents, both drivers may have contributed to the collision. For example, one driver may have made an unsafe lane change while the other was speeding or driving aggressively.
Under Texas law, an injured person may still recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. However, their compensation will generally be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Because insurance companies often try to shift blame to reduce payouts, having strong evidence is especially important.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
Several forms of negligent driving frequently contribute to sideswipe crashes, including:
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to check blind spots
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Fatigued driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failure to yield while merging
- Improper passing
- Failure to maintain a single lane
Commercial truck drivers may also cause sideswipe accidents due to large blind spots, improper lane changes, or inadequate driver training.
Can You Recover Compensation?
If another driver’s negligence caused your sideswipe accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your losses.
Depending on your case, damages may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The value of your claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, available insurance coverage, and the evidence establishing liability.
What Should You Do After a Sideswipe Accident?
The actions you take immediately after a crash can significantly affect your health and your legal claim.
If possible, you should:
- Call 911 and report the accident.
- Seek medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Take photographs of the vehicles, roadway, and surrounding area.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Obtain contact information for witnesses.
- Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened.
- Notify your insurance company.
- Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer before accepting a settlement offer.
Preserving evidence early can make it easier to prove who caused the accident.
Contact a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer at Zehl & Associates for a Free Consultation
Determining fault after a sideswipe accident is not always straightforward, especially when insurance companies attempt to shift blame or minimize your injuries. If another driver’s negligence caused your collision, you should not have to bear the financial burden alone.
The undefeated Houston personal injury lawyers at Zehl & Associates have won billions for injury victims and secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in Texas. Our experienced legal team has the resources to thoroughly investigate your case, establish liability, and pursue the maximum compensation available. Contact us today for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Open 24 hours
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000
Open 24 hours