Orlando Sideswipe Accidents
If you or a loved one was in a car that was sideswiped by another vehicle, then you know how dangerous these accidents can be. The impact may push a car into other traffic. Also, the sides of a vehicle do not offer the same protection as the front and rear. As a result, these crashes can lead to severe and, in some cases, fatal injuries.
If you were seriously injured or lost a loved one in such a crash, you have a right to seek compensation for your losses. Contact Frank M. Eidson, P.A., to learn more about your options for seeking a recovery.
At our firm, you will be represented by an attorney with more than 25 years of experience with representing auto accident victims and their families in Orlando, Winter Park and communities throughout Central Florida. From the beginning to the end of your case, you will receive the personalized service that you deserve.
How Do Sideswipe Accidents Happen in Florida?
Drivers owe others on or near the road a basic duty to obey the rules of the road and to drive in a reasonably safe manner. Sideswipe accidents often occur because drivers fail to live up to this duty. Examples include:
- Careless acts – Drivers may cross or drift into an adjacent lane because they fail to check blind spots for other traffic. It’s no wonder that sideswipe accidents are common in areas that tend to have congested traffic such as Orlando.
- Reckless acts – A driver may go into an adjacent lane or cross the center line due to being impaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue or due to being distracted by talking on a cell phone or sending a text message. A driver may also swipe another vehicle while rushing through traffic without any concern for others’ safety.
- Intentional acts – A driver may be annoyed by another driver and express anger in a “road rage” incident, attempting to run the other driver off the road.
In any situation in which your collision was the direct cause of something another driver did, you should be able to take legal action.
If the other driver was at work at the time of the collision, then you may also be able to pursue a damage claim against his or her employer as well. This is because employers are legally responsible for actions taken by employees who are performing work tasks.
Establishing a Sideswipe Accident Claim
To establish a sideswipe accident claim, you need to prove that the other motorist who caused the collision either broke safety rules or was unreasonably careless in a way that no average normal driver would have been.
For example, most drivers pay careful attention and don’t drift into another lane while driving. A driver who is distracted, drunk or drowsy, on the other hand, may slide into your lane and hit the side of your car.
Since it is up to you to show that the other driver acted wrongfully or dangerously, you need a car accident lawyer to help you make your case. Your attorney can gather evidence that may include:
- Police reports
- Witness testimony
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists.
This evidence can be used to convince a jury to award you damages or to negotiate a full and fair settlement with the insurance company.
Contact a Orlando Car Accident Lawyer Today
At Frank M. Eidson, P.A., we know how to build a strong case, and we are passionate about fighting for our clients’ rights at the negotiation table or in the courtroom. Contact us today to speak directly with a lawyer and receive a thorough review of your case.
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