While sideswipe accidents in New York are typically minor, sideswipe collisions have been known to cause severe injury, paralysis and even death. It only takes a second of distracted driving for an everyday commute to turn into a catastrophic accident. Here are some of the most common causes of sideswipe accidents and the injuries they can cause.
What are the most common causes of sideswipe accidents?
Countless sideswipe accidents are caused by distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking and adjusting the radio can distract people from what’s going on in front of them. If they don’t correct themselves in time, they could end up sideswiping another person’s vehicle.
Driving under the influence is another common cause of sideswipe accidents. When people drive after consuming alcohol, they might experience fatigue, confusion, poor judgement, reduced alertness and a slower reaction time. They’re also more likely to go off the road or drift between lanes.
What kinds of injuries can result from a sideswipe accident?
A sideswipe accident can cause a number of catastrophic injuries, including spinal cord injuries, back injuries, broken bones, crushed limbs, burns and head injuries. As a result, the victims might suffer from paralysis, disability and brain damage. They might be forced to undergo surgery or have a limb amputated. A sideswipe accident can even cause fatalities in extreme cases.
How can victims seek compensation after a car accident?
Car accidents don’t just cause physical injuries: They can also cause loss of wages due to time off work, medical debt due to expensive surgeries and more. The victim might suffer from permanent disability or require physical therapy. As a result, they might wish to hire an attorney to help them seek compensation. An attorney may be able to help them file a lawsuit against the other party involved in the crash.