Who is at Fault in a Sideswipe Car Accident?

Who is responsible for a sideswipe car crash depends on the facts surrounding the incident. Generally, the driver who does not have the right of way may be liable. To prove this individual is at fault, the other motorist in the crash will have to prove negligence. This may require assistance from St. Paul car accident lawyers, who can help a driver gather evidence and build an argument that shows the other motorist was at fault.

At Tyroler Leonard Injury Law, we understand the challenges that come with proving fault in sideswipe auto accident cases. Our legal team is available to review your case. We can help you figure out who is responsible for your auto collision. To get started, contact us today.

Why Choose Us

Our St. Paul personal injury lawyers have a wealth of auto accident case experience. We give your case the attention it deserves. Our legal team can help you show you were in no way responsible for your sideswipe collision. We may be able to make it clear to a judge or jury that you deserve 100% of the damages you request.

How We Can Help

Our case results speak for themselves. Initially, we will gather information about you and your case. Our attorneys will ask you questions and help you identify the party responsible for your sideswipe crash. Next, we will help you collect evidence and craft an argument. If your case goes to trial, we will help you prove the defendant was negligent.

Sideswipe Car Accident Liability

As a driver, you have a duty of care to stay in your lane and follow other rules of the road. If you choose not to do so, you may put yourself and others in danger. In one of the worst-case scenarios, you may merge from one lane into another without realizing another car is next to yours. This may lead to a sideswipe car accident — and you may be held accountable for it.

If a motorist breaks the law, they may be responsible for your sideswipe auto collision. To prove fault, you must show a driver was legally obligated to act in a cautious and reasonable manner and did not do so. Along with this, you must verify this motorist’s actions led to your accident, and you are now dealing with damages as a result.

In terms of how do you prove negligence in an injury case, you are responsible for the burden of proof. You may provide auto accident photos and videos, medical records, and other forms of proof to show someone else was negligent. Attorneys can help you collect and evaluate evidence. They may work with you to develop an argument that highlights how someone else was solely responsible for your accident.

Liability for a Sideswipe Accident When a Driver Changes Lane

There are driving rules for motorists in Minnesota. If you change lanes in your vehicle, you must make sure you are able to move from one space to another safely. Otherwise, if you do not see another car driving in the adjacent lane, you may cause a sideswipe accident.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Motorists’ Handbook outlines driving requirements for motorists across the state. In Wisconsin, if you move between lanes without checking to see if another car is nearby, you may crash into the vehicle. At this point, you may be liable for a sideswiping accident.

Of course, if a driver crashes their vehicle into yours while switching from one lane to another in Minnesota or Wisconsin, you may not be at fault. In either state, you may be able to get compensation to help you cover your losses.

How to File a Sideswipe Accident Claim

You should not wait to submit a claim for compensation following a sideswiping car accident. There is a time limit for how long you have to sue for a personal injury. In Minnesota, you have up to six years from the date of your sideswipe crash to seek damages. For those in Wisconsin, you have a maximum of three years.

With a Minnesota sideswipe collision claim, you may be covered under your own insurance policy. Drivers in the state must have no-fault auto insurance coverage. This protection may cover your losses, even if you are not responsible for your collision.

The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance points out there are mandatory coverage requirements for motorists in the state. Wisconsin is classified as an at-fault insurance state. If someone else causes your sideswipe accident, you may hold them accountable.

For instance, another driver may be at fault for your sideswiping accident. Following the crash, you can notify your insurer about the collision. Your insurance provider will likely contact the at-fault motorist’s insurer, and they can work together to resolve your claim.

There are times when an insurance claim will not give you the compensation you need to recover from a sideswiping collision. As an example, you may be the victim of a sideswiping accident in Minnesota. You may have insurance coverage, but it does not provide you with enough compensation for all of your losses. In this situation, you may have to pursue damages from the at-fault party through a personal injury lawsuit.

Now, consider what may happen in a sideswipe collision in Wisconsin. You may be blameless for the accident, and you file a claim with your insurance provider. However, the at-fault driver may be uninsured or underinsured. As such, you may have to file an injury lawsuit to get damages.

If you need help with an insurance claim relating to a sideswipe accident, attorneys can help. It will be beneficial to partner with lawyers who have received many positive client testimonials. These attorneys will do everything they can to help you get a fair settlement.

Hire Lawyers to Help You with Your Sideswipe Accident Claim

Tyroler Leonard Injury Law helps people going through some of the worst times of their lives. Our attorneys provide exceptional legal representation in personal injury cases. We can help you pursue damages from anyone who caused your sideswipe accident. To learn more or schedule a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 651-259-1113.

Attorney Isaac Tyroler

Attorney Isaac Tyroler has been a strong advocate for injured people his entire legal career. He has a passion for righting wrongs, and he deeply cares about representing injured clients who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain about how to navigate the legal system. He is compassionate toward clients and aggressive with insurance companies and defendants. He is on the elected Board of Governors of the Minnesota Association of Justice (MAJ), the top personal injury lawyers’ group in Minnesota. And is currently the chair of MAJ’s legislative committee. [ Attorney Bio ]