In Las Vegas, sideswipe accidents can happen for various reasons, and when they do, the victim often suffers serious injuries. Sideswipe accidents refer to those who are struck on the side of the car but by a vehicle that is typically driving in the same direction as you are rather than striking you from the opposite or perpendicular angle.
If you have been in an accident like this, a Las Vegas sideswipe accident attorney can help you determine who is at fault and help you build a case against those who put you at risk. Let Bighorn Law fight for your right to compensation. Call our Las Vegas car accident attorney today.
How a Sideswipe Accident In Las Vegas Happens
In many situations, a sideswipe accident occurs when one vehicle impacts the other vehicle side-by-side. These cars are often traveling in the same direction and operating parallel to each other. One of the vehicles moves into the same lane as the other, striking the car in that lane on the side. Both vehicles can suffer damage, and injuries are not uncommon.
Why Las Vegas Sideswipe Accidents Occur
There are various potential reasons a vehicle could sideswipe you, and depending on the damage at the scene and witness statements, the reporting police officers will often be able to determine what happened. Some of the most common causes of sideswipe accidents include:
- Lane merging improperly, including aggressively merging with another lane when the highway ends or a road lane ends
- Distracted driving, often due to the other party using their phone or engaging in other actions that cause them to not realize they are shifting out of their lane
- Blind spot accidents can also occur, which happen when a driver switches lanes without making sure no one else is in their blind spots or the areas to the rear and sides of a vehicle that are hard to see in just the rearview mirror
Common Injuries Suffered in Sideswipe Accidents in Las Vegas
Some of the most common injuries in these cases include the following:
- Whiplash: This type of injury occurs when the force of the vehicle striking you causes your head to move rapidly forward and backward, creating damage to the muscles and tendons in the neck
- Soft tissue injuries: Bruising, contusions, lacerations, and other soft tissue injuries are not uncommon in these accidents, and some may not be recognized right away
- Broken bones: Depending on the impact and what happens after you are struck, you may be facing broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries: The impact of these accidents can lead to spinal cord injuries, including some that may put you at risk for paralysis
- Head injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries can occur, especially in situations where the head strikes the wheel of the car
What to Do After a Las Vegas Sideswipe Accident
If you are in an accident like this, seek out medical care, document everything you can remember, and then contact an attorney. A Las Vegas sideswipe accident attorney can help you pursue the full damages you have suffered in the accident. Call Bighorn Law today to schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident attorney.