Sideswipe Truck Accident

If you have suffered injuries after being sideswiped by a commercial truck, you may be facing significant medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. A sideswipe truck accident can be devastating, and victims of sideswipe accidents deserve fair compensation for their injuries and losses. Trucking companies and their insurers will work hard to minimize their liability, but an experienced truck accident lawyer like Alex Silkman can fight to ensure you receive the financial relief and justice you deserve.

Commercial trucks and the risks they pose on the road are a major concern in Phoenix. Sideswipe truck accidents are among the most dangerous collisions, often leading to severe injuries and significant property damage to vehicles, including cars and other motor vehicles. Understanding the causes of sideswipe accidents and how they impact victims is crucial when pursuing a truck accident claim. Alex Silkman, a personal injury lawyer with extensive experience in truck accident cases, is ready to advocate for your rights and secure the compensation you need to recover.

What Is a Sideswipe Truck Accident?

A sideswipe truck accident occurs when a commercial truck and another vehicle, such as a car, collide, typically as the truck and vehicle pass each other. In these types of accidents, the side of the truck strikes the side of another vehicle, often causing serious damage to both vehicles and their occupants. A sideswipe truck accident involving an 18-wheeler may also lead to an underride accident, where the smaller vehicle, such as a car, gets stuck underneath the side of the truck trailer.

The nature of a sideswipe collision makes it particularly dangerous for the vehicle on the side of the truck, especially due to the large blind spots around commercial trucks. Sideswipe accidents can be triggered by a variety of causes, including unsafe lane changes, driver fatigue, or aggressive driving. The damage to vehicles involved in these accidents can be severe, requiring costly repairs or total replacement of the vehicle.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Truck Accidents

Sideswipe truck accidents are often caused by driver error or negligence. Some of the common causes include:

• Reckless driving, including darting or swerving between lanes
• Failing to use turn signals or mirrors before changing lanes
• Unsafe lane changes, including merging improperly into another lane
• Failing to yield the right-of-way, including when merging onto the highway
• Failing to stay in the traffic lane
• Drowsy driving and driver fatigue, which impairs judgment and reaction times
• Distracted driving, such as texting or using a mobile device while driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Inadequate truck maintenance, which can lead to mechanical failure
• Poor road conditions, including potholes, black ice, or standing water

Possible Injuries from Sideswipe Collisions with Trucks

Sideswipe collisions with trucks can result in severe injuries, including:

• Lacerations and abrasions from broken glass or sharp metal
• Burns from post-accident vehicle fires
• Whiplash and other neck injuries
• Nerve damage, causing long-term disability
• Dislocated joints and fractures
• Ligament sprains and tears
• Muscle and tendon strains and tears
• Broken bones and fractures
• Spinal injuries, including herniated discs or paralysis
• Crush injuries
• Internal organ injuries and bleeding
• Head injuries such as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputation, dismemberment, or severe disfigurement from a violent crash

These injuries often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation, resulting in significant financial and emotional burdens on victims.