Side-swipe accidents can seem minor at first but don’t be fooled. Even if the damage looks cosmetic, your injuries and the financial impact of the crash may be anything but. These crashes can result in serious injuries, unexpected repair bills, and long-term complications, especially when they happen at high speeds or on highways.
If you were hurt in a side-swipe accident, our Pottsville side-swipe accident attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C. can help you understand your rights, navigate the insurance process, and fight for the compensation you’re owed under the law.
How Side-Swipe Accidents Still Happen in Pottsville
Side-swipe accidents occur when the side of one vehicle strikes the side of another. They’re especially common during lane changes, merges, and highway driving. Typically, one driver fails to check a blind spot, misjudges space, or drifts into another lane. In many cases, the at-fault driver doesn’t even realize the full extent of the impact.
While many happen at moderate speeds, those on highways like I-76 or I-95 can be immensely severe. Drivers and passengers are often caught off guard, resulting in whiplash, head injuries, or even multi-car pileups.
The Injuries Resulting from Side-Swipe Crashes Can be Severe
While some side-swipe crashes only cause minor damage, others can lead to serious or even life-altering injuries. You may suffer:
- Neck and back injuries from the force of impact
- Shoulder, arm, or rib injuries, especially if the impact crushes part of the door
- Invisible injuries, like traumatic brain injuries from being jolted or striking the window
- Psychological trauma, including anxiety behind the wheel
Like many people, you may not feel the full effects of your injury right away. It’s common for symptoms like dizziness, stiffness, or headaches to appear hours or even days after the crash. That’s why it’s so important to seek medical attention immediately and to talk to our Pottsville side-swipe accident lawyers before settling your case.
How Our Pottsville Side-Swipe Accident Attorneys Help You Recover Compensation
Pennsylvania’s insurance laws can be confusing, particularly when it comes to limited tort vs. full tort coverage. At Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., our side swipe accident lawyers can help you understand how your coverage impacts your case and whether you can pursue pain and suffering damages. They can likewise:
- Collect and preserve evidence before it’s lost.
- Handling communication with insurance adjusters protects your rights every step of the way, so you don’t get pressured into a lowball settlement.
- Identify all liable parties, particularly if the crash involves commercial vehicles.
- Calculate the full value of your damages, including future medical care, lost earnings, and noneconomic losses like emotional distress.
- Take your case to court if insurers won’t negotiate fairly.
You should also know that liability in side-swipe collisions isn’t always straightforward. You and the other driver may claim you both stayed in your lanes or that the other swerved. Insurers usually use this ambiguity to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. However, our Pottsville side swipe accident attorneys can investigate the scene, review traffic camera footage or dashcams, analyze vehicle damage patterns, and interview witnesses.
Put simply, they will build a strong case that clearly shows what happened and who is responsible for your damages.
Our Seasoned Side-Swipe Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help
Reach Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C. online or dial 570-622-2455 to arrange your free case review with our Pottsville side-swipe accident attorneys. We are ready to fight every cent you need to recover financially and physically so you can get back on the road safely.