Side-Swipe Truck Collision Lawyer

Truck accidents are among the most devastating collisions on our roads, and sideswipe accidents involving large commercial trucks can be particularly dangerous. After a sideswipe truck accident, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers have a proven track record of successfully handling complex truck accident cases nationwide.

Understanding Sideswipe Truck Accidents

A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another vehicle traveling in the same or opposite direction. Due to the truck's size, weight, and momentum, a large commercial truck in a sideswipe collision with a passenger vehicle can have catastrophic results.

There are two main types of Sideswipe truck accidents:

  1. A truck changes lanes and sideswipes a car in the adjacent lane in the truck's blind spot. Large trucks have significant blind spots on both sides where the truck driver cannot see smaller vehicles. If a truck driver fails to check their blind spot thoroughly before changing lanes, they can easily collide with a car traveling next to the truck.
  1. A truck veers from its lane due to driver distraction, fatigue, or impairment and sideswipes an adjacent vehicle. Driver inattention is a leading cause of trucks drifting out of their lane. Distractions like cell phone use, eating, adjusting controls, or checking maps take the trucker's eyes off the road. Truck driver fatigue from long hours behind the wheel is another major factor. Impairment by drugs, alcohol, or medications also greatly increases the risk.

In both scenarios, the much larger size and weight of the truck compared to a passenger vehicle means the occupants of the car often suffer severe or fatal injuries. Side impact collisions are especially dangerous because there is limited protection and crumple zones on the sides of vehicles compared to the front and rear. 

Common causes of Sideswipe truck accidents include:

The Dangers of Sideswipe Truck Accidents

Sideswipe accidents involving large trucks pose unique dangers to occupants of smaller vehicles:

  • Size disparity: The massive size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles means even a "minor" sideswipe can cause significant damage and injuries.
  • Crushing force: The weight of a fully loaded tractor-trailer can easily crush the side of a car, potentially trapping occupants.
  • Loss of control: The impact from a sideswipe can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, potentially leading to secondary collisions or rollovers.
  • Underride risks: In severe cases, smaller vehicles may be forced under the trailer, with catastrophic consequences.
  • Multiple vehicle involvement: Sideswipe truck accidents on highways can quickly escalate into multi-vehicle pileups.

Common Injuries in Sideswipe Truck Accidents

Victims of sideswipe truck accidents may suffer a wide range of injuries, including:

The severity of these injuries can lead to long-term or permanent disabilities, significant medical expenses, lost wages or income, and a decreased quality of life. That's why having experienced truck accident lawyers on your side is crucial to fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Truck accident cases are inherently more complex than typical car accident claims due to several factors:

  • Multiple potentially liable parties: In addition to the truck driver, other parties may share liability, including:
    • The trucking company
    • The truck manufacturer
    • Maintenance providers
    • Cargo loading companies
    • Government entities responsible for road maintenance
  • Federal and state regulations: Federal agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state transportation departments heavily regulate the trucking industry. Violations of these regulations can be crucial in establishing liability.
  • Insurance coverage: Commercial trucks typically carry higher insurance limits, but insurance companies will fight aggressively to minimize payouts.
  • Evidence preservation: Critical evidence such as truck "black box" data, driver logs, and maintenance records must be quickly secured before it can be altered or destroyed.
  • Accident reconstruction: Complex accidents often require expert analysis to determine the sequence of events and establish fault.
  • Jurisdictional issues: When accidents involve trucks from out-of-state companies, questions of jurisdiction and applicable laws can arise.

Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer

Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers and adjusters who will  limit liability and minimize payouts to crash victims. They may contact you shortly after the accident, acting concerned and offering a quick settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. 

However, they aim to get you to accept a lowball offer and sign away your rights to future compensation. Their proposed settlement may seem substantial, but it is rarely enough to cover your long-term medical needs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

This is why hiring an experienced truck accident attorney is critical to protect your interests and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. At Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we have a proven track record of taking on powerful trucking and insurance companies—and winning.

Our skilled legal team will:

  • Investigate the crash to identify all potentially liable parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance provider, parts manufacturer, etc.
  • Gather and preserve critical evidence like the truck's black box data, electronic logging device records, dash cam footage, driver records, company policies, inspection reports, and more. 
  • Interview eyewitnesses and first responders to get all perspectives on how the crash occurred.
  • Consult accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of the crash and whether negligence was involved.
  • Review your medical records and work with experts to calculate your current and future treatment costs, disability accommodations, long-term care needs, and pain and suffering.
  • Determine the full value of your claim and aggressively negotiate with the insurance companies for maximum compensation.
  • If the insurance company refuses to offer an adequate settlement, we have the experience and resources to take your case to trial and present a compelling case for damages to the judge and jury.

Our No Fee Guarantee

We understand the tremendous physical, emotional, and financial stress a serious truck accident causes. The last thing you need is to worry about how to afford an attorney to fight for your rights. This is why we represent all truck accident clients on a contingency fee basis. 

There are no upfront costs to retain our services—we only get paid if and when we recover money for you. If we don't win your case, you owe us nothing. With our no-fee guarantee, you can have the caliber of legal representation you deserve, regardless of your financial situation.

Compensation in Sideswipe Truck Accident Cases

Victims of Sideswipe truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses: Coverage for all accident-related medical treatment, including future care needs.
  • Lost wages or income: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries.
  • Loss of earning capacity: If injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
  • Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for reduced quality of life due to injuries.
  • Punitive damages: In cases of egregious negligence, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party.

The Importance of Timely Action

After a sideswipe truck accident, time is of the essence. Critical evidence can disappear quickly, and there are legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing a claim. By contacting Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers promptly, you give us the best opportunity to:

  • Secure and preserve crucial evidence
  • Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
  • Ensure you meet all legal deadlines
  • Protect you from insurance company tactics designed to minimize your claim
  • Start building a strong case for maximum compensation

The Impact of Sideswipe Truck Accidents on Families

Sideswipe truck accidents don't just affect the immediate victims; they can have far-reaching consequences for entire families:

  • Financial strain: Medical bills, lost income, and other expenses can create significant financial hardship.
  • Emotional toll: Family members may experience stress, anxiety, and depression while caring for an injured loved one.
  • Relationship challenges: The stress of recovery and financial worries can strain relationships.
  • Lifestyle changes: Families may need to adapt to new routines and responsibilities to accommodate a family member's injuries.
  • Long-term care needs: Severe injuries may require ongoing medical care and assistance, impacting family dynamics.

At Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we understand these challenges and work tirelessly to secure compensation that addresses immediate needs and long-term family impacts.

When you choose Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers to handle your sideswipe truck accident claim, you can expect a thorough and strategic approach:

  • Initial consultation: We'll review your case details and explain your legal options.
  • Investigation: Our team will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case.
  • Medical evaluation: We'll work with medical professionals to fully understand the extent of your injuries and future care needs.
  • Negotiations: We'll engage with insurance companies and responsible parties to seek a fair settlement.
  • Litigation preparation: If a fair settlement can't be reached, we'll prepare your case for trial.
  • Trial representation: Our experienced litigators will present your case persuasively in court if necessary.
  • Appeal process: If needed, we'll handle any appeals to protect your rights and compensation.

Throughout this process, we'll keep you informed and involved, ensuring that your voice is heard and your needs are prioritized.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sideswipe Truck Accidents

How long do I have to file a claim after a sideswipe truck accident?

The statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from 1-3 years. It's crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss any deadlines.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Many states follow comparative negligence laws, which may allow you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. The amount of compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

How much is my Sideswipe truck accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, long-term impacts, and available insurance coverage. After a thorough case evaluation, our attorneys can provide a more accurate estimate.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

The timeline for resolving truck accident cases can vary widely. While some cases may settle in months, complex cases that go to trial can take a year or more. We work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of your representation.

Can I still recover compensation if the truck driver was from another state?

Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if the truck driver or company is based in another state. Our nationwide presence allows us to handle these complex jurisdictional issues effectively.

Contact Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a sideswipe truck accident, you don't face the legal process alone. The experienced team at Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. We have a proven track record of success in handling complex truck accident cases nationwide.

Don't let the trucking companies and their insurers take advantage of you. Contact us today at 205-957-4995 or through our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

At Alexander Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we're not just attorneys—we're advocates for justice and your rights.