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SideSwipe

New York Sideswipe Accident Lawyer

A sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles are driving alongside each other, and the right side of one collides with the left side of the other. Although any type of car accident is unexpected, sideswipe accidents can be particularly jarring — since both drivers may not notice the vehicle beside them, they may be completely unaware that a collision is about to occur. In many cases, a sideswipe accident can also result in a secondary crash by causing the car that was hit to swerve and strike a guard rail or another vehicle.

If you have suffered injuries in a sideswipe accident that was caused by the negligence of another, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. For more than 30 years, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has been fighting for the rights of sideswipe accident victims and securing favorable outcomes in their cases.

Causes of Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents are very common, and there are various reasons they can occur. However, they are often caused by a driver’s failure to pay attention to their surroundings. These types of crashes can happen while driving on the parkway at high speeds due to improper lane changes, or at an on-ramp where two lanes merge into one. Sideswipe accidents can also result if a driver fails to check their mirrors or doesn’t yield to the right of way.

Other common causes of sideswipe accidents can include:

  • Distraction or inattention
  • Driving under the influence
  • Reckless driving
  • Cell phone use or texting
  • Drowsy driving
  • Failure to check blind spots
  • Defective blinker or failure to signal lane change
  • Swerving to avoid a defect in the road


Importantly, under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1128, a driver has a duty to remain in their lane until they can move from it safely. Violation of this law may constitute negligence per se and result in liability for the driver who attempted to change lanes. 

While liability usually falls on the driver who deviated from their lane of travel, in some cases, both drivers may attempt to switch lanes at the same time. In these cases, each driver may share some fault for the collision. Significantly, even if you were partially responsible for the crash, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries — minus your percentage of fault — under New York’s comparative negligence rule. 

The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., offers skillful advocacy to those who have suffered injuries in sideswipe accidents. By conducting a meticulous investigation into the facts of your case, we strive to ensure the negligent driver is held accountable — and you receive the maximum amount of compensation available for your damages. 

Common Sideswipe Accident Injuries

Many people think of sideswipes as minor car accidents. Unfortunately, this is not always the case — the consequences of a sideswipe accident can be devastating. The impact of the collision might not only cause substantial property damage to the vehicle, but it can also result in significant injuries to the vehicle’s occupants that require extensive medical care. Sideswipe accident victims may suffer broken bones, fractured ribs, crush injuries, knee injuries, lacerations, spinal cord injuries, nerve damage, torn ligaments, traumatic brain injury, paralysis, and disfigurement. In extreme cases, a sideswipe accident might also cause fatality.

If you’ve been hurt in a sideswipe accident, it’s crucial to seek medical assistance right away. By going to the hospital immediately following the collision, a doctor can determine whether you’ve sustained a concussion, internal bleeding or other injuries that could worsen without prompt treatment. In addition to conducting a physical examination, your doctor might recommend X-rays, MRIs, a CAT scan, and EMG-NCVs. 

The personal injury lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. understand how a sideswipe accident can take a toll on you and your family. As we carefully prepare each case, we work diligently to make sure the driver at fault will be held responsible for the injuries they caused you to suffer — and you receive the full monetary recovery to which you’re entitled.

Adept Advocacy to Help Secure a Favorable Outcome in Your Case

No-fault insurance may cover a certain amount of your medical expenses and lost wages in a sideswipe accident case. However, no-fault benefits are usually not enough to fully cover your monetary losses in cases that may involve extensive injuries and medical treatment. It also doesn’t compensate you for your physical pain, mental anguish, or emotional suffering.

If you have sustained what New York Insurance Law defines as a “serious” injury in a sideswipe accident, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. In doing so, you may be able to recover compensation for your economic damages, including your unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages, future lost earnings, and out-of-pocket costs. You may also receive compensation for your non-economic damages such as the pain and suffering and the loss of enjoyment of life you experienced due to the accident. 

Every sideswipe accident is different and each victim is uniquely affected by their injuries. The personal injury lawyers at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C., develop a tailored approach for every case to achieve the highest verdict or settlement possible. 

Contact an Experienced New York Sideswipe Accident Lawyer

Sideswipe accident injuries can be catastrophic and life-changing. It’s essential to have an advocate on your side who can help ensure you obtain the monetary recovery that is rightfully yours. Providing personal time and attention to every case, The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has been successfully representing sideswipe accident victims and their families for over three decades — and securing the compensation they deserve. 

The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Rockland, and Long Island in Nassau County and Suffolk County. Contact us for a consultation.