Sideswipe motorcycle accidents are common and can result in severe injuries to the victim. Because motorcyclists don’t have the protection of a vehicle body like truck and car drivers do, the injuries sustained can very often be serious. Read on to find out more about sideswept accidents, how you can determine liability as well as what you should do when you have been involved in one!
What Are Sideswiped Accidents?
A sideswiped accident occurs when a motorcyclist suddenly veers into a lane occupied by another motorcyclist, resulting in a collision. This can be caused by several different reasons.
Who’s Liable?
In order to prove that the other motorcyclist is at fault, you will need to provide evidence that they owed you a duty of care, which has been breached. You will also need to prove that this breach resulted in your damages. Negligence is often proven by showing that the responsible party acted in a manner that a reasonable person would not have.
In most cases, the easiest way of proving this is to show that the other party broke a traffic law. This can include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Improper lane changes
- Impaired driving, such as driving under the influence
- … and more!
What to Do After an Accident
In the aftermath of a sideswipe motorcycle accident, you should take some pictures and videos of the scene if you are able to. Your next priority should be seeking medical attention, even if you have seemingly only suffered minor injuries or escaped unscathed. Some types of pain can take weeks and months to surface, and by then, you will have a harder time attributing it to the accident.
When you engage a personal injury lawyer to assist you with your case, you should have copies of your medical records ready. This will help them to determine how much to set your settlement sum at.
Determining Your Settlement Sum
The settlement sum you can expect to receive will depend foremost on the type and severity of your injury. If you suffered permanent paralysis or brain damage, you are likely to be rewarded a higher sum than if you sustained a broken leg that will heal with time. This is determined based on the impact it will have on your future life – if you are rendered unable to return to work in a similar capacity or at all, or if you require multiple surgeries and rehab sessions, you can expect a higher sum to cover the cost of medical expenses, lost wages as well as pain and suffering.
Come to Corradino & Papa, LLC for Representation
Whether you have been injured in a sideswiped motorcycle accident or a loved one has suffered a wrongful death as a result, you have legal options. When you come to our experienced attorneys at Corradino & Papa, LLC for representation, you will have an extensive network of contacts and financial resources behind you. Reach out to us for a free consultation today!
Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.