Sideswipe and Merging Car Accidents

Sideswipes and merging accident are surprisingly common in the Miami area – particularly when large blind spots or weather conditions reduce a driver’s visibility. When a driver, passenger, or motorcyclist is injured by another driver sideswiping them or failing to merge properly, the injured party has a legal right to be compensated for his or her injuries by the negligent driver.

Miami area injury victims have trusted the professionals at Gerson & Schwartz to represent them in sideswipe accident cases for over forty-six years. Our Miami car accident attorneys fight to ensure that their clients are fully compensated for all losses sustained in a car accident. Our team will provide superior service and personalized attention to ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

There are many causes of sideswipe accidents, and unfortunately, not all of these causes can be prevented. There are, however, common problems which drivers can address with defensive driving habits and techniques.

Blind Spots: The inability to see another vehicle is one of the most common culprits in sideswipe accidents. By slowing slightly before signaling a lane change, drivers will allow any vehicle in their blind spots to pull ahead and be seen. Drivers should also be sure to signal their movements in advance so other drivers can prepare and warn as needed.

Distracted Driving: Navigation systems, in-vehicle entertainment systems, and smart phones have made car travel more and more comfortable in recent years. Unfortunately, these technologies have also given drivers much more opportunity to become distracted behind the wheel. Other distractions – such as eating and drinking, or attending to pets or children – have always been a temptation for drivers.

It is always important to pay attention to the road, but especially when changing lanes or merging. In these situations, driving circumstances change quickly, and other vehicles may or may not act predictably.

Speeding: Most drivers know that it is illegal to exceed the posted speed limit. But Florida law also requires drivers not to go faster than is reasonable or prudent for current conditions. Nighttime driving, inclement weather, stop and go traffic, and many other conditions can make it unsafe to travel at the posted speed limit. A driver who does not slow down for these conditions can be found negligent in a civil lawsuit, and can also be guilty of a traffic violation under Florida Statutes, Title Thirteen § 316.183(1).

If you are hurt in a sideswipe or merging accident in Miami, there are certain steps you can take to make sure that you are able to recover compensation for your losses. Some of these include the following:

• Record Information – If you are not seriously hurt, try and write down as much information as possible about the way in which your accident occurred. Examples of the kinds of issues of which to make note include the names of the other drivers involved in your wreck, their insurance policy information, the license plate numbers of the vehicles involved, and whether there were any hazardous road conditions that may have contributed to your accident.
• See a Doctor – After an accident, it is important to go see a physician, both to start any required treatment as soon as possible and also to ensure that an official record of your injuries is created.
• Call a Miami car accident attorney – Retaining a lawyer immediately after an accident will ensure that you receive the full and fair value of your car wreck claim.

Injury victims across the Miami area trust the Miami personal injury lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz to protect their legal rights after a car accident. Whether you have been involved in a truck accident, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accident, or any type of car accident, our law firm will fight hard to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation. You can also call (305) 371-6000 with any questions about your case, or email our office at info@gslawusa.com. Se Habla Español.