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SIDESWIPED CAR ACCIDENT IN MONROE, LA: WHO IS AT FAULT?

Sideswipes are a common occurrence on the roads around Monroe and can range from minor scrapes to serious accidents. In many cases, these collisions leave behind only a few scratches, dings, and paint damage. But when a sideswipe happens at high speeds, especially on busy Monroe highways like I-20 or U.S. 165, it can quickly turn into a severe car accident that puts your safety and life at risk.

What is a Sideswipe Accident?

A sideswipe accident, often called a "blind spot accident," happens when the sides of two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions collide. These accidents can also involve a vehicle sideswiping a stationary object, like a parked car, guardrail, or median.

While it may seem like sideswipes are less concerning than rear-end collisions, the reality is that sideswipe accidents result in around 27,000 injuries and 2,500 deaths every year, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents in Monroe

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94% of all traffic accidents are caused by human error. This includes reckless driving, speeding, distracted driving, and drug or alcohol impairment. Sideswipes are no exception and often occur when:

A driver is distracted by their phone, GPS, or radio
Drivers fail to check blind spots when changing lanes on local roads like North 18th Street or Highway 80
Inclement weather makes the roads slippery, especially on Louisiana’s wet and stormy days
Road rage leads to aggressive driving and risky lane changes
Drivers are fatigued, drowsy, or intoxicated, causing them to drift into another lane

Around Monroe, these accidents frequently happen in high-traffic areas like the merging lanes on I-20, Tower Drive, and around the intersections of Louisville Avenue, where drivers often fail to properly signal or check their surroundings.

What Should You Do After Someone Side Swiped My Car?

If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident in Monroe, the first thing to do is call 911 and report the accident, even if the damage seems minor. This step is critical to ensure you have a police report, which may be needed when filing an insurance claim or seeking compensation.

Next, if your vehicle is still drivable, move it to a safe area off the road. Check on the other driver and any passengers to ensure everyone is safe. If anyone is injured, seek immediate medical attention.

Once the immediate situation is under control, it’s important to gather key information:

Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area.
Get a copy of the police report.
Collect the other driver's contact, insurance, and vehicle information.
Talk to witnesses and gather their contact details if possible.

After that, it’s essential to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Monroe who can help you understand your legal rights and navigate the claims process.

Determining Liability in a Sideswipe Car Accident

Louisiana law is clear: "A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such a lane until a driver has first ascertained that such movement can be made with safety."

If a driver attempts to change lanes without checking their blind spot or drifts into another lane, causing a sideswipe accident, they are typically liable for the damages. In some cases, both drivers may share fault if they were both attempting to change lanes at the same time.

This is where an attorney from Bruscato Law Firm can help. We will investigate the crash to determine liability and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Sideswipe Accidents Are More Dangerous Than You Think

On Monroe's busy highways, a sideswipe at high speeds can result in serious injury. Unlike slower-moving collisions in town, a high-speed sideswipe on roads like U.S. Route 165 or Highway 15 can cause a driver to lose control, leading to multi-vehicle accidents or dangerous rollovers.

Even if the initial impact seems minor, the potential for serious injuries is real. Factors like the speed and size of the vehicles involved can greatly affect the severity of the crash. A smaller car sideswiped by a large truck or SUV is much more likely to experience significant damage and injury to its occupants.

Contact Bruscato Law Firm for Your Sideswipe Accident Case

If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident in Monroe or the surrounding areas, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At Bruscato Law Firm, we are here to support you and guide you through the claims process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you're entitled to for medical bills, vehicle damage, and more.