Smyrna Sideswipe Accident Lawyers
A sideswipe accident can happen when you least expect it. You may be traveling safely in your lane when another driver suddenly drifts toward your vehicle, changes lanes without looking, or attempts to merge into space that isn’t available. Even a brief collision between the sides of two vehicles can cause a driver to lose control, strike another vehicle, or leave the roadway. What begins as a seemingly minor impact can quickly become a life-changing accident.
At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, our Smyrna Sideswipe Accident Lawyers help people who have been injured because another motorist failed to drive safely. We understand that an unexpected collision can leave you facing painful injuries, missed work, expensive medical treatment, and uncertainty about your financial future. Our goal is to help you obtain the compensation you deserve while providing compassionate, personalized support throughout your recovery.
Attorneys Joe Weir and Tony Kestner both began their legal careers representing insurance companies. They understand how insurers evaluate accident claims, dispute responsibility, and attempt to reduce settlement amounts. Today, they use that experience to advocate for injured people and their families.
When you contact Weir & Kestner, you’ll speak with an attorney right away. Every case also receives a dedicated case manager who helps answer questions, provide updates, and make the legal process as manageable as possible.
How Sideswipe Accidents Happen
A sideswipe collision occurs when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another vehicle. These accidents can involve vehicles traveling in the same direction or vehicles approaching from opposite directions.
Same-direction sideswipes frequently occur during lane changes, merging maneuvers, and attempts to pass other vehicles.
Opposite-direction sideswipes may happen when a driver crosses the centerline or drifts into oncoming traffic.
Although some sideswipe collisions cause only superficial vehicle damage, others trigger much more serious accidents.
A driver who is struck along the side of their vehicle may instinctively steer away from the impact. That reaction can cause the vehicle to leave the roadway, collide with a barrier, or enter another lane of traffic.
In more serious cases, a sideswipe can lead to a rollover or multi-vehicle collision.
The danger often depends on the speed of the vehicles, the location of the impact, surrounding traffic, and whether either driver loses control.
Our attorneys understand that the consequences of a sideswipe accident may extend well beyond the initial contact between vehicles. We work to pursue compensation for the full range of injuries and losses caused by negligent driving.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Collisions in Smyrna
Many sideswipe accidents result from preventable mistakes or unsafe driving behaviors.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Drivers must make sure a lane change can be completed safely before moving into an adjacent lane.
A motorist who changes lanes without checking mirrors or blind spots may collide with a vehicle already occupying that space.
Failure to Check Blind Spots
Mirrors do not provide a complete view of surrounding traffic.
Drivers who rely exclusively on their mirrors without adequately checking blind spots may fail to recognize vehicles traveling alongside them.
This problem can be particularly dangerous when large SUVs, pickup trucks, or commercial vehicles are involved.
Distracted Driving
Texting, adjusting navigation systems, eating, or focusing on passengers can cause drivers to drift out of their lanes.
A momentary distraction may be enough for a vehicle to sideswipe another motorist.
Improper Merging
Drivers entering highways or moving into congested traffic must ensure there is sufficient space to merge safely.
Attempting to force a vehicle into an occupied lane can result in a sideswipe collision.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Motorists who weave between lanes, make sudden movements, or attempt to pass other vehicles at excessive speeds create unnecessary risks.
Aggressive lane changes can leave nearby drivers with little opportunity to avoid a collision.
Drowsy or Impaired Driving
Fatigue, alcohol, and drugs can affect coordination, judgment, and lane control.
A driver who is struggling to remain alert may drift into another lane without recognizing the danger.
Tennessee Law Governing Lane Changes and Sideswipe Accidents
Tennessee law establishes important requirements for maintaining lane position and changing lanes safely.
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-8-123, a vehicle traveling on a roadway divided into marked lanes must remain as nearly as practicable within a single lane. A driver may not move from that lane until first determining that the movement can be made safely.
This requirement is particularly important in sideswipe accident claims.
A driver who moves into an occupied lane without adequate clearance may be negligent and financially responsible for the resulting injuries.
Tennessee law also requires drivers to use appropriate signals when turning or moving right or left on a roadway under applicable circumstances.
However, using a turn signal does not automatically give a driver the right to change lanes. Motorists must still make sure the maneuver can be completed safely.
Comparative Fault in Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe collisions sometimes involve disputes over which vehicle crossed the lane line.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system. An injured person may generally recover compensation when they are less than 50% responsible for the accident but their recovery is reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if an injured person has $80,000 in recoverable damages but is found 10% responsible for the collision, the recovery would generally be reduced to $72,000.
Insurance companies may attempt to assign some responsibility to the injured driver to reduce their financial obligations.
At Weir & Kestner, we work to challenge unfair fault allegations and pursue the compensation our clients deserve.
Injuries Caused by Sideswipe Accidents
The injuries associated with sideswipe collisions vary considerably.
Some people experience neck or back pain after a relatively low-speed impact. Others suffer severe injuries when the collision causes a vehicle to spin, roll over, or strike another object. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and cervical spine injuries
- Herniated discs and other back injuries
- Shoulder and arm injuries
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken ribs, arms, and legs
- Hip and pelvic injuries
- Nerve damage and chronic pain
- Internal injuries
- Permanent disabilities resulting from secondary collisions
Sideswipe accidents can also cause serious injuries to occupants seated near the point of impact.
When a vehicle is struck along its side, doors and surrounding structures may deform, potentially causing injuries to the people inside.
In more severe accidents, victims may require surgery, prolonged rehabilitation, or lifelong medical care.
Our attorneys work to pursue compensation that reflects the actual consequences of these injuries, including future treatment needs and permanent limitations.
Compensation Available After a Smyrna Sideswipe Collision
If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, Tennessee law may allow you to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the circumstances, recoverable losses may include:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Surgery, specialist care, and diagnostic testing
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Future medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages resulting from time away from work
- Reduced future earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Permanent impairment, disability, or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage and other accident-related expenses
The financial consequences of a sideswipe accident can be significant, particularly when an injury prevents someone from returning to their previous occupation.
For example, a person with a serious shoulder injury may be unable to perform a job requiring lifting or repetitive arm movements.
Someone who suffers a traumatic brain injury may experience lasting cognitive difficulties that affect employment and everyday activities.
Our attorneys understand that compensation should address these long-term consequences rather than focusing only on the expenses incurred immediately after the collision.
Insurance Company Disputes Over Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe collisions can create challenging insurance disputes because the drivers may disagree about how the accident occurred.
An insurance adjuster may argue that both vehicles moved toward one another or that the injured driver failed to remain within their lane.
Insurance companies may also claim that the accident involved only minor contact and could not have caused significant injuries.
In some cases, an insurer may offer a quick settlement before the injured person understands the full extent of their medical needs.
Attorneys Joe Weir and Tony Kestner understand these strategies because both previously represented insurance companies.
Their experience gives them insight into how insurers evaluate responsibility, assess injuries, and determine settlement offers.
We use that knowledge to challenge unreasonable positions and negotiate for compensation that reflects our clients’ actual losses.
When an insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to pursue litigation to protect our clients’ interests.
Sideswipe Accidents Involving Commercial Trucks
Sideswipe collisions involving tractor-trailers and other commercial trucks can be especially dangerous.
Large trucks have substantial blind spots, particularly along their sides. A truck driver who changes lanes without confirming that the adjacent lane is clear may strike a smaller vehicle.
The truck’s size and weight can cause the smaller vehicle to lose control or become trapped against another vehicle or roadside barrier.
Truck-related sideswipe accidents may result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, or permanent disabilities.
When a commercial driver causes an accident, liability may extend to the trucking company or other legally responsible parties.
Our attorneys help people injured in commercial vehicle collisions pursue compensation that addresses their medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
Compassionate Legal Support From a Client-Centered Firm
Recovering from a sideswipe accident can be physically painful and financially stressful.
You may be struggling with medical appointments, vehicle repairs, missed work, and insurance company communications.
At Weir & Kestner, we believe your legal team should help relieve these burdens.
You’ll speak with an attorney right away when you contact our firm. Every case also receives a dedicated case manager who helps provide updates, answer questions, and maintain communication.
Our attorneys take time to understand how your injuries have affected your life and explain your legal options in clear, straightforward language.
As a law firm born in this community, we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized representation to injured people and their families.
Our focus is on helping you obtain the financial recovery you deserve while treating you with the care and respect you should expect from your attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smyrna Sideswipe Accidents
Who is responsible when two vehicles sideswipe each other?
Responsibility depends on the circumstances. A driver who changes lanes without sufficient clearance, drifts out of their lane, or otherwise operates a vehicle negligently may be liable. In some cases, both drivers may share responsibility.
Can I recover compensation if the other driver didn’t use a turn signal?
Possibly. Failing to signal when required may support a negligence claim, particularly if the driver made an unsafe lane change that caused the collision. However, liability depends on the circumstances and whether the driver’s conduct caused your injuries.
What if the other driver claims I moved into their lane?
A disagreement about lane position does not automatically prevent you from pursuing compensation. Tennessee’s comparative fault rules allow recovery in many cases even when fault is disputed. Our attorneys can help address unfair allegations and pursue available compensation.
Can a sideswipe accident cause serious injuries without major vehicle damage?
Yes. The extent of visible vehicle damage does not necessarily reflect the severity of an occupant’s injuries. A sideswipe may cause painful neck, back, or shoulder injuries, and secondary impacts can produce much more serious harm.
How long do I have to file a sideswipe accident lawsuit in Tennessee?
Tennessee imposes a one-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits under T.C.A. § 28-3-104. Certain exceptions may affect the deadline. Consulting an attorney promptly can help protect your right to seek compensation.
Contact Our Smyrna Sideswipe Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
When another driver’s unsafe lane change or careless driving leaves you injured, you deserve attorneys who understand your concerns and are committed to protecting your financial future.
At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we combine valuable insurance defense experience with compassionate, personalized representation. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain your legal options, and work to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with our Smyrna sideswipe accident lawyers. We handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe an attorney’s fee unless we obtain compensation for you.
Let our team handle the insurance company while you focus on healing, supporting your family, and moving forward with confidence.