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How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You After a Sideswipe Collision

Understanding how a car accident lawyer can help after a sideswipe collision is crucial for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.

Sideswipe collisions are among the most common types of car accidents, often resulting in significant property damage, injuries, and a complex web of liability issues. If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident, working with an experienced car accident lawyer can make all the difference in protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.

The Hoffmann Law Firm has the experience and resources to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights.

FREE CASE EVALUATION

25 Years Only Car Accidents

Thousands Of Cases

Millions Recovered

ellen P.
3 months ago
Chris Hoffman is an excellent attorney. He is the best above the rest. What makes him different? He communicates promptly - I don't have to leave message after message for him to reach out to me. When I telephone his office, if he doesn't answer the telephone, his assistant does. Chris Hoffman is very attentive and focused. He means business, and he hit the ground running on the cases. I'm so blessed to have him for my attorney.
Charles B.
1 year ago
Best lawyer for car accidents and injury claims. Love this lawyer!
Zach B.
1 year ago
Much better than Morgan & Morgan. It is not the firm. It is the lawyer.
Ashley S.
1 year ago
"Of all the lawyers I have met, this one is a true professional. This attorney goes against the biggest law firms and wins!"
Response from the owner:The compliment is much appreciated. Like every profession, it all starts with training our lawyers to be the best at every aspect of car accident cases. But the foundation of a great case is a great client. Thanks!
james W.
1 year ago
I'd say this lawyer is in the top three of the best you'll ever see. Add this attorney to the interview list if you ever get in an automobile accident. This Law Firm is on another level.
Response from the owner:Much appreciated. Techniques that an attorney or any professional uses are paramount for success. This is part of our lawyers training and preparation. It leads to success. Thank you!
Dean R.
1 year ago
People say this is the best car accident lawyer in St.Louis. Yep! Seeing this attorney in action is incredible.
Response from the owner:Great compliment. We work hard to be the best. Our lawyers also work very hard to help other lawyers in our profession. Not matter what, a cases is only as good as the client is. Thanks!
Domaneshia A S.
1 year ago
Hire them!!!
Response from the owner:Thanks! Referrals and recommendations from prior car accident clients is our #1 source of cases. People who grew to trust us send family and friends.
Benjamin K.
1 year ago
The Hoffman law firm is truly professional. After hiring them I was truly relieved and knew I was in good hands. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Being in good hands is important. Many lawyers take cases with little experience and little resources. Our firm specialized decades ago. We are focused exclusively on accident cases.
dylan F.
1 year ago
Definitely recommend Mr. Hoffmann if you get into a car accident, this lawyer is top shelf.
lori W.
1 year ago
They are the best law firm I have encountered in my lifetime. Great for any accident!
Rachel M.
1 year ago
Great experience with this law firm. Excellent help with the car accident process. Definitely use them again.
Kyle D.
1 year ago
The lawyers on tv just dont compare for auto accident injury cases. Mr.Hoffmann is as good as they get.
Response from the owner:Thank you. The TV attorneys are just settlement mills. People are hiring a paralegal, not a lawyer. Our law firm is different. You are represented by an attorney and we do not have settlement quotas.
Leigha M.
2 years ago
If you have ever watched any lawyers, you will agree this is one of the best automobile accident litigators in Saint Louis County.
Ashley S.
2 years ago
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
George K.
2 years ago
Very good car accident lawyer. Gets the job done.
Jessica J.
2 years ago
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner:TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Jacob P.
2 years ago
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner:Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Ashley S.
2 years ago
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner:This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
RIcky P.
2 years ago
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner:Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Kasandra H.
2 years ago
You are a great lawyer! Thank you.
Response from the owner:That is a great compliment. Thanks.
Brandon W.
2 years ago
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner:Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Morgan B.
2 years ago
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner:Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Ashley A.
2 years ago
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
Taylor T.
2 years ago
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner:Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Malashia M.
2 years ago
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!

Understanding Sideswipe Collisions

A sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions make contact along their sides. These accidents frequently happen during lane changes, merging, or navigating narrow roadways. While some sideswipe accidents are minor, others can lead to severe injuries and significant vehicle damage.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents

These accidents typically happen due to:

  • Improper lane changes without checking blind spots
  • Distracted driving, especially texting while driving
  • Merging without proper signaling or caution
  • Drifting between lanes due to fatigue or impairment
  • Aggressive driving or road rage incidents
  • Poor weather conditions affecting visibility

Unique Challenges in Sideswipe Accident Cases

Sideswipe accidents present specific legal challenges that make professional representation valuable:

  • Determining fault can be complex, especially when both drivers claim the other crossed the line
  • Evidence may be limited compared to other types of crashes
  • Insurance companies often try to minimize the severity of sideswipe incidents
  • Injuries may not be immediately apparent but can develop over time

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Investigating the Accident

A lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine what caused the accident and who is at fault. This may include:

  • Analyzing police reports and accident scene photos
  • Collecting witness statements
  • Reviewing traffic camera footage, if available
  • Consulting accident reconstruction experts
  • This detailed investigation strengthens your case and counters any false claims from the other party.

Proving Liability

In sideswipe accidents, liability often hinges on proving that the other driver acted negligently. Common causes of sideswipe collisions include:

  • Failure to check blind spots
  • Drifting out of a lane
  • Aggressive driving or road rage
  • Distracted driving – Your lawyer will gather evidence to demonstrate the other driver’s negligence, ensuring you are not unfairly blamed for the accident.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries or claim that you were partially at fault to reduce the payout.

  • How a Lawyer Helps: Your lawyer will handle all communication with the insurance company, using evidence to push back against unfair tactics. They will negotiate to ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Documenting Your Injuries and Damages

Accurately documenting your injuries and damages is critical for a successful claim. A lawyer can:

  • Obtain medical records and expert opinions to establish the extent of your injuries
  • Calculate economic damages like medical expenses and lost income
  • Assess non-economic damages such as pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life

Representing You in Court if Necessary

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. Having an experienced trial attorney by your side signals to the insurer that you are serious about pursuing justice.

Steps to Take After a Sideswipe Collision

To protect your rights and build a strong case, follow these steps after a sideswipe accident:

  1. Check for Injuries: Seek medical attention immediately for yourself and others involved.
  2. Call the Police: File a police report to document the accident.
  3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
  4. Exchange Information: Collect contact and insurance details from the other driver.
  5. Avoid Admissions of Fault: Do not admit fault or make speculative statements about the accident.
  6. Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a car accident attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options.