Determining fault in a sideswipe accident can be complicated—but you don’t have to fight alone.
Sideswipe accidents may seem minor compared to head-on or rear-end collisions—but they often lead to injuries, totaled vehicles, and complex insurance disputes.
If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident in St. Louis, determining who was at fault is critical to protecting your rights and recovering compensation. Whether you were hit on I-270, Manchester Rd., or downtown St. Louis, we’ll help you build a strong case and pursue the compensation you deserve.
FREE CASE EVALUATION
What Is a Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe accident occurs when the sides of two vehicles make contact while traveling in the same or opposite directions. These accidents often happen when:
- A driver changes lanes without checking blind spots
- A vehicle drifts due to distracted or drowsy driving
- A driver fails to yield when merging
- Someone improperly passes on highways like I-64 or I-70
Even though the damage may appear minor at first, sideswipe collisions can cause loss of control, spinouts, or secondary impacts—especially at high speeds.
Missouri Is a Comparative Fault State
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility for an accident. Even if you’re partially at fault, you may still recover damages—but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
That’s why insurance companies often try to shift blame in sideswipe cases. If they can prove you were even 20% at fault, they may cut your settlement by 20%.
Who Is Typically at Fault in a Sideswipe?
Here are common fault scenarios in Missouri:
- Improper Lane Changes: If a driver failed to signal or didn’t check blind spots, they’re likely at fault.
- Merging Without Yielding: The merging driver is usually responsible for ensuring the lane is clear.
- Distracted or Drifting Drivers: Swerving out of a lane due to texting or fatigue can establish fault.
- Road Rage or Aggressive Driving: Sudden lane moves or sideswiping to “teach a lesson” is reckless driving—and strongly supports a claim for full liability.
However, if both vehicles were changing lanes simultaneously, liability may be shared, which is why proper legal guidance is essential.
Proving Fault in a Sideswipe Accident
At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we gather and present evidence such as:
- Dash cam or traffic camera footage
- Witness statements
- Police reports
- Vehicle damage patterns
- Accident reconstruction (when needed)
The goal is to show that the other driver violated Missouri traffic laws or failed to use reasonable care.
Common Injuries from Sideswipe Crashes
Even low-speed sideswipes can result in:
- Neck and back injuries (whiplash, herniated discs)
- Shoulder injuries from seat belt force
- Head trauma if the vehicle spins or hits another object
- Emotional distress and PTSD
Don’t ignore these injuries—they can worsen over time.
Work Directly With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
National law firms may advertise here, but they don’t understand Missouri traffic laws like we do. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., you work directly with Attorney Christopher Hoffmann, not a case manager or referral service.
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If you’ve been injured in a car, truck, or rideshare accident, call a lawyer who’s been fighting for St. Louis victims for over 25 years.
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