Being sideswiped by another driver in Milwaukee can leave you shaken, confused and unsure about your next steps. Side impact collisions can cause serious injuries and significant damage to your vehicle.
At PKSD our experienced car accident attorneys in Milwaukee, WI have experience helping victims injured by the negligence of others. If you were injured in a Wisconsin sideswipe collision, our legal team is prepared fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Request a FREE case review today. Call: 414-333-3333
What Is a Sideswipe Collision?
A sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions make contact along their sides. These collisions commonly happen when a driver drifts out of their lane, fails to check blind spots during a lane change or makes an improper merge onto highways like I-94 or I-43.
Unlike head-on or rear-end collisions, these accidents are unique because the initial impact often causes drivers to lose control, leading to secondary crashes or rollovers. Even at lower speeds, these accidents can cause significant damage because most vehicles have less protective reinforcement along their sides compared to their front and rear.
Proving Fault in Milwaukee Sideswipe Collisions
In sideswipe accidents, specific evidence tells the true story of what happened on the road.
Paint Transfer Analysis
Paint transfer marks are like fingerprints in these crashes. The height, direction and color of these transfers along your vehicle’s side panels create a clear map of impact. Our experts use this evidence to prove which driver crossed the lane line and the exact angle of collision.
Vehicle Damage Documentation
Side panel dents, scrapes and impact patterns at matching heights on both vehicles reveal critical details about the crash dynamics. During the discovery process, our legal team can photograph and measure these damage patterns to demonstrate the precise point where the other driver entered your lane.
Side Mirror Evidence
When side mirrors are damaged or folded in during a collision, they provide vital clues. The angle and extent of mirror damage often reveal which driver initiated contact and their position relative to the lane markers at impact.
Lane Position Indicators
Tire marks and skid patterns parallel to lane lines tell a detailed story. These marks and wheel scuff evidence help accident reconstruction experts prove each vehicle’s exact position and trajectory during the crash.
Video Evidence Analysis
Dash cam footage from your vehicle or nearby cars captures critical pre-crash moments. Your lawyer can analyze this footage frame-by-frame to show which driver drifted over the line.
Black Box Data Recovery
Modern vehicles record crucial data seconds before impact, including steering inputs and lane position. This technical evidence is especially valuable in crashes involving commercial trucks, where sudden lane departures are recorded in the vehicle’s computer.
What Are the Causes of Sideswipe Crashes?
Understanding the causes of sideswipe accidents helps drivers stay alert to potential dangers on busy roads like I-94 and Highway 45.
- Distracted driving, with drivers taking their eyes off the road to check phones, adjust GPS systems or reach for items, leading to dangerous lane drifting
- Drivers failing to properly check their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, especially common during rush hour traffic
- Merging without signaling, particularly on highway entrance ramps or during lane closures for frequent construction projects, catches other drivers off guard
- Drowsy driving can cause lane drifting, similar to drunk driving, with fatigued drivers often unaware they are gradually moving into adjacent lanes
- Weather conditions unique to Wisconsin winters, like black ice and sudden snow, can cause vehicles to slide sideways into neighboring lanes
- Aggressive driving behaviors such as weaving through traffic or trying to squeeze past other vehicles in the same lane often result in sideswipe collisions
- Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs significantly reduces a driver’s ability to maintain their lane position and judge distances between vehicles
How Insurance Companies Handle Sideswipe Claims
Insurance companies scrutinize sideswipe accident claims closely, often seeking ways to minimize payouts or shift blame between drivers. Their adjusters meticulously examine paint transfer patterns, impact angles and vehicle damage to dispute liability, especially in cases where both drivers claim they maintained proper lane position.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to exploit Wisconsin’s comparative negligence law by arguing that their policyholder stayed within their lane markings while the other vehicle drifted over. Without proper legal representation, victims of Milwaukee sideswipe collisions often face complex disputes over lane position, turn signal usage and the exact moment of lateral impact, which are factors insurance companies use to reduce or deny legitimate claims.
Injured In a Car Accident? Contact a Trusted Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney Today
Getting fair compensation after a sideswipe collision requires decisive action and experienced legal guidance. Insurance companies have perfected their tactics to minimize payouts in these complex cases.
At PKSD, we have a solid track record of securing favorable results for our clients, including those injured by negligent drivers. We understand the unique challenges sideswipe collisions present, from proving lane position to documenting side-impact damages. Our legal team is ready to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Do not let insurance companies diminish the impact of this crash. Call our trusted Milwaukee law firm or fill out our secure online case evaluation form today. There are no upfront costs or fees when we represent you.
Call: 414-333-3333 to speak to a PKSD lawyer today
