--- description: The accident lawyers at The Fran Haasch Law Group have years of experience representing side swipe accident victims. Contact Us Today title: Sideswipe Accident | Sideswipe Collision Lawyer | FHLG --- Sideswipe Accident | Sideswipe Collision Lawyer | FHLG [Home](https://www.lawfran.com/) » [Car Accident Lawyers](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/) » Sideswipe Accident # Sideswipe Accident Last Updated: October 16, 2025 Reading Time: 5 minutes trusted Content Legally Reviewed by: Fran Haasch Updated 8 months ago Table of Contents Our Case results $1,800,000 Car Accidents $1,800,000 Car Accidents $1,550,000 Car Accidents $1,350,000 Car Accidents $1,345,750 Car Accidents $1,300,000 Car Accidents $1,300,000 Car Accidents $1,025,000 Car Accidents $1,025,000 Car Accidents $1,000,000 Car Accidents $1,000,000 Car Accidents $1,000,000 Car Accidents $1,000,000 Car Accidents $895,000 Car Accidents $800,000 Car Accidents $750,000 Car Accidents $750,000 Car Accidents $750,000 Car Accidents $700,000 Car Accidents $700,000 Car Accidents View All Results Our Practice Areas Testimonials Extremely attentive and considerate. Highly recommend them. When I got in my car accident they kept me up to date with everything didn’t have to be on top of them. Very professional. Thank you guys for all you help me with. Julie Rodriguez I was in a car accident a few years ago, they helped me through the process .Very professional and very generous toward the different charities that they help. I've gotten to know a lot of good people throughout the years that are affiliated with them. Thomas Scharf Attorney Fran Haasch was great in helping me with my medical bills and settling my case! They really cared about me and my family. I recommend them, if you have injuries from an automobile accident. Sofia Beshara Contact Us Today Free Consultation Call us Anytime 24/7 (727) 784-8191 CompanyThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required) First Last Email Phone(Required)Are You a New Client?Are You a New Client?Yes, I am a potential new client.No, I am a current existing client.I'm neither.Case Details(Required)Communication Consent I consent to receive calls and emails from Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, including via automated technology, AI-assisted systems, and prerecorded messages, regarding my inquiry and related legal services. Consent is not a condition of services. [Disclaimer](https://www.lawfran.com/disclaimer-and-terms-of-use/) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.lawfran.com/privacy-policy/)SMS/Text Message Consent I consent to receive text messages from Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers at the phone number provided, including messages regarding my inquiry, case updates, and appointment reminders. Frequency may vary. Message & data rates may apply. Text HELP for assistance, reply STOP to opt out. Δ One of the most common types of serious car accidents is sideswipe accidents. A sideswipe accident can happen in several ways. But no matter how it happens, it can cause serious damage and traumatize the passengers involved. If you’ve been in a sideswipe collision, you may experience various emotions after, including shock, confusion, fear, and anger. If you’re feeling overwhelmed after a car accident, it’s important to seek legal representation. A [car accident lawyer](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/) can provide support and guidance as you move forward with your case. The car accident lawyers at[ The Fran Haasch Law Group](https://www.lawfran.com/) have years of experience representing clients in car accident cases. We know what it takes to get results for car accident victims, and we are ready to fight for you. ## What is a Sideswipe Accident? A sideswipe accident occurs when two cars collide while traveling in the same direction. It can happen in many ways but typically occurs when one driver tries to change lanes and drifts over into another car’s lane. Sideswipe accidents can also occur at [intersections](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/intersection-accident/) when a car is [turning left](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/why-are-left-turns-dangerous/), and another vehicle trying to go straight hits them on the side, or in parking lots when a passing vehicle hits a parked car. ## What Causes Sideswipe Car Accidents? There can be several factors that contribute to side-wipe accidents. Some of the most common include: - **[Driver distraction](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/distracted-driving-accidents/)** – when drivers are not paying attention to the road, they’re more likely to drift into other lanes. - **[Drunk driving](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/drunk-driving-accidents/)** – alcohol impairs judgment and makes it harder for drivers to stay in their lane. - **[Drowsy driving](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/drowsy-driving/)** – fatigue can make it harder for drivers to stay focused on the road and pay attention to their surroundings. - **[Weather conditions](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/car-accidents-caused-by-rain-in-florida/)** – slick roads from rain or snow can make it more difficult for drivers to control their car, increasing the risk of a sideswipe accident. ## How to Avoid a Sideswipe Car Accident There are a few things you can do to [avoid a sideswipe accident](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/how-to-avoid-car-accidents/): - Be aware of your surroundings and pay attention to the cars around you. If you see a car drifting into your lane, slow down or move over to avoid them. - Use your turn signal when changing lanes or turning so that other drivers are aware of your intentions. - Be cautious when driving next to large vehicles like trucks – they have a larger blind spot, and it can be harder to see them moving around. If you follow these tips, you’re less likely to end up in a sideswipe accident. But if one does happen, make sure you know what to do next. ## What To Do If You Are in a Sideswipe Accident If you’re involved in a sideswipe accident, [the first thing you should do](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/what-to-do-after-accident/) is pull over to a safe location. Then, once you’re out of the way of traffic, turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers know to be careful around you. Then, it’s important to assess the damage and make sure everyone is okay. Then, call 911 immediately. Once you’ve [checked for serious injuries](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/should-i-see-a-doctor-after-an-accident/) and made sure the scene is safe, you can start to exchange information with the other driver. This includes your name, contact info, insurance company, and policy number. You should also take down the other driver’s name, contact info, and the insurance company. If there’s any damage to either of the cars, take photos of the accident scene and make sure to keep all evidence until you can speak with an attorney. ## Should I Hire an Attorney for a Sideswipe Accident? If you’ve been injured in a sideswipe accident, you may want to [consider hiring](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/should-i-get-a-lawyer/) an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can help you [navigate the legal process](https://www.lawfran.com/personal-injury-claim-process-in-florida/) and ensure the compensation you deserve. If you decide to hire an attorney, make sure to choose one with experience handling car accident cases. They will know how to deal with the insurance companies and build a strong case for you. At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we value the attorney-client relationship and do everything we can to ensure you are treated fairly in the legal process and get you the [compensation you deserve](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/car-accident-compensation-in-florida/), so you can focus on recovering. ## Who Is At Fault in a Sideswipe Collision? Determining who is at fault in a sideswipe accident can be tricky. In some cases, both drivers may share the blame. For example, if one driver was distracted and drifted into the other lane, and the driver didn’t see them and hit them, both drivers may be at fault. One driver may be more at fault than the other in other cases. For example, if one driver were speeding and hit the other car trying to merge into their lane, the first driver would likely be considered at fault. ## How to Determine Fault in a Side Swipe Collision There are a few things that will be considered when determining who is at fault in a sideswipe accident: - Who was driving recklessly or erratically? - Who was distracted at the time of the accident? - Who failed to signal before changing lanes? - Who was speeding at the time of the accident? - Who was in the wrong lane when the accident occurred? It can be difficult to determine who is at fault in a sideswipe collision, especially if there are no eyewitnesses. That’s why it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you investigate the accident and piece together what happened. ## The Rule of Comparative Negligence in a Sideswipe Accident If both drivers are found to be at fault in a sideswipe accident, the rule of [comparative negligence](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2023/04/what-bikers-need-to-know-about-hb837/) will come into play. As per HB 837, Florida has transitioned from a pure comparative fault system to a “greater percentage of fault” system, effective from March 2023. This implies that if a party is determined to be more than 50% responsible for their own injuries, they will be prevented from obtaining any compensation. ## What Can I Do to Help My Car Accident Claim? If you’ve been in a sideswipe accident, there are a few things you can do to help your claim: - Take photos of the damage to both cars. - Get the contact information and insurance information from the other driver. - Speak with an experienced car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. - Speak with witnesses and get their contact information. - Go to the doctor and get a medical evaluation, even if you don’t think you’re injured. - Keep all evidence from the accident and records of the costs you’ve accrued. ## Damages to Fight for in Your Personal Injury Claim If you decide to file a personal injury claim after a sideswipe accident, there are several [damages you may be able to recover](https://www.lawfran.com/what-types-of-damages-can-i-recover-in-a-personal-injury-claim-in-florida/): - **Medical expenses** – This includes past and future medical bills and any costs related to treatment. - **Lost wages** – If you’ve been injured in a sideswipe accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you’ve lost while you recover. - **Pain and suffering** – This type of non-economic damage can be difficult to quantify. It includes physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. - **[Wrongful death](https://www.lawfran.com/wrongful-death-attorneys/)** – If someone died due to a sideswipe accident, the victim’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. - **Permanent disability or disfigurement** – If you’ve been left with a permanent disability or disfigurement as a result of the accident, you may be able to recover damages. It’s important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you determine what damages you may be able to recover in your case. ## Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer at The Fran Haasch Law Group Today Our accident lawyers are well versed in personal injury law. They have extensive experience filing personal injury claims for car crash victims to get the fair compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident and wishes to file a car accident claim, contact The Fran Haasch Law Group today for a [free case evaluation](https://www.lawfran.com/contact-us/). Our car accident attorneys can help you get the damages you are entitled to for your injuries and other losses. INJURED IN FLORIDA? The Fran Haasch Law Group Is Here for You. Whether you’ve been hurt in a [motorcycle crash](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/), [car accident](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/), [truck collision](https://www.lawfran.com/truck-accident-lawyers/), or another serious incident, you deserve strong legal representation. Our experienced Florida [personal injury attorneys](https://www.lawfran.com/palm-harbor-personal-injury-lawyers/) will fight to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you need. Schedule Your Free Consultation Share this page Find an Office Near You Our Car Accident Locations At Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to serve clients throughout the greater Tampa Bay area and beyond. With multiple offices across the region, our team is dedicated to making it easy for you to access experienced legal help close to home. Select a location below to learn more about the services available near you. Meet Our Attorneys ## Francoise M. Haasch Founding Attorney Over 20 Years Experience Personal Injury Car Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Lifetime Member Known for extensive trial experience and consistent client advocacy across complex injury cases. Meet Francoise M. Haasch ## Joshua R. Lipton Managing Attorney Over 20 Years Experience Personal Injury Car Accidents Motorcycle Accidents Recognized for consistent results and strong client advocacy in complex accident cases. Meet Joshua R. Lipton ## David R. Fuller Attorney Over 30 Years Experience Personal Injury Litigation Secured more than a dozen seven-figure settlements for clients. Meet David R. Fuller ## Allen J. Pipkins II Attorney Over 10 Years Experiece Personal Injury Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accidents Combines experience from both plaintiff-side injury firms and large insurance companies. Meet Allen J. Pipkins II ## Laura Smith Davies Attorney (Of Counsel) Almost 20 Years Experiece Personal Injury Wrongful Death Motorcycle Accidents Known for her versatile trial experience and leadership roles across multiple legal disciplines. Meet Laura Smith Davies Related Content Want to learn more about car accidents? Whether its how to prevent them or what to do once you’ve been in one, [our blog](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/) can help you gather the knowledge and information you need. 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May 8, 2022 According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 43.6 percent of fatally injured drivers in 2016 tested positive for drugs, and over half of those drivers Read Full Post » ## Contact Us Today (727) 784-8191 Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate your legal rights with confidence. CommentsThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required) First Last Email Phone(Required)Are You a New Client?Are You a New Client?Yes, I am a potential new client.No, I am a current existing client.I'm neither.Case Details(Required)Communication Consent I consent to receive calls and emails from Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, including via automated technology, AI-assisted systems, and prerecorded messages, regarding my inquiry and related legal services. Consent is not a condition of services. 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