[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/sideswipe-accidents-in-alabama\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/sideswipe-accidents-in-alabama\/","headline":"Sideswipe Accidents in Alabama","name":"Sideswipe Accidents in Alabama","description":"Sideswipe accidents in Alabama are all too common. They can happen on any road, parking lot, or driveway. When the sides of two vehicles collide while moving, the results can go beyond vehicle damage and involve severe injuries to drivers and passengers.\u00a0 Whether the accident was caused by...","datePublished":"2026-07-15","dateModified":"2026-07-20","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/#Person","name":"Aaron Gartlan","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/author\/dothanalabamalawyer\/","identifier":6,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/3d2cf6b9fa253242e9c4d79550a007842dd4738da75634f31cb576c537fb5159?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Gartlan Injury law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/Gartlan-Logo-3Color-Horizontal-NoBackground-2.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sideswipe-damage.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/sideswipe-damage.jpg","height":668,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/sideswipe-accidents-in-alabama\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PW42I_UN1uk#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PW42I_UN1uk","name":"How Is Fault Determined in a Car Accident in Alabama? - Gartlan Injury Law","description":"Visit our website to learn more about how we can help and get in touch: https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/determining-fault-in-alabama\/\n\nGartlan Injury Law\n408 S Foster St\nDothan, AL 36301\n(334) 699-4625\nhttps:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/PW42I_UN1uk\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/PW42I_UN1uk\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/PW42I_UN1uk\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/PW42I_UN1uk\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/PW42I_UN1uk\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2024-09-26T18:05:02+00:00","duration":"PT2M2S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PW42I_UN1uk","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC_3-KhtACb15xdEWmYBKgFA","name":"Gartlan Injury Law","description":"Attorney Aaron Gartlan and our team at Gartlan Injury Law are aggressive advocates who always have our clients' best interests at heart. We are dedicated to providing outstanding service to personal injury victims and their families in Dothan and throughout Alabama and to pursuing maximum compensation for their injuries and losses.\n\nADDRESS:\nGartlan Injury Law\n408 S Foster St\nDothan, AL 36301\n\nPHONE:\n(334) 699-4625","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/ytc\/AIdro_kBVfrIFk4Bsc_V6O0WlwZayeYFHPJcGO1Jg8bofguUsw=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PW42I_UN1uk#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PW42I_UN1uk#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PW42I_UN1uk&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=PW42I_UN1uk#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":36}]]},"about":["Auto Accidents"],"wordCount":1099,"articleBody":"Sideswipe accidents in Alabama are all too common. They can happen on any road, parking lot, or driveway. When the sides of two vehicles collide while moving, the results can go beyond vehicle damage and involve severe injuries to drivers and passengers.\u00a0Whether the accident was caused by an overcorrection by a next-lane driver, swerving, or something else, if you were injured by someone else in a sideswipe crash, you could be entitled to compensation. An experienced Alabama car accident lawyer at Gartlan Injury Law can advise you on how to pursue the money you deserve after you were harmed in an accident that wasn\u2019t your fault.What Is a Sideswipe Accident?A sideswipe accident is one in which two vehicles traveling side by side scrape along the side of each other. The vehicles can be going in the same or opposite directions. Although sideswipe accidents may not seem serious, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, sideswipe collisions caused more than 123,000 injuries in a recent year.What Are Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents in Alabama?Sideswipe accidents can be caused by a large variety of actions drivers take, such as the following:Unsafe lane changesFailure to check blind spotsImproper signalingFailure to stay in one laneDistracted drivingDrunk drivingSpeeding\/reckless drivingImproper mergingPassing too closelyWhat Injuries Do Sideswipe Accidents Cause?Sideswipe crashes are still auto accidents, and they have consequences. People can suffer severe, life-changing injuries in these car crashes. Often, sideswipe accidents leave people with the following types of injuries:WhiplashSpinal injuries\/paralysisBack and neck injuriesTraumatic brain injuriesBroken bonesCrushed limbs\/amputationSoft tissue injuriesInternal bleedingInternal organ damageEmotional traumaPTSDCan More than One Driver Be Liable for a Sideswipe Accident in Alabama?One driver can be responsible for a sideswipe accident, or multiple drivers can be responsible, depending on the circumstances of the collision. If either vehicle had a faulty part that contributed to the crash, the vehicle manufacturer could be liable. Improperly performed maintenance that resulted in a malfunction leading to the collision could make the garage or repairman who performed the work responsible for your injuries. You need an Alabama car accident attorney to handle your case for the best chance of obtaining the full amount of compensation you need.Although multiple parties can be at fault for the same accident, in order for you to get money for your injuries, you cannot be one of them. Alabama contributory negligence laws prevent you from obtaining compensation for your accident-related costs if you are even 1 percent to blame for the accident.However, don\u2019t take the insurance company\u2019s word when it comes to determining your share of fault. They will try to shift blame onto you so they don\u2019t have to pay your claim. You need an experienced and dedicated car accident lawyer to gather the evidence that proves you weren\u2019t at fault for the crash.\ufeffWhat Evidence Do You Need in an Alabama Sideswipe Case?Proving fault in an Alabama car accident claim requires strong evidence. When you engage a lawyer, they can handle your entire claim, from investigation to gathering evidence to negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company. When they gather evidence for your claim, they\u2019ll search for the following:Dashcam footageTraffic camera footagePolice reportsWitness statementsGPS records from the other driver\u2019s phone and vehicleVehicle damage patternsLane positioningExpert analysis from accident reconstructionistsMedical recordsWhat Compensation Can You Seek After a Sideswipe Accident?Compensation you can pursue after someone else harms you in a motor vehicle accident includes money for the financial, emotional, and personal harm you suffered. If your case goes to trial, a court can award three types of damages:Economic Damages \u2013 Economic damages are compensation for the financial aspects of the costs from the accident. These damages should cover losses such as the following:Medical bills and future treatmentLost income and diminished earning capacityProperty repair or replacementNon-Economic Damages \u2013 Non-economic damages are money for the personal, intangible costs or losses you suffered because of the accident. Those losses include the following:Pain and sufferingEmotional distressLoss of enjoyment of lifePTSDPunitive Damages \u2013 In rare cases, a court may award punitive damages. These damages are not intended as compensation for you, the injured party. They are instead meant to deter the at-fault party from engaging in similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages can only be awarded if the court finds that the at-fault party acted with the intent to defraud or to oppress, or with wantonness or malice.What Should You Do After a Sideswipe Accident in Alabama?After an Alabama sideswipe accident, you should take some specific actions to protect your health and your ability to file a claim for compensation. You should do the following:Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency services.Seek medical attention immediately.If you\u2019re able, document the scene by taking photos or video of the area, the vehicles, and your injuries.Ask witnesses for their contact information and if they would be willing to make a statement about the accident.Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without your attorney present.Do not give any recorded statements.Stay off social media, and ask your family and friends not to mention you or your case in any posts.Contact an Alabama lawyer who can represent you in your car accident lawsuit or claim.Get Help from an Experienced Alabama Car Accident Lawyer TodayIf you were injured in a sideswipe accident that wasn\u2019t your fault, you need an Alabama car accident attorney on your side. When you call Gartlan Injury Law, you\u2019ll get honest representation, aggressive trial strategies, and proven results. We focus on communication with our clients, and we\u2019ll always keep you up to date on your case. We put people first.When you call our office, we\u2019ll get to know you and learn about your goals and needs. Then we\u2019ll get to work building a strong case showing you\u2019re entitled to compensation. Don\u2019t worry about how you\u2019ll pay for a lawyer. We work on a contingency fee basis. So, you pay nothing up front. You won\u2019t owe us any fees unless we secure compensation for you.Contact us today Gartlan Injury Law today for your free, no-obligation, fully confidential consultation with an Alabama sideswipe accident lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve.Visit Our Alabama Car Accident Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Sideswipe Accidents in Alabama","item":"https:\/\/www.gartlaninjurylaw.com\/blog\/sideswipe-accidents-in-alabama\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]