Side Swipe Accidents in Kentucky

Side swipe accidents in Kentucky often happen in an instant but can leave behind serious damage, injuries, and confusion about who was at fault. Even low-speed side impacts can lead to big insurance disputes and financial losses that are not easy to fix without legal help.

A personal injury lawyer in Lexington at The Law Offices of Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. can help you fight for accountability and fair compensation after a side swipe crash. Contact us today to start protecting your rights.

Proving Fault in Kentucky Side Swipe Accidents

Side swipe accidents can be tricky when it comes to proving who was at fault. Both drivers might claim they were staying in their lane, and sometimes the damage is not dramatic enough to make it obvious what happened. As described by Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.380, there are rules for making safe lane changes, but it often takes compelling evidence to show when those rules were broken.

Disputed Accounts of How the Crash Happened

It is common for drivers involved in side swipe accidents to give completely different versions of what happened. One driver might say they stayed in their lane, while the other claims the same thing. Without clear evidence like dashcam footage, independent witnesses, or physical proof at the scene, it can become one word against another.

Limited Physical Damage Making It Hard to Determine Fault

Side swipe crashes sometimes cause only light scratches, dents, or paint transfers. When the physical damage is minor, it can be harder to prove which driver caused the collision. Distracted driving often plays a role in these cases, especially when a driver drifts into another lane without realizing it. Even a slight sideswipe caused by distracted driving can lead to injuries and complicated insurance claims.

Common Causes of Side Swipe Accidents in Kentucky

Side swipe collisions are often caused by simple mistakes that could have been avoided with a little more attention. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 189.290, drivers must operate their vehicles carefully to avoid putting others at risk.

When drivers change lanes, merge onto highways, or drift across lanes without looking, serious accidents can happen in just a few seconds. Some of the most common ways side swipe accidents happen include:

• Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes
• Drifting between lanes due to distracted driving
• Speeding while merging onto highways
• Unsafe lane changes without signaling
• Aggressive lane changes and weaving through traffic
• Impaired driving from alcohol or drugs
• Drowsy or fatigued drivers swerving between lanes
• Potholes or road debris leading to loss of control
• Tire blowouts causing sudden lane changes
  

Most side swipe accidents could be avoided if drivers stayed alert and made safe lane changes. After these crashes, insurance companies often try to dispute insurance claims by arguing that both drivers share some of the blame.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Kentucky to Explore Your Legal Options

Working with a car accident attorney in Kentucky with The Law Offices of Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. gives you the tools to gather strong evidence and show who was truly at fault.

When you are ready to take action, contact us to schedule your free consultation and get the guidance you need to move forward.