Houston Sideswipe Accident Lawyer

When a driver changes lanes or merges in an unsafe way and causes a crash, a Houston sideswipe accident lawyer helps the injured victims get money for their injuries. Texas law establishes that the driver who changed lanes is at fault, but insurance companies often dispute liability to minimize payouts. 

These crashes may seem minor, but they frequently cause serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, and broken bones that require extensive medical treatment and time off work.

Houston sideswipe accident lawyer Ryan DeHoyos has over a decade of experience fighting insurance companies and recovering millions in settlements for accident victims throughout the Houston area. 

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we understand that even seemingly minor sideswipes can result in significant medical bills, lost wages, and long-term complications that affect your quality of life and financial security.

What Is a Sideswipe Accident?

A sideswipe accident is when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact along their sides. This typically happens during lane changes, merges, or when drivers drift out of their lanes.

These crashes may seem minor at first, but they’re often more dangerous than they appear. The side impact can cause a driver to lose control and crash into other vehicles, barriers, or objects. Many sideswipe accidents lead to secondary collisions that cause severe injuries.

You can identify a sideswipe by the distinctive damage pattern it creates. Look for long scrapes and paint transfer along the doors and side panels. This physical evidence is crucial for establishing how the accident occurred and proving how the accident happened and who was at fault.

Houston’s busy highways make sideswipe accidents common. I-10, Beltway 8, and I-45 see frequent sideswipes, especially during rush hour traffic and in construction zones where lanes are narrow or shifted.

Do I Need a Houston Sideswipe Accident Lawyer?

If you were injured in a sideswipe accident, you absolutely need a lawyer to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. After the shock of a crash, you may be facing mounting medical bills, a damaged car, and lost wages while dealing with physical pain and emotional stress.

Risk-Free Case Evaluation

We review your case at no cost to you. This free, no-obligation consultation allows you to understand your legal rights and options without any financial commitment.

No Upfront Fees

You pay nothing unless we win your case. Our contingency fee structure means we advance all case costs, so you can get experienced legal help without worrying about upfront fees while you recover from your injuries.

Direct Access to Your Attorney

You will work directly with attorney Ryan DeHoyos from day one. Unlike other firms where you might be passed off to a paralegal, our commitment is to provide personalized, one-on-one attention throughout your entire claim.

Here for You 24/7

Sideswipe accidents don’t happen on a schedule, and neither do legal questions. We are available 24/7 to provide immediate help with medical referrals, rental cars, and stopping collection calls when you need us most.

Call (832) 745-4878 now for your consultation regarding a sideswipe accident.

Who Is at Fault in a Sideswipe Crash in Texas?

Texas law presumes the driver who changed lanes is at fault for a sideswipe accident. However, fault isn’t always clear-cut, and insurance companies will try to shift blame to reduce their payouts.

Determining fault requires a thorough investigation of the evidence. We examine damage patterns, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and police reports to build a strong case for our clients.

Unsafe Lane Change and Blind Spot Violations

Most sideswipe accidents happen when a driver fails to change lanes safely. Texas Transportation Code requires drivers to ensure it’s safe before moving from their lane.

Common violations that cause sideswipes:

Most of the time, a driver is to blame for a sideswipe accident. These accidents happen when a driver doesn’t change lanes correctly or merges without looking, hitting a car going the same way.

Here are some of the most common violations that lead to sideswipes:

Failure to signal: 

Drivers must signal continuously for at least 100 feet before changing lanes.

Not checking blind spots: 

A quick mirror glance isn’t enough – drivers must physically turn to check their blind spots

Cutting off other vehicles: 

Drivers must leave enough space to merge without forcing others to brake suddenly

Drifting between lanes: 

Distracted or drowsy drivers who drift out of their lane

Two Drivers Changing Lanes at Once

When two drivers try to move into the same middle lane simultaneously, both may share fault. Texas uses modified comparative negligence, which means you can still recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault.

The key is proving which driver moved first or acted more carelessly. Impact angles, paint transfer patterns, and witness testimony help establish the sequence of events. Even if you’re found 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your damages.

Merging and Failing to Yield

Merging onto a highway is legally different from changing lanes. Drivers entering from an on-ramp must yield to traffic already on the main road. If a merging driver causes a sideswipe, they’re typically at fault for failing to yield the right-of-way.

Highway drivers also have duties. They should move over or slow down to help merging traffic when it’s safe to do so. However, the primary responsibility lies with the merging driver.

Commercial Truck Sideswipes

Sideswipe accidents with commercial trucks are severe due to their size and massive blind spots called “no-zones.” Truck drivers are held to higher safety standards and must follow strict federal regulations.

When a truck causes a sideswipe, both the driver and trucking company can be held liable. These cases often involve larger insurance policies and more complex legal issues that require experienced representation.

What Evidence Proves a Sideswipe Claim?

Substantial evidence is essential for winning your sideswipe case. The insurance company will look for any reason to deny or minimize your claim, so we must build an airtight case with solid proof.

Time is critical because evidence can disappear quickly. Skid marks fade, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage gets deleted. That’s why you need to contact us immediately after your accident.

Scene Photos and Damage Patterns

Photographs from the accident scene tell the story of what happened. We need pictures of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris fields, and the final positions of all vehicles involved.

Sideswipe damage has a distinctive pattern that’s different from other types of crashes. The long, scraping marks along the side panels and paint transfer between vehicles help prove the direction of impact and which driver was at fault.

Police Report, 911 Audio, and Witnesses

Always call 911 after a sideswipe accident, even if it seems minor. The police report provides an official record of the crash and often includes the officer’s opinion about who was at fault.

The 911 audio recording can capture immediate statements from drivers or witnesses that admit fault. These spontaneous statements are powerful evidence because they’re made before people have time to think about legal consequences.

Independent witnesses are extremely valuable. People in nearby businesses, other drivers, or pedestrians can provide unbiased testimony about what they saw. We interview all witnesses quickly before their memories fade.

Dashcam, Traffic Cameras, and Vehicle Data

Video evidence is the gold standard for proving fault in sideswipe cases. Many Houston intersections have traffic cameras that may have captured your accident on video. We know how to request this footage before it’s deleted quickly.

Dashcam footage from your vehicle or other drivers provides an unbiased view of the crash. More people are installing dashcams, so we always ask witnesses if they have video of the accident.

Modern vehicles are equipped with Event Data Recorders (EDRs), also known as “black boxes,” which record data on speed, braking, and steering. This information can prove whether a driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to brake before the collision.

Don’t let crucial evidence disappear – contact DeHoyos Accident Attorneys at (832) 745-4878 to preserve your sideswipe claim today.

What Texas Laws Apply to Sideswipe Collisions?

Several Texas laws determine fault and compensation in sideswipe cases. Understanding these laws helps us build the strongest possible case for our clients.

Texas is a fault-based state, which means the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for damages. This is different from no-fault states where each driver’s insurance covers their own damages regardless of who caused the crash.

Lane Discipline and Signaling Rules

Texas Transportation Code Section 545.060 requires drivers to stay “as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane.” Drivers can only move from their lane when they can do so safely.

This law forms the legal foundation for most sideswipe cases. When a driver changes lanes unsafely and causes a sideswipe, they’ve violated this statute and can be held liable for damages.

The law also requires proper signaling before lane changes. Drivers must signal continuously for at least 100 feet before moving to give other drivers adequate warning of their intentions.

Modified Comparative Negligence 51 Percent Rule

Texas uses modified comparative negligence to assign fault in accidents. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re 50% or less at fault for the crash.

If you’re found partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you receive $80,000.

Texas Statute of Limitations

You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation forever.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Sideswipe?

Sideswipe accident victims can seek compensation for all losses, including both economic and non-economic damages. The total value of your case is based on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the strength of the evidence proving the other driver’s fault.

Medical Bills: 

We pursue compensation for all your past and future medical treatment, from emergency care to ongoing rehabilitation.

Lost Income: 

You can recover wages you’ve already missed and compensation for any reduction in your future earning ability caused by your injuries.

Pain and Suffering: 

These damages cover your physical pain, emotional distress, and any long-term impairment or reduced quality of life.

Property Damage: 

We ensure you are paid for the repair or replacement of your vehicle, the cost of a rental car, and any diminished value of your vehicle after the crash.

UM/UIM & PIP: 

In cases where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, or in hit-and-run accidents, we help you recover compensation through your own policy’s UM/UIM or PIP coverage.

What Steps Should I Take After a Sideswipe in Houston?

The actions you take immediately after a sideswipe accident can significantly impact your health and your ability to recover compensation. Follow these key steps to protect your rights:

Get to Safety & Call 911: 

Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911. A police report creates an official record of the crash that is crucial for your claim.

Document Everything: 

Use your phone to take photos of vehicle damage, the scene, and any visible injuries. Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, but do not discuss fault.

Seek Immediate Medical Care: 

See a doctor within 24-48 hours, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain, and getting prompt medical attention creates a record that links your injuries directly to the accident.

Notify Insurers Carefully: 

Tell your own insurance company about the accident, but don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Adjusters know how to get you to say things that could hurt your case.

Contact a Houston Sideswipe Accident Lawyer: 

Contact us as soon as possible after your accident. Early involvement allows us to preserve evidence, handle insurance communications, and protect your rights from day one.

Why Hire DeHoyos Accident Attorneys for a Sideswipe Case?

Choosing the right attorney can make the difference between a fair settlement and a lowball offer that doesn’t cover your needs. At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, we combine compassionate client service with aggressive legal representation.

Local Results and Trial-Ready Strategy

We have recovered millions of dollars for Houston-area accident victims through substantial settlements and jury verdicts. Insurance companies know we prepare every case for trial, and this reputation gives us the leverage to secure fair settlement offers. If they won’t offer a fair amount, we are ready to take your case to court.

Direct Access to Ryan DeHoyos

We believe in providing personalized, one-on-one attention to every client. You will work directly with attorney Ryan DeHoyos, not a paralegal or junior associate. With over a decade of experience, Ryan ensures you get the personal attention your case deserves. You’ll have his direct contact information, ensuring faster responses and better communication throughout your case.

No Fee Unless We Win

We handle all sideswipe accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront and no attorney fees unless we win compensation for you. We also advance all case expenses, so you can get experienced legal help without any financial worry.

Frequently Asked Questions Sideswipe Accidents in Houston

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the sideswipe?

Yes, Texas law allows you to recover compensation as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Your percentage of fault will reduce your award, but you can still receive substantial compensation.

What if the other driver’s insurance company says I changed lanes first?

Insurance companies often make false claims to avoid paying. We investigate thoroughly using damage patterns, witness statements, and video evidence to prove what really happened and hold the right party responsible.

How long do I have to file a sideswipe accident lawsuit in Texas?

You have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears quickly, so you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve your claim and protect your rights.

What if the other driver left the scene after the sideswipe?

Hit and run accidents are serious crimes. File a police report immediately and contact us right away. Your Uninsured Motorist coverage should apply, and we may be able to track down the fleeing driver.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim after a sideswipe?

Your rates shouldn’t increase if the accident wasn’t your fault. However, insurance companies sometimes raise rates unfairly. We can help you understand your rights and fight inappropriate rate increases.

The Road to Recovery Starts Here

A sideswipe accident is more than just a fender bender. It’s a collision that can lead to serious injuries, lost income, and a brutal battle with insurance companies. 

Even though Texas law presumes the merging driver is at fault, insurers will work to dispute liability and minimize your claim, leaving you with overwhelming bills and no clear path forward.

Don’t let them deny you the compensation you deserve. Our team at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys has the experience and local knowledge to handle your sideswipe claim from start to finish. We’ll build a robust case with solid evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight aggressively for the maximum recovery you need to heal and move forward with your life.

Contact our Houston sideswipe accident lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay no fees unless we win your case.