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On average, there are six million car accidents in the U.S. each year. Were you involved in a sideswipe accident? If so, you might be wondering what you need to know and how to move forward.

If you were hit while changing lanes or otherwise involved in a sideswipe car accident, it’s important to know about Michigan law. Although Michigan is a no-fault state, there are still steps you should take following a sideswipe car accident.

We go over everything you need to know about a sideswipe collision including what to do next.

What Is a Sideswipe Collision?

A sideswipe accident or crash is when two vehicles traveling in the same direction collide with one another. The point of impact involves the right side of one vehicle and the left side of the other.

In a sideswiped car accident, it’s important to know what to do next especially if you sustain injuries.

Who Is Liable in a No-Fault State?

It’s required in the state of Michigan to have no-fault insurance for your vehicle. This means that both parties involved are entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident. 

Have questions about no-fault insurance coverage? You can always research and learn about local attorneys that specialize in personal injury and can assist you and answer questions.

What Are the Steps to Take After the Accident?

If you are the victim of a sideswiped car, you may have medical bills, car repair costs, and other expenses to pay. You might be understandably overwhelmed or confused over what you need to do next. That’s why we’re here to explain the steps to take after your accident.

After assessing the damage to both your vehicle and to the other party, take photos of the scene. You should also exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.

Next, you should contact the police to file an accident report. Even in a no-fault state like Michigan, this is a crucial step to take.

By law, you must make an accident report if there are over $1,000 in property damage, the accident results in death or injury, or the crash damages unattended vehicles or property.

What to Do If You Have Injuries Following a Sideswipe Accident

Even if you do not immediately appear to have any injuries, you should seek medical care. You may not notice some injuries, such as whiplash, until several hours or days after the initial trauma.

Seeing a doctor helps your case if you need to file a lawsuit by providing further documentation. Even if you feel you’re uninjured, it never hurts to see a medical professional following a vehicle accident of any kind.

Seek Legal Help and Call an Attorney

Lastly, contact an attorney to ensure you are completely protected after a sideswipe accident.

No-fault laws can be confusing and you might have questions about benefits or damages. If you speak with a personal injury attorney, they can walk you through the entire process.

Visit our services page to learn about our team and send us a message to get started today.

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