[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-in-a-georgia-sideswipe-accident\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-in-a-georgia-sideswipe-accident\/","headline":"Who Is At Fault In a Georgia Sideswipe Accident?","name":"Who Is At Fault In a Georgia Sideswipe Accident?","description":"Determining fault in most auto accidents requires proving that someone was negligent. Sideswipe accidents are no exception. Whoever negligently causes a sideswipe accident will be legally responsible for compensating victims for their injuries and losses. In some cases, fault for an accident may be clear. In others, establishing liability may be more complex, especially when… Continue reading Who Is At Fault In a Georgia Sideswipe Accident?<\/span><\/a>","datePublished":"2023-05-18","dateModified":"2026-04-17","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/author\/butler\/#Person","name":"Jeb Butler","url":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/author\/butler\/","identifier":9,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f5a02bc71d91db5fc8645f129c4424ce6ef7af7e24fe54f4a85315a9dd28f317?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f5a02bc71d91db5fc8645f129c4424ce6ef7af7e24fe54f4a85315a9dd28f317?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Butler Kahn","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Butler-Law-Firm-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Butler-Law-Firm-Logo.png","width":210,"height":93}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sideswipe-accidents-highway.jpg","url":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/sideswipe-accidents-highway.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-in-a-georgia-sideswipe-accident\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9_5l_GtrNfQ#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9_5l_GtrNfQ","name":"LAWYER: What Should I Be Compensated For After a Car Accident?","description":"If you have been involved in a car accident, you may wonder how much compensation is available for you. Join Butler Kahn Founder and Managing Attorney Jeb Butler as he talks about the different kinds of compensation available in most car wrecks.\n\nFor more about car accident cases, visit: https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/atlanta-car-accident-lawyers\n\n*****************************************************\nSHARE THIS VIDEO: https:\/\/youtu.be\/9_5l_GtrNfQ\n*****************************************************\n\n\u2757DISCLAIMER\u2757\n\nWe are not your lawyer. All content provided is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Any verdicts, settlements or other case results discussed are not guaranteed and must be evaluated on their own merits.\n\nButler Kahn: https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/\n\nAtlanta, Georgia location:\nhttps:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Y3fCFkRVAn7jzGD16\n\nLawrenceville, Georgia location:\nhttps:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/PaShwcicz5DQDFsD6\n\nRoswell, Georgia location:\nhttps:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/uTVtgfq3RspJ5QQbA\n\nJonesboro, Georgia location:\nhttps:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Jr2umQB8o32QaaRK6\n\nFREE GUIDES\nWhat To Do After a Car Accident: https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/georgia-car-accident-lawyers\/what-to-do-after-an-accident\/\nShould I Hire an Accident Lawyer: https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/atlanta-car-accident-lawyers\/when-needed\/\nGeorgia Wrongful Death Statute Explained: https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/georgia-wrongful-death-statute-explained\/\n\nJOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA\nFacebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/butlerfirmllc\nTwitter: https:\/\/twitter.com\/Butler_Firm\nInstagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/butler_law_firm\/\nLinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/butlerfirm\/\n\nSEE OUR REVIEWS \nGoogle: https:\/\/search.google.com\/local\/reviews?placeid=ChIJoR24iRoG9YgRSH8GpDMLiMQ\nFacebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/butlerfirmllc\/reviews\/\n\nCheck out our previous video: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=eVbVu4N0bc4&t=53s","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9_5l_GtrNfQ\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9_5l_GtrNfQ\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9_5l_GtrNfQ\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9_5l_GtrNfQ\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/9_5l_GtrNfQ\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2021-11-04T17:00:39+00:00","duration":"PT10M44S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9_5l_GtrNfQ","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCeMYGr94Sf4LpYwIcO3P2Qw#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCeMYGr94Sf4LpYwIcO3P2Qw","name":"Butler Kahn","description":"We help people and families.\n\nOur firm specializes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. We are based in Atlanta, Georgia. We handle cases across Georgia and, for certain types of cases, all across the country.\n\nTOP-QUALITY LEGAL WORK. We do the work that lots of law firms skip. We track down witnesses, dig into the evidence, and prepare intensely for every deposition, trial, and hearing. We take a small number of cases so that we can devote our full attention to the clients we represent.\n\nPERSONAL SERVICE. If you hire us, you get us. You won't get blocked by a receptionist or leave unreturned messages. If you want to speak with your lawyer, you can.\n\nDOING WHAT WE SAY WE'LL DO. Some law firms make big promises at the beginning, then don\u2019t follow through. We shoot straight \u2013 when we tell you something about your case, good or bad, we mean it. No fake promises.\n\nButler Kahn\n10 Lenox Pointe\nAtlanta, GA 30324\n678-940-1444\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/NTOsbNEALVOnRbUCg7jUzYGcC4kNKsUTEVHm5TtiTQdLlfFKksLTnmiZG_t6zDG_e4ygtnva=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9_5l_GtrNfQ#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9_5l_GtrNfQ#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9_5l_GtrNfQ&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9_5l_GtrNfQ#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":338}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=9_5l_GtrNfQ#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":3}]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VrqP3xl8-GA#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VrqP3xl8-GA","name":"LAWYER: Explains Statute of Limitations (or Deadline) in Georgia Personal Injury Cases","description":"There is a deadline by which a personal injury case must be filed, as most people know. Lawyers call that deadline the \"statute of limitations.\" It refers to the deadline by which a plaintiff's claim must be filed with the court. \n\nUnder Georgia law, there are different statutes of limitation (i.e., different deadlines) for different kinds of cases. The general statute of limitations for personal injuries is two years from the date of the injury. In this video, we discuss that rule and an important exception. \n\nThis rule applies in most types of cases that we handle. It applies in personal injury cases and in wrongful death cases. It applies in tractor-trailer accidents, car accidents, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, and bicycle accidents. It applies in shooting cases, sexual assault cases, and product liability cases. \n\nFor more about who we are and what we do, visit https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/\n\n\u2757DISCLAIMER\u2757\n\nWe are not your lawyer. All content provided is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Any verdicts, settlements or other case results discussed are not guaranteed and must be evaluated on their own merits.\n\nButler Kahn: https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/\n\nAtlanta, Georgia location:\nhttps:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Y3fCFkRVAn7jzGD16\n\nLawrenceville, Georgia location:\nhttps:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/PaShwcicz5DQDFsD6\n\nRoswell, Georgia location:\nhttps:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/uTVtgfq3RspJ5QQbA\n\nJonesboro, Georgia location:\nhttps:\/\/maps.app.goo.gl\/Jr2umQB8o32QaaRK6\n\nFree Guides:\nWhat To Do After a Car Accident: https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/georgia-car-accident-lawyers\/what-to-do-after-an-accident\/\nShould I Hire an Accident Lawyer: https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/atlanta-car-accident-lawyers\/when-needed\/\nGeorgia Wrongful Death Statute Explained: https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/georgia-wrongful-death-statute-explained\/\n\nJOIN US ON SOCIAL MEDIA\nFACEBOOK LINK: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/butlerfirmllc \nTWITTER LINK: https:\/\/twitter.com\/Butler_Firm \nINSTAGRAM LINK: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/butler_law_firm\/ \nLINKEDIN LINK: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/butlerfirm\/ \n\nSEE OUR REVIEWS \nGOOGLE REVIEWS: https:\/\/search.google.com\/local\/writereview?placeid=ChIJoR24iRoG9YgRSH8GpDMLiMQ FACEBOOK REVIEWS: \nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/butlerfirmllc\/reviews\/","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VrqP3xl8-GA\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VrqP3xl8-GA\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VrqP3xl8-GA\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VrqP3xl8-GA\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/VrqP3xl8-GA\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2020-11-12T15:27:14+00:00","duration":"PT3M37S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VrqP3xl8-GA","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCeMYGr94Sf4LpYwIcO3P2Qw#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCeMYGr94Sf4LpYwIcO3P2Qw","name":"Butler Kahn","description":"We help people and families.\n\nOur firm specializes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. We are based in Atlanta, Georgia. We handle cases across Georgia and, for certain types of cases, all across the country.\n\nTOP-QUALITY LEGAL WORK. We do the work that lots of law firms skip. We track down witnesses, dig into the evidence, and prepare intensely for every deposition, trial, and hearing. We take a small number of cases so that we can devote our full attention to the clients we represent.\n\nPERSONAL SERVICE. If you hire us, you get us. You won't get blocked by a receptionist or leave unreturned messages. If you want to speak with your lawyer, you can.\n\nDOING WHAT WE SAY WE'LL DO. Some law firms make big promises at the beginning, then don\u2019t follow through. We shoot straight \u2013 when we tell you something about your case, good or bad, we mean it. No fake promises.\n\nButler Kahn\n10 Lenox Pointe\nAtlanta, GA 30324\n678-940-1444\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/NTOsbNEALVOnRbUCg7jUzYGcC4kNKsUTEVHm5TtiTQdLlfFKksLTnmiZG_t6zDG_e4ygtnva=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VrqP3xl8-GA#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VrqP3xl8-GA#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VrqP3xl8-GA&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VrqP3xl8-GA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":1131}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=VrqP3xl8-GA#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":12}]}],"about":["Car Accident"],"wordCount":1139,"articleBody":"Determining fault in most auto accidents requires proving that someone was negligent. Sideswipe accidents are no exception. Whoever negligently causes a sideswipe accident will be legally responsible for compensating victims for their injuries and losses. In some cases, fault for an accident may be clear. In others, establishing liability may be more complex, especially when a fault is shared among two or more drivers.At\u00a0Butler Kahn, we are committed to holding at-fault parties accountable for the accidents and injuries they cause. If you were involved in a sideswipe accident at little to no fault of your own, our skilled legal team is ready to thoroughly investigate your case and build a solid legal claim on your behalf. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney.Who Is At Fault in a Georgia Sideswipe Accident?In a sideswipe accident, the driver who failed to stay in their lane is usually at fault for the collision. However, every case is unique.\u00a0What are Some Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents?Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles slide past each other in a collision. Though these accidents can occur while one vehicle is stationary, they normally arise when two vehicles pass each other too closely while traveling along a multi-lane road. Common causes of sideswipe accidents include:Distracted driving \u2013\u00a0Drivers distracted by things like cellphones and GPS may not notice vehicles in adjacent lanes. This increases the risk of a sideswipe accident if they make a sudden maneuver without checking their surroundings.Tailgating \u2013\u00a0When drivers follow other vehicles too closely, they may not have enough time to react when traffic slows down or stops. If they suddenly swerve to avoid hitting a vehicle in front of them, they may accidentally sideswipe adjacent vehicles.Unsafe lane changes \u2013\u00a0Drivers who do not check their surroundings or use their turn signals before changing lanes can also end up sideswiping adjacent vehicles.Driving under the influence \u2013\u00a0Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair judgment and coordination, making it difficult to safely maneuver a vehicle in traffic. Impaired drivers may swerve beyond their lane and sideswipe nearby vehicles.Poor weather conditions \u2013\u00a0Inclement weather, such as heavy rain or snow, can also contribute to sideswipe accidents by reducing visibility and traction. If a driver loses control of their vehicle or simply struggles to see those around them, they may cause a sideswipe accident or worse.What Are the Lane-Change Laws in Georgia?Many sideswipe accidents occur when someone changes lanes unsafely. To reduce the risk of these accidents, Georgia law requires that motorist drive \u201cas nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane\u201d and take certain precautions when making a lane change. Some specific requirements of the\u00a0lane-change statute\u00a0include the following:No person shall change lanes \u201cunless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.\u201dNo person \u201cshall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal . . . to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is an opportunity to give such signal.\u201dWhen changing lanes, required signals must be \u201cgiven continuously for a time sufficient to alert\u201d drivers traveling behind or toward the signaling vehicle.How Is Fault Determined in a Sideswipe Accident?In most sideswipe accidents, fault is determined by figuring out whether one or more of the individuals involved was\u00a0negligent. Drivers who fail to take \u201creasonable care\u201d to avoid causing an accident through their actions will be held liable for negligence and required to compensate victims for resulting injuries and losses. If the accident is caused by violating a law put in place specifically to keep road users safe, the responsible driver may also be held\u00a0negligent per se. When determining fault in a sideswipe accident, responding police officers, insurance adjusters, attorneys, and courts will consider all sorts of evidence. Relevant evidence may include things like:Police accident reportsMedical treatment and billing recordsPhotographs and videos of the aftermathFootage from surveillance, traffic, and dash camerasBlood-alcohol content (BAC) and toxicology test resultsTestimony from reliable witnessesTestimony from doctors, traffic signal engineers, and accident reconstruction expertsCell phone, GPS, and traffic-signal logsWhat Compensation is Available for My Injuries and Losses?If you have been hurt in a sideswipe accident you did not cause, you may be legally entitled to compensation for the economic and noneconomic impact your injuries and losses have on your life. The injury attorneys at Butler Kahn can help you pursue compensation for things like:Medical and rehabilitation costs associated with the accidentLost wages if you cannot work while healing from your injuriesLowered earning capacity if your injuries result in long-term disabilityPhysical pain and sufferingLowered quality of lifeEmotional distressCost of repairing or replacing damaged personal propertyTo learn more in a video presentation by Jeb Butler of Butler Kahn, see\u00a0What Should I Be Compensated for After a Car Accident?What If I Was Partly Responsible for a Sideswipe Accident?If you were partially at fault in a sideswipe accident in Georgia, you might still be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries and losses. This is because Georgia courts weigh the \u201ccomparative negligence\u201d of all involved drivers when determining liability in car accidents, meaning that injured parties may recover compensation so long as they did not contribute more than 50 percent to the cause of the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced proportionately to any amount they contributed less than 50 percent. To illustrate, a driver who sustained $100,000 in damages in a sideswipe accident but who also contributed 25 percent to the underlying cause would have their compensation reduced proportionately to $75,000.What Is the Deadline for Filing My Sideswipe Accident Lawsuit?In Georgia, the statute of limitations gives you\u00a0just two years from the date of an accident\u00a0to file a lawsuit seeking compensation from another driver. Late filings are nearly always dismissed in court. This will eliminate your right to seek legal compensation, as well as give the at-fault party and their insurers the upper hand in out-of-court settlement talks. To avoid these consequences, you should speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an auto accident. For a video presentation by Jeb Butler of Butler Kahn explaining statutes of limitations in Georgia, follow this\u00a0link.Contact a Georgia Sideswipe Accident Attorney TodayIf you are reading this page because you or a loved one has been hurt in a sideswipe accident, we hope you are receiving the medical care that you need and are making a strong recovery. We hope the information on this page has been helpful. If you would like to talk with us about your situation, call us or contact us online. There is\u00a0no charge to talk with us about your case."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Who Is At Fault In a Georgia Sideswipe Accident?","item":"https:\/\/butlerfirm.com\/blog\/who-is-at-fault-in-a-georgia-sideswipe-accident\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]