A sideswipe collision or accident occurs when one vehicle swipes or impacts against the side of another vehicle driving parallel to it. This can occur if driving both in the same or opposite directions as the first vehicle. This type of motor vehicle accident typically occurs when one of the two vehicles involved in the accident moved out of the lane it was traveling in when it was not safe to do such.
This type of accident can occur for a variety of reasons. Most of them stem from lack of proper attention to your surroundings. Some common causes of sideswipe accidents are listed below.
- Intoxication: Drivers under the influence of either alcohol or drugs may struggle to operate their vehicles and are often found weaving in and out of lanes.
- Speeding: Driving at a high speed can make it harder for drivers to control the vehicle or adjust their driving to emerging traffic patterns or other hazards, and thus, can accidentally slide into other lanes.
- Distractions: Distractions can cause a driver to accidentally slip into other lanes. Top distractions include being involved in deep conversations or activities with passengers in the vehicle, adjusting the radio channels or volume, and using cell phones or other electronic devices.
- Failure to properly signal a lane change: Failing to show other drivers on the road where a car is planning to go can cause an accident.
- Hydroplaning: Icy or wet roads can cause the vehicle to hydroplane and move into other lanes.
- Merging: Changing lanes without checking the other lane thoroughly and maintaining the proper speed can cause a bad accident.
- Blind Spots: Vehicles that sit in another’s blind spot are much more at risk for a sideswipe collision, especially in high clearance vehicles, due to the large blind spots they have. This unfortunately can be a frequent occurrence in tractor trailer and other crashes involving commercial motor vehicles. Truck drivers often fails to see passenger vehicles in their blind spots, and merging into those spots can force the passenger vehicle off the road.
- Road Rage: Drivers experiencing road rage can be highly illogical and as such commit illogical acts such as deliberately causing accidents which include sideswipe collisions.
Who is the at fault driver in a sideswipe collision? The at fault driver in a sideswipe collision is generally the driver who fails to maintain a single lane. However the liability can be shared by other drivers if they did something to force the vehicle out of its lane.
What happens if multiple parties caused the accident? Who pays for the damages? This depends on what state the accident occurred in and if it is an at-fault or no-fault state. In an at fault state like Virginia, there are other factors to look at, such as if the state is a comparative negligence or contributory negligence state. Each state has specific rules. Virginia, for instance, is a contributory negligence state. If the case went to trial, the jury would weigh the negligence of both parties involved in the accident. If found by the jury to be even partially at fault for causing the collision that led to your injuries, you might be prevented from recovering any compensation in that case.
Whether the contributory negligence defense applies can depend on a number of factors. Even when it applies, there may be exceptions that keep it from applying in your case. Because of that, do not prejudge whether you have a claim before you speak with an experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled personal injury attorney.
How can I help prevent sideswipe accidents?
- Check your blind spots before changing lanes. Every time you change lanes, make sure to carefully check your blind spots to ensure another vehicle has not gotten into it while your attention was elsewhere. This is especially important when you are a truck driver.
- Keep an eye on high clearance vehicles and eighteen wheelers. Drivers of larger trucks sit high off the road to help improve visibility. They still have large blind spots, which can contribute to accidents. When traveling next to these types of vehicles, try to keep out of their blind spot even if that means decreasing or increasing your speed to travel in a location that is safer. Do not travel at the same speed next to a large tractor trailer or truck for periods of time, as the truck may forget about your presence, not see you, and then merge into you.
- Be careful while merging. When merging, make sure there is enough room for your vehicle to complete the maneuver. If you notice another vehicle trying to merge lanes, take care that your vehicle is not in the way. Remember, if you are the merging vehicle, the vehicles that are already in the roadway should have the right of way.
- Avoid driving while intoxicated. By avoiding driving while intoxicated you can keep yourself and others on the road safer. You will avoid many of the problems that can arise by drunk driving, including loss of control of the vehicle.
- Keep an eye on other drivers. Watching other drivers is important any time you share the road with other vehicles. If you notice another vehicle driving erratically or swerving, attempt to stay out of their way even if it means pulling over until they pass by. This decreases your chance of getting in an accident. Drive defensively to avoid or at least minimize crashes from other drivers.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Sideswipe accidents can cause serious damage and injuries to both drivers and vehicles, especially on the side of the vehicle that was hit. We have handled several significant injury claims arising from sideswipe collisions, particularly when they are caused by tractor trailers or other large commercial motor vehicles. In fact, we have taken cases like this through trial to help our client recover a multi-million dollar verdict. Although every case is different and this result was unique to that case, we can guarantee that we will work hard to recover whatever we can in your case for you.
If you were in a sideswipe collision and suffered injuries, contact us today for a free consultation. We can assist you with both understanding your accident claim and pursuing the claim aggressively on your behalf.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form