Ever found yourself stuck in heavy traffic, listening to the dread screech of metal on metal? Specializing in sideswipe accidents can help drivers and victims better understand these common incidents, leaving them more equipped to handle the aftermath. You might think sideswipe accidents are rare, but they actually happen quite often and there is very little guidance on what you should do. The good news is taking measures to prevent them is possible, and the bad news is they’re among the most common types of car collisions, but realizing common causes and consequences can help keep you safer.
In this article, we’ll go step by step through what you need to know about sideswipe accidents. We want to empower you with the knowledge where they come from, how to prevent them, and how to manage them. We have driver safety and prevention, no matter if you’re a driver or victim hopping for justice.
What is a Sideswipe Accident?
Sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles traveling in the same or in opposite direction collide the sides of them. The severity of these accidents can vary from simply a minor scrape to a major collision, depending on speed, vehicle size, and road conditions. Road accidents resulting from sideswipe are common and this has been the tradition over the years.
Many driver mistakes are responsible for sideswipe collisions. Here are the most common causes:
- Lane changes without signaling: Other drivers are unaware how you intend on behaving.
- Distracted driving: If you are eating, texting or otherwise fiddling with the radio, you can veer into adjacent lanes.
- Blind spots: Cars which are smaller than trucks have a difficult time going unseen by the larger vehicles, as they have a giant blind spot.
- Reckless driving: The chance that a sideswipe occurs increases when a vehicle is speeding or weaving between lanes.
- Weather conditions: Drivers can lose control and drift in another lane due to rain, fog or ice.
Types of Sideswipe Accidents:
- Same-direction sideswipes: They arise when two vehicles travelling side by side collide.
- Opposite-direction sideswipes: They tend to be more dangerous, since vehicles in opposite lanes come into play.
Not only is it unenforceable, it’s more than a little ridiculous given this year’s stats on sideswipe accidents. These accidents are responsible for 10 percent of all car crashes in any given year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In the U.S. alone, almost 27,000 injuries are a result of sideswipe collisions annually.
Implications of Sideswipe Auto Accident Legally
- Determining Fault: A sideswipe accident is tricky and can be hard to determine who’s at fault. Key factors include:
- Witness accounts: The eyewitnesses can give more information about the accident.
- Traffic laws: Most of the time the driver is found liable if they violate traffic rules (e.g. failing to yield or improper lane change).
- Dashcam footage: A video can prove who is responsible.
Role of Comparative negligence:
In some states comparative negligence applies. Both this implies that the drivers may share fault, which would imply less compensation. For example, if two drivers are at fault 70 and 30%, damages are then adjusted.
Filing an Insurance Claim
When filing a claim, remember to:
- Gather evidence: Take pictures of the road conditions and any injuries, and get photos of the damage.
- Notify your insurer Quickly: All policies must be reported immediately.
- Provide documentation: Send the police report, medical bills and repair estimate.
- Sideswipe accidents: how to prevent them and not cause them.
Tips for Defensive Driving:
- Use turn signals: Let the others know before you change lanes.
- Check mirrors and blind spots: Before merging, you always should double check.
- Maintain a safe distance: Don’t stay in another vehicle’s blind spot for too long.
- Stay focused: Look away from distractions and put your focus on the road.
- Adapt to weather conditions: In rain, snow or fog, slow down.
Modern Technology To Reduce Risks:
- Blind-spot monitoring systems: It warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spots.
- Lane departure warning systems: It signals if you drift out of your lane.
- Adaptive cruise control: Keeps you a safe distance between your car and other vehicles.
If you were the victim of a sideswipe accident, then you have likely returned to your bus initiative to feel shaken and confused, and you probably have no idea what to do next.
Immediate Steps to Take:
- Ensure safety: If possible, then move to a safer place.
- Call the police: For even minor accidents, file a report.
- Exchange information: Give out your names, contact information and insurance details to each other.
- Document the scene: Note down time, location, and weather and take photos.
- Search medical attention: Some injuries will not be obvious at first.
The process of the insurance companies:
- Be cautious with statements: Don’t admit to blame or contribute more than necessary.
- Knowing your coverage: Check with your policy for details on liability, collision and uninsured motorist protection.
- Consider legal advice: Complex claims may be navigated by a personal injury attorney.
When to Hire an Attorney
Hiring a lawyer that has some experience with sideswipe accidents will also help you if you find it hard to get fair compensation or maybe you get involved in disputes. They can:
- Build a strong case off of evidence.
- These are the barriers I have to negotiate that causes my few light spikes not to raise my power bills by 100 dollars.
- And represent you in court if need be.
Other Real Life Examples of Sideswipe Accidents:
Case Study 1: Same-Direction Sideswipe
Two vehicles were on a busy highway, a sedan, and an SUV, traveling side by side. Distracted by a phone, the SUV’s driver turned into the sedan’s lane. The sedan’s driver had only minor injuries and damages were covered by the SUV’s insurer after dashcam footage exonerated the sedan’s driver.
Case Study 2: Opposite-Direction Sideswipe
The narrow road in some rural areas was sideswiped by a truck trying to overtake a car but didn’t. The truck’s driver was charged with reckless driving, and both vehicles wound up badly damaged.
Conclusion:
Common sideswipe accidents are a common, yet preventable issue. Legal implications, their causes and how you can respond can arm you from their effects and help you protect yourself and others. Knowing defensive driving, modern technology and the law is the key to reducing risk and responding when the inevitable happens. If you have been in a sideswipe accident, act fast. Write down what happened, call your insurer and get a professional to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of.
Source: Martin Law Office, SC
