What is a Sideswipe Collision?

What is a Sideswipe Collision?

A sideswipe collision, also known as a “lane change accident” or a “blind spot accident”, is a type of car accident that occurs when the sides of two vehicles make contact. This can happen when:

• Two vehicles traveling in the same direction brush against each other, often due to one driver drifting out of their lane.
• Two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide at an intersection, such as when one driver fails to yield the right of way.
• A parked car is hit by a moving vehicle.

Sideswipe collisions can range in severity from minor scratches and dents to serious injuries and even fatalities. The severity of the accident depends on several factors, including the speed of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, and whether the vehicles were hit in a vulnerable area, such as the door or the cabin.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Collisions

Here are some of the most common causes of sideswipe collisions:

• Distracted driving: This is the leading cause of sideswipe collisions. Drivers who are texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise distracted are more likely to drift out of their lane or fail to see other vehicles.
• Blind spots: Every car has blind spots, which are areas that cannot be seen by the driver using the mirrors. Drivers who do not check their blind spots before changing lanes are at risk of causing a sideswipe collision.
• Speeding: Speeding increases the severity of any accident, including sideswipe collisions.
• Drunk driving: Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs are impaired and more likely to make mistakes, such as drifting out of their lane or failing to yield the right of way.
• Aggressive driving: Aggressive drivers, such as those who tailgate or weave in and out of traffic, are more likely to cause accidents, including sideswipe collisions.

If you are involved in a sideswipe collision, it is important to stay calm and follow these steps:

• Pull over to the side of the road and check for any injuries.
• Call 911 to report the accident.
• Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, insurance information, and license plate number.
• Do not admit fault at the scene of the accident.
• Take pictures of the damage to your car and the other vehicle.
• Contact a car accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.