What Makes Sideswipe Collisions So Dangerous?
When people think of dangerous collisions, sideswipe accidents rarely make the list. People tend to put them in the same category as near-misses. Minor ones are more likely to result in scrapes and minor damage, but few people think of the catastrophic sideswipe accidents that leave people permanently injured or even dead.
Find out more about why sideswipe accidents can be so severe, and if you’ve been hurt in a crash, call Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman at 866-565-4949.
An Overview of Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe collisions often occur when one party is attempting to switch lanes but does not fully check their blind spot first. Upon making contact with the other vehicle, the at-fault driver generally jerks back into their own lane to avoid further damage. However, sideswipe accidents can also occur with two cars driving in opposite directions in neighboring lanes. This may happen when one driver drifts over their lane and swerves back after making brief contact with the other car.
Another form of sideswipe accident involves parked vehicles. If a driver is not paying attention, they may not notice a vehicle parked on the shoulder of the road. As a result, they may swipe the other vehicle as they pass.
Why Do Sideswipe Collisions Happen?
The vast majority of traffic accidents are the result of human error, and that trend definitely carries through with sideswipe collisions. Some common errors that lead to sideswipe collisions include:
- Merging onto a busy road and misestimating a driver’s speed or lane
- Swerving to avoid an obstacle in the road, only to hit someone in the neighboring lane
- Drifting over the center lane due to distracted driving
- Passing a vehicle and merging back into the other lane too early or without checking for other vehicles
- Not checking one’s blind spot before attempting to pass
As you can see, an accident is avoidable in all of these circumstances. Distracted driving, misjudging another person’s location, or rushing are common factors in many collisions.
The Dangers of Sideswipe Accidents
Yes, some sideswipe accidents can be minor and cause only property damage. But what about those that leave victims with serious injuries?
A lot depends on where the accident occurs and the speed of both drivers. The faster that both drivers are moving, the more severe a sideswipe crash is likely to be. Imagine a sideswipe on a busy highway. One car driving 70 miles per hour hits another car driving the same speed, and the force pushes the second car into the next lane of traffic. This causes a multi-car pileup and severe injuries.
Another factor that can make sideswipe accidents much more serious is the presence of a larger vehicle. For example, consider tractor-trailers. They are dozens of times heavier than a standard passenger vehicle and they have large blind spots on both sides.
If they start to change lanes when a car is in their blind spot, they may strike the other vehicle. This would not be a typical sideswipe accident. Instead, the smaller vehicle could actually get wedged under the tractor-trailer in an underride collision. This rips off the top part of the smaller vehicle and puts the occupants at risk of being crushed or killed.
Some sideswipe accidents are serious simply because they are one part of a chain reaction. When a car hits another on the side because it’s avoiding another obstacle or because it was hit by another car, the outside factors contributing to the crash may make it far more serious than expected.
Car accidents can be unexpected and unpredictable. That’s why it’s so important to get checked out promptly after a collision and seek legal advice. The help of an attorney can put you on the road to receiving fair and full compensation for your losses.
Begin Your Personal Injury Claim with Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman
Have you been hurt in a sideswipe accident? Don’t assume that the insurance company has your best interests in mind. They have their own best interests in mind, and that means offering you as little as possible. We can help and fight for what you truly deserve. Schedule a consultation now by calling us at 866-565-4949 or sending us a message online
