Sideswipe accidents are a fairly common type of car accident. Because of their commonality, some drivers assume that sideswipes are mostly not that dangerous, especially because they don’t involve a direct impact. However, this is quite far from the truth. Sideswipes can be just as dangerous and devastating as any other collision, depending on what happens during the accident.
How Sideswipe Accidents Happen
Many sideswipe accidents involve two vehicles, which can make it difficult to figure out liability. Which driver left their lane and sideswiped the other first? Or did both vehicles stray out of their lanes and into each other at about the same time?
To uncover the cause of a sideswipe accident that involves two or more vehicles, an investigation will probably be necessary. Dashcams, eyewitness testimonies, and police reports are often the best sources of evidence to figure out which driver left their lane or merged unsafely.
Some sideswipe accidents only involve one driver, though, such as when a car swipes a guardrail or median. In these accidents, it can often be discovered that the driver was distracted, drunk, or speeding, which causes them to lose control of their vehicle while rounding a corner. If you were in a single-vehicle sideswipe accident, then it might not be possible to file a claim against a third party for compensation. Your auto insurance policy might have a way to give you some coverage, though, such as through collision coverage.
Injuries That Happen in a Sideswipe Accident
A sideswipe accident might cause no injuries at all if the accident only involves two vehicles rubbing together and “trading paint” for a moment. If one of the drivers loses control, though, the accident and the injuries could be much worse. A violent car accident can cause brain injuries, spine injuries, broken bones, and more.
Anyone who has been injured in a sideswipe accident that was not their fault should pursue legal action against the other driver. A successful case could award them damages that pay for medical bills and lost wages, as well as damages related to their physical pain, emotional suffering, and permanent disabilities. You should talk with a local car accident attorney if you have any questions about what to do after a wreck.
