How Dangerous Are Sideswipe Accidents?

Sideswipe accidents may not seem as dramatic as head-on collisions or multi-car pileups, but don’t be fooled by the damage you only see on the surface. These types of crashes carry their own risks and can lead to serious damage and injuries, especially when they happen at high speeds or with large vehicles.  

Whether you’re merging on a highway or navigating tight city lanes, the danger of a sideswipe collision can escalate quickly. Understanding what causes these crashes and the damage they can do helps drivers stay alert and make safer choices on the road. 

What Is a Sideswipe Accident? 

A sideswipe is a type of car accident where the side of one vehicle strikes the side of another.  

These collisions often happen when the two are traveling in the same direction, but they can also happen between vehicles going in opposite directions. The impact can range from minor to severe, depending on how fast the cars were going and whether either driver lost control. 

These accidents frequently take place during lane changes, merges, or turns. They also tend to happen when a driver drifts into another lane due to distraction, fatigue, or impairment.  

While some sideswipe collisions result in little more than cosmetic damage, others can trigger a chain reaction, especially if a vehicle is forced into oncoming traffic or a barrier. 

Why Sideswipe Collisions Are Often Overlooked 

Many people assume that if their car can still be driven after a car accident, the accident couldn’t have been serious, but that’s a dangerous mindset, especially when it comes to sideswipes. These accidents can cause serious mechanical damage that isn’t always visible at first glance. More importantly, they can also cause injuries that don’t appear until hours or even days later. 

In some cases, sideswipe collisions don’t cause the vehicles to stop. Drivers may pull over, exchange information, and move on without realizing that the jolt from the impact caused a head or spinal injury.  

In other situations, the crash can lead to a loss of control, forcing one or both drivers into another lane, median, or object on the shoulder of the road. 

Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents 

Driver error makes the top of the list when it comes to reasons for sideswipe accidents. Merging without checking blind spots, drifting due to distraction, or misjudging the distance between vehicles are frequent contributors. Speeding and aggressive driving also play a role.

When drivers weave in and out of traffic or try to beat another car during a lane change, they increase the chances of scraping or slamming into another vehicle. 

Other causes include impaired driving, drowsiness, or sudden changes in weather. A slick road surface can lead to hydroplaning, which may push a vehicle sideways into another lane. In highly populated areas, inadequate road design or frequent construction zones can narrow lanes and increase the risk of sideswipes, especially when large vehicles are involved. 

Potential Injuries and Damage 

The physical consequences of a sideswipe accident can range from bruises and whiplash to traumatic brain injuries and broken bones. The side of a vehicle typically has less protection than the front or rear, especially for passengers.  

In severe cases, a sideswipe can cause a rollover or push the car into a more serious secondary crash. 

Even when there’s no apparent injury at the scene, you may begin to see symptoms in the hours that follow. Neck and back pain, headaches, and numbness can signal deeper issues that require medical attention. Emotional distress, such as anxiety or trouble sleeping, may also appear after the adrenaline wears off. 

Property damage varies depending on the size of the vehicles involved and how fast they were going. 

Minor sideswipes may leave little more than paint damage or small dents, while high-speed crashes can destroy side panels, wheels, and suspension systems. Repair costs can rise quickly, especially when structural damage is involved. 

How to Stay Safe and Prevent Sideswipe Accidents 

Many sideswipe collisions are preventable.  

• Staying alert and practicing defensive driving can go a long way toward avoiding this type of crash.  

• Make it a habit to check your mirrors and blind spots before you change lanes or merge.  

• Use your turn signals early to communicate your intentions to other drivers.  

• If you’re driving alongside a large truck, don’t linger in its blind spots. 

• Keeping a safe distance between your car and others on the road gives you more time to react if someone drifts into your lane.  

• Avoid distractions like texting or adjusting the GPS while moving. Even a moment of lost focus can lead to a sideswipe if traffic patterns suddenly shift. 

Liability in Sideswipe Collisions 

Determining who’s at fault in a sideswipe accident isn’t always straightforward. It often depends on which driver made the unsafe lane change or failed to maintain control of their vehicle.  

In some cases, both drivers may share responsibility. Eyewitness accounts, dashcam footage, and vehicle damage reports can help establish what happened. 

Because these crashes often come down to one driver’s word against another’s, insurance companies will often try to deny or reduce claim payments. This makes it even more important to gather key evidence, take photos of the scene, and confer with legal professionals if you’re unsure of your next steps. 

When to Talk to a Lawyer 

If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident that caused injury or serious property damage, consider consulting a personal injury lawyer. These cases can get complicated, especially when the fault is disputed.  

An experienced lawyer can explain your rights, gather strong evidence, and deal with insurance companies that may not want to pay you a fair settlement. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s worth having your situation reviewed.  

A small issue today can grow into something more serious tomorrow, and it’s better to be proactive than caught off guard later on. 

Sideswipe accidents don’t always grab headlines, but they carry real risks that, as drivers, we shouldn’t ignore. Whether it’s a minor scrape or a serious crash, the impact of a sideswipe can leave physical, emotional, and financial scars.  

If you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a sideswipe collision, don’t hesitate to seek the support and guidance you need to protect your health and your future. 

The Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp is here to help.