There are numerous ways to be involved in a sideswipe accident and you might get away with a small amount of cosmetic damage if it’s a minor incident but there also scenarios where serious personal injuries are sustained.
Here is a look at some of the most common reasons why a sideswipe accident happens and an overview of who might be held to account.
Blind spots are often to blame
As the injury attorneys at Coye Law Firm will probably confirm, a common cause of a sideswipe collision is when a driver fails to properly check for a blind spot before making their maneuver and changing lane.
A blind spot will mean that you haven’t seen that there is a car already in your chosen path and sometimes there isn’t enough time to swerve back or out of the way.
Distracted driving
Accident statistics show that distracted driving is a major issue and there are plenty of incidences of drivers drifting into another lane because their attention has been on adjusting the sound system or some other distraction that has caused them to take their eyes off the road.
Over the legal limit
Intoxicated drivers are a menace on the roads and if someone is intoxicated it stands to reason that they are far more likely to weave across lanes than if they were driving sober.
Road rage
Losing your temper when you are behind the wheel is unlikely to end well and road rage is cited as another common cause of sideswipe accidents.
Drivers can behave erratically and dangerously when the red mist descends and this heightens the risk of a sideswipe incident.
Not signalling your intentions
Another classic driving error that can lead to a collision is a driver fails to signal a lane change.
That lack of warning before making your move will mean that the other driver is not prepared or able to take evasive action.
Road hazard ahead
The road is not always clear ahead and there may be construction work going on, for instance, which might mean that a lane is closed.
If a driver fails to spot this imminent problem ahead they might react suddenly and swerve into another lane without any notice.
Tiredness
Fatigue is another common problem and if you are driving tired or under the influence of medication or drugs this is going to mean that you are not as alert as you should be.
Driving while tired or impaired by drugs will greatly heighten your prospects of being involved in a sideswipe accident.
Wet or icy conditions
It is far easier to lose control of your vehicle when road conditions or wet or icy and this can lead to hydroplaning, which also increases the prospect of colliding with another vehicle once you lose control.
These are some of the commonly reported causes of sideswipe collisions and in general terms, it is the driver that left their lane that is probably going to be found “at fault”.
It is always recommended that you get professional guidance if you are involved in a sideswipe accident, and make sure the police file a report, as well as taking plenty of photos of the damage caused.