Sideswipe accidents can be deceptive, often appearing as minor incidents, but they can result in significant vehicle damage, physical injuries, and long-term consequences. Whether you were hit while driving, merging, or parked on the street, it’s essential to understand how these collisions happen and what steps to take next to protect your health, rights, and any potential personal injury claim.

RTRLAW’s team of accident attorneys work hard to bring you the clarity you need if you’ve been sideswiped to make the most educated decisions in taking the next steps after your accident.

What is Considered a Sideswipe Accident?

A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another. These collisions often happen in situations where vehicles are:

  • Changing lanes without checking blind spots
  • Drifting into adjacent lanes
  • Merging into traffic too aggressively
  • Failing to stay centered in their lane
  • Misjudging space on multi-lane roads or highways

Unlike head-on or rear-end collisions, sideswipes don’t always result in immediate vehicle stoppage, which can make them more dangerous, especially at high speeds, due to loss of control, swerving, or secondary collisions.

What are the Leading Causes of Sideswipe Collisions?

While some sideswipes are unavoidable, many are caused by negligent or reckless driving behaviors. Common causes include:

  • Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or any other in-car distractions can cause a driver to drift out of their lane.
  • Unsafe Lane Changes: Failing to signal, check blind spots, or yield properly during a lane change can cause a sideswipe.
  • Driving Under the Influence: Impaired drivers may struggle to maintain lane discipline or make poor decisions behind the wheel.
  • Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Drivers going too fast may misjudge space or maneuver unsafely around other vehicles.
  • Fatigue or Drowsy Driving: Tired drivers often have slower reaction times and may drift unintentionally.
  • Road Design or Weather Conditions: Poor visibility, slick roads, or unclear lane markings can also play a role in sideswipe crashes.

Regardless of how it happened, determining liability often requires witness statements, dash cam footage, or an attorney’s investigation to prove the other driver was at fault.

What Should You Do After Being Sideswiped?

If you’ve just been involved in a sideswipe collision, stay calm and follow these important steps:

  • Pull Over Safely: If the accident occurred while driving, move to a safe location away from traffic, if possible.
  • Call 911: Always report the accident, especially if there are injuries or significant damage.
  • Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, tire skid marks, road signs, and any injuries.
  • Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, contact details, insurance, and license plate number.
  • Gather Witnesses: Eyewitnesses can be valuable in supporting your version of events.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, adrenaline may mask injuries like whiplash or internal trauma, so getting seen by a doctor is important.
  • Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: The sooner you consult legal counsel, the better your chances of recovering compensation.

At RTRLAW, our team can help you file a claim, deal with the insurance company, and fight for fair compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages, and more.

Don’t Let a Sideswipe Set You Back… RTRLAW Can Help!

A sideswipe collision might seem like a minor inconvenience at first, but it can result in long-term pain, expensive repairs, or serious medical issues. If someone else’s carelessness caused your crash, you deserve justice, and we’re here to help you fight for it.

For a free, no-obligation case review with one of our experienced auto accident lawyers, call RTRLAW today at 1-833-HIRE-RTR or chat with us from our website below.