What causes sideswipe collisions and how to deal with them

When most of us think of motor vehicle collisions, in our minds, we often picture head-on crashes. But there are other dangerous types of auto accidents as well. One of them is the sideswipe collision. This occurs when the side of one vehicle unintentionally makes contact with the side of another vehicle.

This may not seem like a particularly hazardous kind of auto accident — maybe creating a few scrapes or dents on your car or perhaps a slightly crumpled door. However, when a sideswipe occurs, drivers can react by overcorrecting their steering. In a worst-case scenario, the car can go out of control.

In addition, if a vehicle is sideswiped, it can then strike another car. The injuries that result may be serious. They can include spinal and brain damage, amputations, burns and broken bones.

What are the reasons for sideswipe accidents?

A driver inadvertently drifting outside their lane and into yours is just one of the causes of sideswipe collisions. There can be many reasons for sideswipe accidents. Some of them include:

• Distractions
• Road rage
• Impairment due to alcohol consumption or drug use
• Merging carelessly without checking blind spots
• Sleepiness, which can cause inattentive driving

If you are involved in a sideswipe collision in Florida, do exactly what you would do in any other type of auto accident. The following steps are intended for your safety and the safety of the other motorist and passengers involved.

What to do after a sideswipe accident

• Contact 911 if anybody seems injured.
• Get your vehicle out of the way of traffic.
• Activate your hazard lights.
• Notify the police.
• Exchange information with the other driver.
• If possible, take photos of the scene and vehicle damage.

Sideswipe accidents may outwardly seem less severe than other types of crashes. Depending on the circumstances, however, they can cause major injuries with lasting ramifications. You may have been the victim of a negligent driver who veered into your lane and caused a sideswipe crash. If so, you might want help with your claim for compensation.