Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents

A “sideswipe” accident happens when two vehicles collide along the sides of each other. The vehicles may be moving in the same or opposite directions, or one may be parked.

A Sideswipe as Almost a Head-On Collision

A sideswipe of an oncoming vehicle is a near-miss of a full head-on collision.

The causes of this type of collision might include:

• Distracted driving.
• Driving while intoxicated.
• Falling asleep while driving.
• Not passing a vehicle properly.
• Low visibility from severe weather conditions.

Vehicles Moving in the Same Direction

A sideswipe of a vehicle moving in the same direction usually comes from one driver failing to see the other vehicle. This accident may happen when one vehicle is in the driver’s “blind spot.”

A blind spot is created on the side of a vehicle when the driver cannot see the other vehicle in the rearview or side mirrors. A driver must look back over the shoulder to see a vehicle not visible in the mirrors.

This type of sideswipe accident may be caused by:

• Lane changes without using turn signals or checking blind spots.
• Merging with other vehicles.
• Drifting in the lane.
• Failure to yield.
• Sliding sideways on ice or snow.
• Hydroplaning in heavy rain.
• Driving too fast.
• Disregarding traffic rules.

Sideswipe of a Parked Vehicle

A parked vehicle may be hit by another passing one if the moving vehicle strays from the lane to collide with the parked one.

The driver or a passenger exiting a parked vehicle may cause a sideswipe accident by opening the door in the direction of the passing traffic.

This type of sideswipe accident might be caused by:

• A moving vehicle hydroplaning or sliding sideways on ice or snow.
• Low visibility from severe weather conditions.
• Driving too fast.
• Disregarding traffic rules.
• Distracted driving.
• Driving while intoxicated.
• Falling asleep while driving.

Accidents Involving Multiple Vehicles

The dynamic for most sideswipe accidents is surprising, and these types of accidents happen without warning. A collision on one side of a vehicle may startle the driver. In heavy traffic, this shock might cause an overreaction. It may make the driver suddenly turn into another vehicle on the opposite side.

Moreover, the force of a sideswipe impact may cause the driver of the hit vehicle to lose control. A simple sideswipe may cause a vehicle to spin, leading to a multi-vehicle accident.

How to Avoid a Sideswipe Accident

Many sideswipe accidents are avoidable by using extremely careful defensive driving. Except for a hands-free one, do not use a cell phone to text or call while driving. Stay focused on the road.

Anticipate what other drivers may do, such as suddenly pull into your lane. Know where any blind spots are and look back over your shoulder to double-check the lane is clear and signal before making a lane change. Leave room in the lane for doors of parked cars to safely open.

If you had a sideswipe accident, you need the help of an attorney. Call (281) 475-4535 to schedule a free consultation.