Driving can be tricky. Changing lanes may seem like a simple maneuver, but it can create a lot of chaos when not done properly. There are blind spots to consider, and they cannot be seen in your mirrors. You need to physically look for obstacles or else you may risk a collision with another vehicle.
Specifically, you can get into a sideswipe accident. A sideswipe accident is also known as a side-impact or broadside crash. This type of crash typically occurs when the sides of two vehicles collide while the vehicles are traveling in the same direction, although it is possible for a car to sideswipe a stationary object as well. However, this is less common.
Sideswipe accidents can cause a lot of damage. Learn more about sideswipe accidents and how they occur.
Types of Damage
While many sideswipe accidents result in minor damage, this is not always the case. The amount of damage caused by such a crash depends on factors such as the size of the vehicles and the speed of the vehicles. The faster the vehicles are going, the more damage will occur. Plus, a larger vehicle will cause more damage than a smaller one.
The most common types of vehicle damage include scratches, jammed doors, and dented passenger doors and quarter panels. Sideview mirrors can also get damaged or completely torn off due to the impact. It’s also possible for a sideswipe accident to cause a subsequent crash due to a loss of control. This can cause a vehicle to roll over or force the car off the road or into a ditch. The vehicle may also collide with other vehicles, trees, road signs, guardrails, barriers, barrels, and light posts. Any of these crashes can cause major damage to a vehicle.
Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents are often caused by a failure to check blind spots. Because of this, they can be referred to as blind spot accidents. However, there are other reasons why these crashes occur, including the following:
- Distracted driving (texting, using the stereo or navigation system, eating, and grooming)
- A tired driver who falls asleep at the wheel and veers into the adjacent lane
- A driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- An angry driver who intentionally sideswipes another vehicle due to road rage
- Failure to yield when vehicles are merging into the same lane
Contact Us Today
Sideswipe accidents can leave your vehicle with significant damage. Make sure you obtain compensation to pay for these damages.
Whether you have been involved in a sideswipe accident or other type of car crash, you need to ensure your rights are protected. Seek legal help from the personal injury lawyers at El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers. We’ll guide you through the car accident process and help determine liability. Fill out the online form or call (213) 985-1120 to schedule a free consultation with our office.