A sideswipe collision is an accident where two vehicles are going in the same direction, driving next to one another and their sides come into contact, resulting in a collision. These accidents often lead to multiple collisions with other cars on the road or perhaps guardrails, signposts, or light posts along the road.

Sideswipe collisions are the third leading cause of accidents, contributing to 12.3% of total crashes in the United States, as evident by the numbers available on the Insurance Information Institute website.

Major Causes of Sideswipe Collisions

Primarily, sideswipe collisions happen due to the negligence of a person driving the vehicle. For instance, the individual behind the steering wheel is not paying attention while changing lanes that is occupied by another vehicle. Most common causes that lead to sideswipe collisions include, but are not limited to:

• Distracted driving – When a driver is not paying attention on the road due to distractions such as conversing with fellow passengers, using a mobile phone or setting up radio channels.
• Reckless driving – Drivers who are operating their vehicle aggressively and constantly changing lanes to get ahead of other vehicles can be dangerous for other vehicles on the road.
• Driving Under Influence – Alcohol or drugs can significantly impair the driver’s ability to drive safely on the road hence increasing the risk of bumping into another vehicle on the road.
• Speeding – Speeding can often cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle, rendering them unable to follow lanes, especially when the road is curved.
• Fatigued driving – Fatigue can make the driver feel drowsy and sleepy behind the wheel, which may affect their driving ability and cause them to drift into another lane.

Impact of Sideswipe Accident
Sideswipe accidents can cause serious damage to vehicles and their occupants, depending upon the size and speed of both vehicles. From minor bruises and scratches to serious injuries, which sometimes prove to be fatal, such as:

• Brain damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Severe neck injury
• Damage to internal organs
• Fractures
• Hip or knee damage

How Can A Lawyer Help?
If you or your loved one has sustained an injury due to sideswipe collision and negligence of someone else, you are entitled to obtain compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and sufferings. Procuring services of an experienced personal injury lawyer can be highly advantageous for your case.

A personal injury lawyer will ensure that your rights remain protected throughout the litigation process. Using their vast experience and knowledge pertaining to law and regulations applicable to your case, your personal injury lawyer will establish facts and gather evidence to prove the negligence of the defendant.

If you wish to seek further information about this subject or schedule a consultation session, contact the team at Wright & James, P.C. at 404-624-7447 to discuss your case with an experienced personal injury lawyer.