Car accidents can happen in many different ways, but one of the more common types on multi-lane roads is a sideswipe collision. A “sideswipe” collision occurs when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another vehicle. In many cases, both vehicles are traveling in the same direction in adjacent lanes when the crash happens. However, sideswipe accidents can also occur when vehicles traveling in opposite directions pass too closely, and their sides collide.
Although some sideswipe incidents may seem minor, they can be extremely dangerous, especially at highway speeds. The sudden contact can cause a driver to lose control, drift into another lane, or collide with other vehicles or roadside barriers. Sideswipe accidents can lead to serious injuries, major vehicle damage, and even multi-car crashes.
What Are Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents?
Sideswipe collisions often happen because one driver fails to maintain their lane or safely check their surroundings before changing lanes. Drivers have a legal duty to stay within their lane and ensure the road is clear before moving into another lane. Some of the most common causes of sideswipe accidents include:
- Unsafe lane changes: When a driver attempts to change lanes without properly checking mirrors or blind spots, they may collide with a vehicle already traveling in that lane.
- Distracted driving: Looking at a phone, adjusting navigation, or talking with passengers can cause a driver to drift out of their lane and strike another vehicle.
- Failure to check blind spots: Many sideswipe accidents occur when drivers fail to notice a vehicle traveling beside them in a blind spot.
- Aggressive or rushed driving: Quick lane changes in heavy traffic or speeding to pass another vehicle can increase the risk of sideswipe collisions.
- Driver fatigue or impairment: Tired or impaired drivers may struggle to maintain their lane or accurately judge the distance between vehicles.
Because sideswipe accidents often happen suddenly and at high speeds, they can quickly escalate into more severe crashes involving multiple vehicles.
Injuries and Damage in Sideswipe Collisions
Even if the initial impact appears minor, sideswipe accidents can cause significant harm. The sudden jolt or loss of control can result in injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck and back injuries.
- Broken bones.
- Soft-tissue injuries.
- Spinal cord damage.
In addition to physical injuries, vehicles involved in sideswipe collisions often suffer damage to doors, mirrors, paint, and body panels. In more serious cases, drivers may lose control of their vehicles and crash into guardrails or other cars, causing significant vehicle damage.
Who Is Usually at Fault in a Sideswipe Accident?
Determining fault in a sideswipe accident can sometimes be challenging, especially when both drivers claim they stayed in their lane. Evidence such as vehicle damage, witness statements, traffic cameras, and police reports often plays a key role in determining liability. In many cases, the driver who fails to maintain their lane or makes an unsafe lane change is considered responsible for the crash.
That said, Arkansas follows the rule of “comparative negligence,” which means that liability for an accident may be shared. For example, if both drivers were drifting between lanes or driving negligently, each may bear partial responsibility.
What to Do After a Sideswipe Collision
If you are involved in a sideswipe accident in Arkansas, taking the right steps can help protect your health and your legal rights. Consider the following actions:
- Move to a safe location and call emergency services.
- Seek medical attention—even for minor symptoms.
- Document the accident scene with photos and videos.
- Collect contact information from witnesses.
- File a police report.
- Contact an experienced car accident lawyer.
Prompt medical evaluation is especially important because it creates a medical record linking your injuries to the accident. This documentation can be crucial when dealing with insurance companies that will try to minimize your claim or argue that you were partially responsible.
Contact a Washington County Car Accident Lawyer at Osborne Law Firm if You Are Seeking Compensation After a Sideswipe Collision
If you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe collision, speaking with a knowledgeable Washington County car accident lawyer at Osborne Law Firm can help you understand your legal options and protect your right to compensation. For a free consultation, call today at 479-521-7727 or complete our online contact form. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we gladly serve clients in the surrounding areas.