What You Need to Know About Sideswipe Car Accidents

Car accidents are always upsetting. They happen in an instant and after they’ve happened, people are often so overwhelmed that they don’t know what to do next. But when the accident occurs by being sideswiped by another driver, they can be particularly upsetting because drivers often have no idea they’re about to be hit and have no chance to react. One minute, you can be driving along exactly as you’re supposed to and the next, you’re sidelined because the person driving in the lane next to you veered out of their lane and right into the side of your car.

Sideswipe car accidents can happen for many different reasons, including failing to check blind spots, changing lanes without using turn signals, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, drowsy driving, and general recklessness. In many cases, they’re caused by one driver veering to avoid something in the road ahead of them without checking to see if anyone was in the lane next to them first.

There’s a misconception that sideswipe car accidents are less severe than other types of car accidents, but they do have the potential to cause serious injuries. Because of the basic design of passenger vehicles, auto manufacturers are able to provide more safety features in the front and rear sections of the vehicles than they are in the sides. Injuries caused by a sideswipe car accident can range from minor contusions to more serious problems like neck, back, and spinal injuries.

If you another driver sideswipes you while you’re on the road, do your best to stay calm and maintain control over your car to the best of your ability. Try to avoid veering into a neighboring lane yourself because that can potentially cause another car accident. Instead, slow down and find a safe spot to pull over and determine the extent of the damage. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away. Local police should also be contacted to report the accident. Exchange contact information with the other driver, try to note exactly where the accident took place, and take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, as well as of the general scene where the accident took place. If there were any witnesses, get their names and contact information.

After a sideswipe accident, contact a car accident lawyer to find out what legal options you have, especially if injuries are involved. At Goodwin & Scieszka, we have attorneys experienced in working with the victims of a wide range of car accident types. Contact us today with any questions about your Michigan car accident and find out how we can help you.