Merging accidents are common. Sometimes these are side impact or sideswipe accidents. Many sideswipe crashes while merging are caused by a driver not checking their vehicle’s blind spot properly while changing lanes or merging. The driver might quickly glance and think it is clear to switch lanes, but it is not.
The only way to avoid this after the merging driver starts switching lanes is if the other driver can alert the merging driver by sounding his or her horn, can merge into another lane himself, or can stop his or her vehicle in time to avoid a crash.
What is a Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe crash happens when the sides of two vehicles make contact or hit one another. Usually, the contact between vehicles is made when a driver is trying to change lanes.
These are sometimes called “blind spot accidents” because they happen in the driver’s blind spot, which requires a double check before moving lanes. Before merging, a driver must double check to make sure it is safe before switching lanes because of the risk of hitting another vehicle.
Many sideswipe accidents just cause property damage, but some can cause serious injuries, especially if the cars are traveling at a high rate of speed on the interstate. Various damages can result from a sideswipe crash.
Sideswipe Crashes are Dangerous
Sideswipe crashes on the freeway can be dangerous or even deadly. The reaction of a driver that is being sideswiped is to move away from the car that is hitting them. This jerk of the steering wheel can cause impact with another vehicle or something else. To avoid the vehicle that is sideswiping them, they might hit guardrails, trees, road signs, barrels, utility poles, barriers, or even other vehicles. The person who failed to check his or her blind spot and cuts into the other driver’s lane is at fault for the crash.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney After a Sideswipe Crash
If you have suffered damages and injuries in a sideswipe crash from merging, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. There are no upfront costs. The attorney will not be paid until you get a settlement or judgment for your damages.
There are several damages that might result from a sideswipe crash, such as property damages, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and more. Your personal injury attorney will assess your situation and determine which damages you suffered because of the crash.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form to have your case reviewed by a personal injury lawyer today. A statute of limitations does apply, so don’t wait until it is too late to recover compensation for your damages.
