Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles collide with each other in a sideways motion. They are a common type of car accident that can result in damage to the vehicles and injury to the occupants. Understanding the causes, effects, and ways to prevent sideswipe accidents with Khan Injury Law can help keep you and others on the road safe.
Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
Various factors, including distracted driving, aggressive driving, poor weather conditions, and road design, can cause sideswipe accidents. Some common causes of sideswipe accidents include:
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Lane departure
If drivers are not paying attention or are distracted, they may drift into another lane, causing a sideswipe accident.
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Changing lanes
When drivers try to change lanes without checking their blind spot, they may collide with another vehicle.
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Improper lane usage
When drivers do not stay in their lane, they increase the risk of a sideswipe accident.
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Unsafe merging
When merging onto a highway, drivers must ensure they have enough space to merge into the traffic flow safely. If they do not, they may collide with a vehicle that is already on the highway, causing a sideswipe accident.
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Improper passing
If a driver does not signal or does not have enough space to pass another vehicle safely, they may sideswipe the vehicle they are trying to pass.
Effects of Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents can result in damage to both vehicles involved and injury to the occupants. Some of the most common effects of sideswipe accidents include:
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Property damage
Sideswipe accidents can result in significant damage to the vehicles involved. This can include scratches, dents, and even total loss of the vehicle.
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Personal injury
Sideswipe accidents can also result in injury to the occupants of the vehicles. This can include cuts, bruises, and even severe injuries such as broken bones or head trauma.
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Insurance claims
When a sideswipe accident occurs, the involved parties will typically file insurance claims to cover the cost of the damage and injuries. This can result in increased insurance premiums and be time-consuming and complicated.
Preventing Sideswipe Accidents
Preventing sideswipe accidents is crucial in order to reduce the number of crashes and reduce the devastating effects of these accidents. To prevent sideswipe accidents, driving defensively and being aware of your surroundings at all times is essential.
However, you must speak to an attorney immediately if you get into an accident. An attorney will help you understand if you are eligible to seek compensation. If yes, the attorney will have your back legally, so you get maximum compensation.
