Side-swipe accidents can occur in a blink of an eye. You are driving along, no problem, then another car grazes the side of your car, and you are disoriented and wondering what just happened. These are common accidents, especially on busy highways or crowded borough streets.
Common Causes of Side-Swipe Accidents
Distracted driving is one of the principal reasons behind side-swipe accidents. Drivers in today’s world have more to juggle than they should when behind the wheel. This can take attention away from the road, looking at a text, adjusting the GPS, or eating lunch. That brief second of inattention is enough for a car to drift out of its lane and into the side of another vehicle. Distracted driving is not just when you are on your phone; anything that takes your eyes off the road can result in a sudden collision.
Unsafe lane changes are a significant cause of side-swipe accidents. Surprisingly, many drivers do not check their blind spots properly or signal before switching lanes. A devastating sideswipe results when a driver moves without first checking to see if the lane is clear. Indeed, this is especially dangerous on highways due to the higher speeds vehicles travel on, combined with the impact’s force. In case of negligence that makes you the victim, a car accident lawyer near me could help you sail through the process.
Other side-swipe accidents can occur when merging onto highways or changing intersectional lanes. These accidents occur in high-traffic areas where drivers are more than willing to enter or exit. When merging, many people get impatient and need to give the appropriate space, resulting in collisions—the more dangerous the consequences, the faster the vehicles.
Fatigue, Impairment, and Aggressive Driving
Fatigue and impaired driving are major culprits in side-swipe accidents and unsafe maneuvers. When drivers are too tired, their judgment is affected, and their reaction time is slowed. It further clouds their ability to stay within their lane from impairment from alcohol or drugs. The consequences can be life altering to the driver at fault and the innocent victims they strike, no matter what.
Other significant factors include aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating and speeding. Drivers who signal or do not signal and weave in and out of lanes without thinking about other vehicles on the road are more likely to sideswipe. This type of driving is not only dangerous but also illegal and usually results in severe injuries.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in Securing Compensation
Although side-swipe accidents are sometimes written off as minor, the injuries they cause can be severe. If your car is hit so fast that it is pushed into other vehicles or obstacles, whiplash, broken bones, or even head trauma can result. Medical bills pile up fast and recovering compensation for these injuries takes proving the other driver was negligent.
A car accident lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident. Especially when the insurance companies try to minimize your claim, you should not have to face them alone. Your attorney fights to ensure you are treated fairly, whether to repay vehicle damage, medical expenses, or lost wages.
If you have been injured, contact a qualified personal injury attorney who can help you through the process and get you what you have lost.
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