What to Do After a Sideswipe Accident
Sideswipe crashes may look minor at first, but anyone who has lived through one knows they can be far more serious than a simple scrape. These collisions happen in an instant and often leave victims dealing with painful injuries, vehicle damage, and overwhelming stress. If you were sideswiped because of another driver’s negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses.
Why Sideswipe Collisions Are So Dangerous
A sideswipe occurs when the side of one vehicle hits the side of another—usually during a lane change or when a driver drifts out of their lane. These impacts can be especially severe when a larger vehicle hits a smaller car. SUVs, trucks, and commercial vehicles sit higher off the ground and have heavier, reinforced bumpers, increasing the chance of serious head, neck, or upper-body injuries to those inside smaller cars.
In crashes involving tractor-trailers or heavy equipment, the risk of catastrophic injuries rises significantly. These vehicles can crush the upper portion of a smaller car or even cause underride events, where a car becomes trapped beneath a trailer.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
Most sideswipe crashes come down to human error. According to national safety agencies, 94% of all crashes stem from driver mistakes such as:
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Distracted driving
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Speeding
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Impaired driving
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Drowsy driving
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Failing to check mirrors or blind spots
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Improper lane changes
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Misjudging space when passing or merging
Sideswipes can happen in parallel lanes, at intersections, while avoiding hazards, or when a driver clips a parked or slowly moving vehicle.
The Injuries Sideswipe Crashes Can Cause
Even when the point of contact is small, the outcome can be devastating. Injuries often depend on the size and speed of the vehicles involved. Common injuries include:
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Traumatic brain injuries
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Neck and back injuries
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Spinal cord damage
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Broken bones
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Internal injuries
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Severe head and upper-body trauma
These injuries can lead to long-term medical care, limited mobility, lost wages, and major changes to a victim’s everyday life.
Why Safety Features Don’t Eliminate the Risk
Modern vehicles come with side-impact protection such as reinforced frames, side airbags, and lane-assist features. While these systems help reduce injuries, they cannot prevent all harm—especially when a smaller vehicle is hit by a truck or commercial vehicle. Technology cannot overcome a distracted, impaired, or fatigued driver.
Sideswipe Accidents Involving Large Trucks
Sideswipes involving tractor-trailers are especially dangerous. A truck’s size, speed, and height can turn a glancing blow into a catastrophic impact. If the car slides beneath the trailer (side underride), the results are often fatal.
Some safety experts recommend mandatory side underride guards on trailers, but currently, federal law only requires rear guards. When trucking companies choose not to install proven safety equipment, they may be held responsible for avoidable injuries.
Who Pays for Your Medical Bills and Lost Income?
If you were injured in Florida, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays a portion of your medical bills and lost wages—regardless of fault. But PIP benefits are limited and may not cover everything.
You may pursue a claim against the at-fault driver if you suffered:
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Permanent loss of a bodily function
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Permanent injury
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Significant scarring or disfigurement
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The loss of a loved one
A personal injury claim can help you recover compensation for pain and suffering, future medical care, and other long-term losses.
Be Careful When Speaking With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies will often reach out quickly after a sideswipe accident—sometimes asking for a recorded statement. While you must cooperate with your own insurer for PIP, you are not required to give a statement to the other driver’s insurer.
Before speaking with any insurance adjuster, it’s wise to talk with a car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can:
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Protect you from unfair insurance tactics
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Handle all communication with the insurance companies
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Gather evidence proving fault
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Help you pursue the maximum compensation available
Injured in a Sideswipe Accident? We’re Here to Help.
A sideswipe crash can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. A skilled personal injury attorney can guide you through your legal options, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you or someone you love was injured in a sideswipe accident, speak with a trusted car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
