There is still a possibility of injuries to the legs, head and internal organs, even with side-impact airbags.
Many people often assume that a side-swipe accident only results in minor injuries and damages. But the fact is, most sideswipe accidents lead to the opposite results. Many drivers often lose control of their vehicle in this type of accident, resulting in potentially tragic consequences.
How do Sideswipe Accidents Happen?
A sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles are in lanes next to one another, and one vehicle attempts to move into the other lane. This can happen for a lot of reasons, such as failing to check their blind spot, distracted driving, and more.
However, there are often occurrences of single car sideswipes, if a vehicle hits an inanimate object, such as a k-rail barrier, or a pole, for example. Typically, in these cases, the initial sideswipe is the beginning of a bigger or chain reaction accident. The after-effects of a sideswiping collision are often a result of the overreaction of the driver – like oversteering, or swerving. These actions can turn into a roll-over accident very quickly.
A driver that overreacts to a road hazard or impending collision with another car can be another cause of sideswipe collisions. For instance, someone may be trying to avoid a rear-end collision with the car in front of them and end up sideswiping a car next to them. Therefore, the negligent action by one driver may end up resulting in a side-swipe accident, causing the other driver to drive off the road into a stationary object or other vehicle. No matter what causes a sideswipe accident, the injuries and property damage can be substantial.
What Causes Sideswipe Accidents?
The number one cause of sideswipe accidents is distracted driving. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault for a the accident due to their very nature. The most common reasons why a driver may become distracted include:
- Texting while driving
- Talking on a cellphone while driving
- Changing songs or radio station while driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol
Insurance companies often dispute paying for injuries that occur due to sideswipe accidents. This is why it’s important to contact a Sacramento car accident attorney if you have been involved in a sideswipe accident.
What are the Hazards of Sideswipe Car Accidents?
For most cars, the majority of the protection for the driver and passengers is located at the front and back of the vehicle. When a sideswipe accident occurs, the vehicle or object that collides with yours ends up being just inches away from your body. There is still a possibility of injuries to the legs, head and internal organs, even with side-impact airbags.
When high speed is involved, a car can be pushed into another lane of traffic or off of the road, causing a head-on or rear-end collision. Depending on the severity of the crash, your injuries could far exceed what you can afford to pay in medical bills.
Contact the Law Offices of Zappettini and Bradley
Our sole focus is on helping the victims of car accidents receive full and fair compensation. We never rush to settle your case for less than its full value. We do not hesitate to take cases to court when insurers won’t treat you fairly.
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before you speak with a lawyer. Call our offices at (916) 457-5022 or fill out our online contact form to request a Free Consultation.
