How To Prevent a Sideswipe Collision

Did you know that a sideswipe collision makes up about 8.2% of all car accidents?

The National Safety Council (NSC) reported that sideswipe collisions caused 1,600 fatalities in 2022.

You might think sideswipe accidents are not a big deal, but they can mess up your day. They can damage your car, hurt you or your passengers, and cause major pile-ups on busy roads.

Why should you care? Well, sideswipe car accidents can happen to anyone, anytime. They are common when changing lanes, merging onto highways, or in busy city traffic.

Knowing how to avoid them and what to do if you are in one can save you a lot of trouble and maybe even your life.

What Is a Sideswipe Collision?

A sideswipe collision happens when two vehicles traveling side by side make contact along their sides.
Imagine driving and suddenly feeling a scrape along your car's side - that is a sideswipe.

These sideswipe accidents come in two types:

• Intentional: When you move without checking your blind spot or signaling.
• Unintentional: When you drift out of your lane without meaning to, maybe because you are distracted or tired.

Sideswipes can be dangerous, especially on highways where cars are moving fast. They can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or even trigger a chain reaction of crashes.

Who Is at Fault in a Sideswipe Accident?

Regarding sideswipe accidents, figuring out who is at fault often boils down to who had the right of way.

The right of way is your legal right to go first in a traffic situation.

If you are driving in your lane and someone sideswipes you while trying to change lanes, they are usually at fault because you had the right of way in your lane.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 9% of all crashes happen during lane changes.
In these cases, the driver changing lanes is often at fault because they must make sure the lane is clear before moving over.
But the fault is not always clear-cut. Sometimes, both drivers might share the blame.

For example, if one driver changes lanes without signaling and the other is speeding, both might be considered partially at fault.

Several factors can help determine who is at fault in a sideswipe car accident:

• Failure to signal: If you do not use your turn signal when changing lanes, you will likely be found at fault.
• Improper lane changes: Crossing solid lines or changing lanes in no-passing zones can make you liable.
• Distracted driving: If you are texting, eating, or not paying attention, you are more likely to be found at fault.
• Drunk driving: If you are under the influence, you will almost always be considered at fault.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and NHTSA report that about 840,000 sideswipe crashes occur annually in the U.S.

How Does Fault Affect Insurance Claims?

If you are found at fault in a sideswipe car accident, your insurance company will cover the other party's damages and injuries. For instance, in South Carolina, you are required to have at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $25,000 in property damage liability.

Being at fault can also lead to an increase in your insurance premiums. In Utah, for example, your rates may rise at your next policy renewal if you're responsible for the sideswipe accident. Additionally, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot collect damages from the other driver's insurance.

Remember, by understanding fault, you can better protect yourself financially and legally on the road.

How To Prevent a Sideswipe Collision?

Sideswipe collisions can happen in any driving environment, but there are effective ways to avoid them.

What Defensive Driving Strategies Can You Use?

To avoid sideswipe accidents, adopt these defensive driving tactics:

• Keep a safe distance: Stay at least 3 seconds behind the car in front of you.
• Check your blind spots: Always look over your shoulder before changing lanes.
• Use your signals: Signal at least 100 feet before turning or changing lanes to let others know your intentions.
• Stay alert: Be aware of cars around you, especially in blind spots.
   

Why Is Staying In Your Lane Important?

Staying within lane boundaries is essential. Here is why:

• It reduces the risk of drifting into another sideswipe car's path.
• It helps other drivers predict your movements.
• It is the law - crossing solid lines can result in traffic violations.

Avoid distractions like your phone, and always be extra cautious when changing lanes.

How Can Modern Vehicle Features Help?

New car features can be your extra set of eyes:

• Lane Departure Warnings: These alert you if you are drifting out of your lane.
• Blind Spot Monitoring: This system warns you about vehicles in your blind spots.
• Lane Keeping Assist: It can gently steer you back into your lane if you start to drift.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that these features can reduce sideswipe car accidents by up to 14%.

To prevent sideswipe collisions in different driving environments, here are additional tips to follow:

• On highways, always use the "move over" law by changing lanes when you see emergency vehicles on highways. Be extra cautious around large trucks, as they have more prominent blind spots.
• In urban traffic, watch for cyclists and pedestrians who may suddenly cross into your lane, and be mindful of parked cars, as doors can open unexpectedly.
• When merging, it is important to accelerate to match the traffic speed and look for gaps well in advance to merge smoothly and safely.
   

What To Do if You’re Involved in a Sideswipe Collision?

If you find yourself in a sideswipe collision, follow these steps:

1. Pull over safely to the side of the road.
2. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
3. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
4. Call 911 if there are any injuries or damage.
5. Exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact details, and insurance information.
6. Do not admit fault or discuss the details of the sideswipe accident with the other driver.

To document the scene:

• Take photos of both vehicles, focusing on the damaged areas.
• Capture wide-angle shots of the accident scene, including road conditions and traffic signs.
• If possible, record a video of walking around both vehicles to show the extent of damage.
• Ask witnesses for their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw.
• Note the time, date, and exact location of the accident.
• Write down or voice record your recollection of the events while they are fresh in your memory.

These steps will help create a record of the incident for insurance and legal purposes.

Even if the damage seems minor, you must report the collision to the police and your insurance company. Hidden damage can be costly, and a police report can be valuable for insurance claims.

Remember, the best way to handle a sideswipe accident is to prevent it from happening. Use the defensive driving strategies we discussed, stay alert, and use your vehicle's safety features.

By doing so, you will not only protect your sideswipe car but also contribute to safer roads for everyone. Stay safe out there!