Sideswipe accidents involve one driver hitting, swiping, or scraping against another, and the impact can be extremely dangerous. Sideswipe accidents are generally caused by negligence on the part of the driver who swipes against the other, often while changing lanes or entering a roadway. If another motorist leaves you injured in a sideswipe accident, an experienced Butler accident lawyer at Conlon Tarker P.C. has the experience, legal insight, and drive to help.
When Sideswipe Accidents Are Most Likely to Happen
There are several scenarios when sideswipe accidents are most likely to happen, including:
- Drivers who fail to ensure it is safe to change lanes before doing so, which includes checking blind spots, are even more likely to cause sideswipe accidents when driving high-clearance vehicles.
- Drivers who fail to take the necessary safety precautions when merging onto new roadways, such as from on-ramps
- Motorists who attempt to squeeze past forward traffic before a reduction in the number of lanes
- Motorists who fail to allow other vehicles on the side of the road, such as post-accident, a safety buffer, which generally requires moving over a lane
- Drivers who fail to reduce their speed in response to risk factors on the road, including narrow roadways and the effects of bad weather
- Motorists who make improper turns, such as failing to adequately assess the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before taking a left through an intersection without a green arrow
- Aggressive drivers who weave in and out of traffic without bothering to take adequate safety precautions, which often means cutting in dangerously close to other drivers
Finally, it’s important to note that excessive speed is a primary contributing factor in far too many sideswipe accidents.
The Risks Associated with Sideswipe Accidents
Every car accident is dangerous, but sideswipe accidents pose unique risks. To begin, if you’re hit from the side, it is likely to come with little or no warning, which means there is no time to take preemptive safety measures.
In addition, the sides of the cars we drive provide less structural protection from the impact of accidents. For example, there is no crumple zone at the side, like the hood at the front and the trunk at the rear. Further, side airbags rank lower than front airbags in terms of life-saving statistics.
Finally, sideswipe accidents can trigger rollovers, which are some of the deadliest accidents on our roadways. If you are sideswiped, the momentum can also send you out of your lane, potentially leading to a multi-car accident that amplifies the risk.
Our Accident Attorneys Care About You and Your Claim
A reputable Butler sideswipe accident lawyer at Conlon Tarker P.C. is well-equipped to help guide your complex claim effectively and efficiently forward toward an optimal outcome that upholds your rights and best interests. Regaining your health and well-being is too important to leave to chance, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at 724-285-7700 today.
