One common kind of traffic accident is called a sideswipe accident. With a sideswipe accident, one vehicle hits the other with its side. For example, two vehicles may be traveling next to each other on the highway. As a driver attempts to move over a lane, they may not notice that a driver is already there. As a result, both vehicles hit their sides together, resulting in a sideswipe accident.
Sideswipe accidents are caused by many different factors, but there are a few common causes, too. Some include:
- Not checking the lane next to the vehicle before merging over
- Merging without moving quickly enough to completely pass and overtake a vehicle in the other lane
- Poor weather conditions, which make it hard to see
- Breaking the speed limit, which can result in changing lanes too quickly or being unable to correct before hitting someone
- Driving while distracted, which can lead to a car traveling out of its lane
What should you do if you’re involved in a sideswiping accident?
If you move into another lane accidentally or are sideswiped by another vehicle, do your best to maintain control of your vehicle and come to a stop. If your vehicle is not disabled, move it to the side of the road, where you and other victims inside your vehicle may be safer and at a lower risk of being involved in a secondary collision caused by drivers who are not paying attention.
Next, call 911 and wait for help to arrive. Check on the other driver if you can, so you can begin working toward a resolution following the crash.