While sideswipe collisions may not seem as dangerous as head-on or rear-end accidents, they can still lead to serious damage and life-altering injuries. In congested areas like Los Angeles, where lane changes and heavy traffic are common, sideswipe collisions occur frequently, and their risks are often underestimated. This post explores why sideswipe collisions are deceptively dangerous, how they happen, and what you can do to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

What is a Sideswipe Collision?

A sideswipe collision occurs when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions make contact with the sides of each other. Unlike a direct hit, where the front or rear of the vehicles are impacted, a sideswipe involves glancing blows along the sides, which can lead to a loss of control or even a multi-car crash in more severe cases.

While sideswipe collisions can occur at high speeds on highways or at lower speeds in city traffic, they pose significant dangers due to the unexpected nature of the impact and the challenge of maintaining control afterward.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Collisions

Several factors can contribute to sideswipe accidents. These include:

  1. Unsafe Lane Changes
    Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes are often the cause of sideswipe collisions. In heavy traffic areas like Los Angeles, where frequent lane changes are common, drivers may misjudge the space available or fail to notice another vehicle next to them.

  2. Distracted Driving
    Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car navigation systems can cause drivers to drift out of their lanes, leading to sideswipe collisions. Even a momentary lapse in concentration can result in a dangerous accident.

  3. Driving Under the Influence
    Alcohol or drug impairment slows reaction times and reduces a driver’s ability to maintain proper lane control, often resulting in sideswipe collisions. Impaired drivers are more likely to swerve or veer into other lanes without realizing it.

  4. Fatigued Driving
    Drowsy drivers often struggle to keep their vehicles in their lanes, leading to sideswipes. Fatigued driving is a common issue, especially on long highways, where drivers may drift into adjacent lanes without realizing it.

  5. Aggressive Driving
    Aggressive drivers who weave in and out of traffic or speed through lanes are more prone to sideswiping other vehicles. This behavior is particularly dangerous in dense urban areas like Sherman Oaks, where drivers may not have enough space or time to react.

Why Sideswipe Collisions are Deceptively Dangerous

At first glance, a sideswipe collision may appear minor because the initial impact is often less severe than head-on or T-bone crashes. However, these accidents are deceptively dangerous for several reasons:

  1. Loss of Control
    The sudden impact from a sideswipe can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, leading to more severe collisions. This is particularly dangerous on highways, where a sideswiped car may veer into other lanes or even roll over.

  2. Chain-Reaction Crashes
    Sideswipe collisions can lead to chain-reaction crashes, especially in multi-lane traffic. A sideswiped vehicle may collide with other cars, leading to multi-vehicle pileups, which are often more dangerous than the initial sideswipe.

  3. Hidden Vehicle Damage
    The damage from a sideswipe isn’t always visible from the outside. Even seemingly minor sideswipe collisions can cause significant internal damage to a vehicle’s frame, suspension, or alignment, which may affect safety and drivability later on.

  4. Delayed Injury Symptoms
    Many victims of sideswipe collisions don’t immediately realize they’ve been injured. The adrenaline following an accident can mask symptoms of soft tissue injuries, whiplash, or even head trauma. It’s important to seek medical attention after any sideswipe collision, even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent.

Common Injuries from Sideswipe Collisions

Despite appearing less severe than other types of crashes, sideswipe collisions can lead to a variety of injuries, such as:

  1. Whiplash
    The sudden impact from a sideswipe can jerk passengers violently, resulting in whiplash. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness, which may take hours or days to appear.

  2. Broken Bones
    In severe cases, sideswipes can crush the sides of vehicles, leading to broken bones or fractures for passengers seated on the impacted side.

  3. Concussions and Head Injuries
    If a driver or passenger’s head strikes the side window or another part of the vehicle during a sideswipe, they may suffer a concussion or more serious traumatic brain injury (TBI).

  4. Spinal Injuries
    The force of the sideswipe may compress the spine or cause herniated discs, leading to long-term pain or limited mobility.

  5. Lacerations and Bruising
    Glass from shattered windows or sharp debris can cause lacerations or deep bruising, especially in cases where the sides of the car crumple from the impact.

Know Your Options

If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe collision, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and more. Proving fault in a sideswipe accident can be challenging, but with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can build a strong case.

At Weiss Attorneys, we understand the unique challenges that sideswipe collision victims face. If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident in Los Angeles or surrounding areas, our experienced team is here to help. We will work to secure the compensation you deserve and guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on the road to recovery.