Preventing dangerous sideswipe accidents

Dec 14, 2022

Sideswipe accidents are quite common in Michigan and around the country and are the cause of approximately 2,500 deaths each year. A sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions crash into the sides of each other. Sideswipe accidents can result in serious injuries and costly property damage. Luckily, they can be prevented.

Causes of sideswipe accidents

One of the most common causes of sideswipe accidents is unawareness of blind spots in vehicles. Drivers who do not remain keenly aware of the blind spots in their vehicles will not consider them when changing lanes or making turns. They could easily miss vehicles that are beside them and cause a motor vehicle accident.

Operating a vehicle when you are too sleepy to drive can cause a sideswipe accident. Drifting off to sleep can make you unaware that you are crossing into the lane beside you. Often, the result is you hit the vehicle in the side causing any number of injuries and property damage.

Preventing a sideswipe accident

The first step in preventing sideswipe accidents is to simply be aware they can occur. You should constantly be aware of your surroundings and the drivers beside you. If a car is being driven erratically, create some space between your vehicle and the other car.

You should also be aware of your own blind spots and make sure you check them every time you change lanes or merge into oncoming traffic. You should also plan ahead and continuously watch traffic around you. This will help you stay prepared to change lanes and reduce the possibility of an accident.

If you are the unfortunate victim of a sideswipe accident, dealing with the at-fault driver and their insurance company can be difficult. It could help to seek guidance to assist you with the complex process of filing a claim. A properly administered insurance claim can make the difference in receiving a positive outcome.

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