Sideswipe Auto Accidents
Sideswipe auto accidents occur when the sides of two vehicles collide with one another. This tends to occur when vehicles are merging or changing lanes. Collisions of this kind can result in each vehicle losing control, resulting in serious vehicle damage, injuries, and the potential for multi-vehicle collisions.
The people of Kirkland, WA know that attorneys Elizabeth Quick and Matthew Quick are here to help. The team at the Quick Law Group, PLLC would like to briefly go over the basics of sideswipe auto collisions and why they are such a hazard.
Sideswipe Auto Accident Statistics
According to numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sideswipe collisions accounted for approximately 670,000 property-damage-only accidents, approximately 104,000 injury accidents, and 824 fatal accidents in 2015. A total of 12.3 percent of all auto collisions that year were the result of sideswipe crashes.
Failure to Check the Blind Spot
One of the most common causes of sideswipe collisions is a failure for motorists to check their blind spot. When a vehicle is riding in your blind spot, you are unable to see it in your mirrors. Turning to check the blind spot is essential for safe driving. Sadly, many motorists are negligent in checking their blind spot, resulting in crashes.
Failure to Use Turn Signals
Using a turn signal while merging or changing lanes is not just an act of courtesy. It is an act of common sense. When you let other drivers know you’re switching lanes or making your way into a merged lane, they are more likely to slow down, give you room, and make sure an accident does not occur. Sudden lane changes or merges make sideswipe accidents more likely.
Texting While Driving
Cellphones are essential for daily living, yet cellphone use behind the wheel is negligent and can result in serious injuries. If you text while driving, you will take your eyes off the road and at least one hand off the wheel for around 4 to 5 seconds at a time. At highways speeds, you can cover the length of a football field in that time. Many dangers can occur in such a short duration.
This is why the state of Washington has made it completely illegal for drivers to hold a handle electronic device, even when the vehicle is stopped at an intersection. These laws are even stricter than other states with cellphone bans behind the wheel.
Other Sources of Driver Distraction
While texting while driving is one of the most well-known causes of driver distraction, this can actually take many different forms. Rubbernecking, eating while driving, grooming while driving, and other similar activities behind the wheel can lead to dangerous distractions that can make sideswipe collisions more likely.
Who Is Liable in a Sideswipe Collision?
Proving liability in a sideswipe collision can be challenging, and it hinges on proving that a person or party was riving in a reckless or negligent manner. If you can prove that another motorist was violating traffic laws, frequently changing lanes, or was under the influence, that can help with your case.
Our lawyers will review the evidence in your collision and help you build the strongest case possible.
Contact an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyers
For more information about your legal rights and options following an auto accident, be sure to contact our experienced auto accident lawyers. The team at Quick Law Group, PLLC is here to help you. Our office can be reached by phone at (425) 576-8150.
