You’re driving on the 405, keeping pace with traffic, when – out of nowhere – a car drifts into your lane and scrapes the side of your vehicle. You just got into a sideswipe accident, and while this misfortune can make you feel like luck isn’t on your side, it’s more common than you might think.
According to California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), over 13,000 sideswipe collisions resulting in injury or death occurred statewide in 2023 alone. These accidents can leave you shaken, your car damaged, and your mind racing with questions, mainly: who’s really at fault?
To help you understand, we’ve put together this visual guide, which covers the common causes, how fault is determined, prevention tips, and your legal options moving forward.
10 Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents can sneak up on you when you least expect them. Knowing what causes these close calls can help you stay one step ahead and protect yourself in the event of an unexpected incident. Here are some of the most common causes behind sideswipe collisions that lead to injuries:
1. Driver distraction
Distraction is one of the most common contributors to collisions. When a driver takes their eyes off the road, even if it’s only briefly, to check a text, adjust a playlist, or grab a bite to eat, their vehicle can drift out of its lane and into another car. These accidents often occur at high speeds on highways or in stop-and-go traffic, where space is limited, making even minor lapses in attention particularly hazardous.
2. Failure to check blind spots when changing lanes
Every vehicle has a blind spot, and failing to double-check it before switching lanes can easily result in a sideswipe accident. This type of accident typically happens when a driver assumes the lane is clear based solely on their mirrors without turning their head to confirm.
3. Improper lane changes
Abrupt or unsignaled lane changes don’t give other drivers time to react. When a driver swerves into another lane without warning, it’s easy to sideswipe a car that’s already there, especially in congested traffic.
4. Driving while fatigued or drowsy
Fatigued drivers are more likely to lose focus or even briefly fall asleep at the wheel. This can cause unintentional lane drift, which leads to sideswipe crashes, particularly on long stretches of road or during late-night driving.
5. Driving under the influence
Impaired drivers have slower reaction times and poor judgment. Swerving between lanes, misjudging distances, or overcorrecting steering can all result in a sideswipe, especially in heavy traffic or at high speeds.
6. Aggressive driving behaviors
Drivers who weave between lanes, tailgate, or speed are more likely to make unsafe lane changes. These risky behaviors reduce the margin for error and increase the likelihood of clipping another vehicle during a lane shift.
7. Merging into traffic
Sideswipes frequently occur during merges when drivers fail to yield properly or misjudge the available space. Attempting to force into a lane too quickly or cutting off another vehicle can result in a side collision.
8. Wide turns by large vehicles
Trucks, buses, and other large vehicles often require extra space to turn. If a smaller car gets caught in the “squeeze zone” during a wide right turn, it can be sideswiped by the larger vehicle swinging wide or tracking into another lane.
9. Road rage incidents
In some cases, sideswipe collisions are the result of aggressive or retaliatory driving. When tempers flare, drivers may use their vehicles to intimidate or intentionally bump another car, creating a dangerous and often injurious situation.
10. Adverse weather conditions
Rain, fog, ice, and strong winds can all reduce visibility and control. Under these conditions, drivers may unintentionally drift into adjacent lanes, increasing the likelihood of a sideswipe, especially when lane markings are difficult to see, or the road surface is slippery.
Facts and Stats on Sideswipe Accidents
Understanding the numbers behind sideswipe accidents can help you see just how common and serious these collisions are, especially here in Orange County. These facts highlight the importance of awareness and safe driving habits in protecting yourself and others on the road.
Between 2023 and 2024, there were 25,057 crashes reported in Orange County
This high number underscores the daily risks faced by even experienced drivers, emphasizing the importance of staying alert and consistently following traffic laws.
33% of these crashes occurred on state highways
State highways are designed for fast travel, but that speed, combined with heavy traffic, creates a perfect storm for collisions, highlighting the need for extra caution on these roads.
From all the crashes reported, 307 of them (1.23%) were fatal
While fatal crashes are a small fraction, their devastating impact affects families and communities deeply, reminding motorists and pedestrians that safety can never be taken lightly.
Sideswipe accidents accounted for 2,713 crashes (10.83%)
Being the second most common crash type shows that improper lane changes and driver inattention are widespread issues that can lead to serious injuries.
108 sideswipe crashes happened between 3 PM and 6 PM on Thursdays
This peak period coincides with rush hour when drivers are often tired or distracted, emphasizing the importance of patience and defensive driving during busy times.
Unsafe speeds were a factor in 10.20% of these sideswipe crashes
Speeding reduces reaction time and vehicle control, making it one of the most preventable causes of accidents – slowing down can save lives.
Determining Liability in Sideswipe Accidents
Determining fault in a sideswipe accident isn’t always simple. These collisions often happen in the blink of an eye, with both drivers pointing fingers. Look at several key pieces of evidence to determine liability.
1. Start with traffic laws and vehicle codes
The fault often comes down to who broke the rules. Under California law (like Vehicle Code §22107), failing to signal, speeding, or making unsafe lane changes can establish negligence. If one driver is cited for a traffic violation, that’s usually a strong indicator of fault.
2. Look for witness testimonies
Neutral third-party accounts can support your version of events. Witnesses may confirm unsafe behavior, like drifting into another lane without checking blind spots, which helps clarify who acted negligently.
3. Review the police reports
Officers document what they observe, including vehicle positions and any admissions from the drivers. Their assessment can influence how insurers and courts view liability, especially if someone admits to an unsafe lane change.
4. Examine physical evidence at the scene
Look at the damage and skid marks. For example, if one car’s front end hits the side of another, it can suggest which driver moved out of their lane. Taking clear photos right after the crash helps preserve this proof.
5. Secure surveillance and dashcam footage
Footage from traffic cams, dashcams, or nearby buildings can clearly show who moved into whose lane. It’s often the most objective way to determine who is at fault in a sideswipe accident when drivers give conflicting stories.
How to Prevent Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe crashes often happen in a split second, but many of them are entirely avoidable. Practicing a few key safety habits can make all the difference. Here’s how to stay in your lane – and out of trouble.
Always check blind spots
Before you switch lanes, take a moment to double-check your mirrors and do a quick shoulder glance. Blind spots, especially on the driver’s side and near the rear quarter of your vehicle, can easily hide a car, motorcycle, or even a cyclist. A quick head check can prevent a costly crash.
Use turn signals correctly
Going right? Left? Turn signals are your way of communicating with other drivers, especially during lane changes or turns. Failing to use them can catch others off guard and lead to a sideswipe. Signal early, ideally at least 100 feet before changing lanes or making a turn. This simple habit not only prevents accidents but also improves overall road courtesy and flow.
Maintain a safe following distance
Tailgating often causes sudden lane changes, especially to avoid hard braking. Leaving enough space between you and the car ahead gives you more time to react and stay in control. Use the three-second rule in normal conditions, and leave even more space when it’s raining or visibility is poor.
Avoid distracted driving
Distractions are one of the top causes of all types of crashes, including sideswipes. Whether it’s texting, eating, or fiddling with your GPS, any split-second loss of focus can cause you to drift into another lane. Keep your hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and mind on your surroundings. Being alert is the first step to staying safe on the road.
Be aware of large vehicles
Big trucks and buses have large blind spots and need extra room to turn or change lanes. Give them plenty of room, and avoid staying in their blind spots for too long. A good rule of thumb is that if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you.
Practice defensive driving
Expect the unexpected. Not every driver checks their blind spots or signals properly, so don’t assume they will. Keep an eye on the positioning and speed of other cars, and be prepared to react. Defensive driving isn’t paranoia but rather preparation and avoiding avoidable trouble.
Adjust to weather conditions
Rain, fog, and slick roads reduce both visibility and tire traction, increasing the likelihood of unintended lane departures. Drive slower, turn on your lights, and leave more space between cars when the weather is bad. When visibility drops, or the road feels slippery, give yourself more time and space to react safely.
Common Injuries From Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents, while sometimes appearing minor, can result in a range of injuries due to the sudden impact and lateral forces involved. These injuries can vary depending on the speed of the vehicles, the angle of impact, and the size of the vehicles involved. Here are some common injuries that may occur in a sideswipe accident:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
The sudden jerking motion of the head and neck during a sideswipe collision can lead to whiplash. This can result in neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and limited range of motion.
Back Injuries
The impact can cause strains, sprains, and other injuries to the back, including herniated discs and spinal cord injuries.
Shoulder Injuries
Injuries to the shoulder, such as dislocations, rotator cuff tears, and fractures, are common due to the impact and the body’s attempt to brace against it.
Chest Injuries
If the impact is significant, it can cause chest contusions, rib fractures, or internal injuries. Airbags deploying in a sideswipe accident can also cause chest bruising.
Arm and Leg Injuries
Scrapes, bruises, fractures, and sprains to the arms and legs can occur, especially if limbs are near the point of impact.
Head Injuries
Even if the head does not directly strike anything, the sudden movement can cause concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other head traumas.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are common. These may include sprains, strains, and contusions.
Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, victims of sideswipe accidents may experience psychological trauma, such as anxiety, fear of driving, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Your Best Protection Is Paying Attention
Sideswipe accidents might seem like a “brush” with danger, but the impact can run much deeper – physically, emotionally, and financially. To start prevention, you must first understand its causes. Remember that accidents can happen to anyone, and even the most cautious drivers can fall victim to another’s negligence.
When a sideswipe turns your life sideways, having the right legal team matters. RMD Law offers the support and skills you need to move forward.
Contact us for a complimentary free case evaluation.
