What Is a Sideswipe Collision?

When two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact along their sides, the resulting impact can send both careening out of control. Sideswipe accidents typically occur when drivers drift from their lanes without warning, creating dangerous situations that, while seemingly minor at first glance, can lead to devastating chain reactions and serious injuries. Here is what you need to know about sideswipe collisions on Utah roads.

Factors That Lead to Sideswipe Collisions

Sideswipe accidents rarely happen without reason. Most stem from driver behaviors or road conditions that could have been avoided with proper attention and care, such as:

• Distracted Driving: Using your phone, adjusting the radio, or taking your eyes off the road for even a moment can cause your vehicle to drift into neighboring lanes and trigger a sideswipe collision.
• Failure to Check Blind Spots: Neglecting to properly check your blind spots before changing lanes can easily lead to sideswipe accidents on highways and busy streets.
• Aggressive Lane Changes: Cutting across traffic without signaling or ensuring adequate space often leads to dangerous accidents that endanger everyone on the road.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drugs significantly impair your ability to maintain lane position and spatial awareness, increasing the risk of drifting into adjacent vehicles.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or ice can reduce traction and visibility, making it harder to control your vehicle and maintain proper lane position.
• Poor Road Maintenance: Potholes, uneven pavement, or unclear lane markings can cause you to swerve unexpectedly, resulting in sideswipe collisions when you inadvertently enter adjacent lanes.

Injuries Caused by Sideswipe Collisions

When vehicles collide along their sides, the impact can send them spinning into other lanes of traffic or off the road entirely. The initial impact may seem minor, but serious injuries can still happen due to the sudden forces that throw occupants against doors, windows, and other hard surfaces inside the vehicle. Additionally, sideswipe collisions often trigger chain-reaction crashes when vehicles are pushed into other lanes of traffic. These secondary impacts can cause more severe injuries than the initial sideswipe itself, as they may involve head-on or T-bone collisions.

Some of the most common injuries in sideswipe accidents include:

• Head and brain injuries
• Neck and back trauma
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Bruising
• Shoulder injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Psychological trauma
• Soft tissue damage

How to Recover After a Sideswipe Accident in Utah

If you were injured in a sideswipe collision, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Utah operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will pay for your medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. However, this coverage is limited and does not compensate for property repairs or pain and suffering.

To pursue additional compensation beyond your PIP coverage, your injuries must either result in medical bills exceeding $3,000 or qualify as serious injuries—including permanent disability, impairment, disfigurement, or dismemberment. If you meet these thresholds, you have the right to file a third-party insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the driver who caused your collision. 

Trust a Utah Car Accident Attorney to Fight for You

If you were hurt in a sideswipe collision, you deserve justice. A St. George auto accident lawyer can help you navigate Utah’s complex no-fault system and fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to receive. Schedule a free, confidential consultation and begin your legal journey today.