Any type of accident involving a large truck and smaller vehicle can be serious to say the least, but a sideswipe accident involving a truck such as a delivery truck, tractor-trailer, or tanker truck can be catastrophic—sending the smaller vehicle off the road. Sadly, these types of accidents are usually preventable but often occur due to reckless driving, drowsy driving, distracted driving, driver inexperience, or pure negligence.
Two Types of Sideswipe Accidents
Two types of sideswipe accidents commonly seen on the road include the following:
- Same-direction sideswipes. When two vehicles are traveling in the same direction and one vehicle moves over into the other vehicle’s lane, it can result in a sideswipe. A same-direction sideswipe can also happen when the driver of one vehicle makes an illegal maneuver or turn from an outside lane, overreacts to a road hazard, or attempts to swerve around a collision.
- Opposite direction sideswipes. When two vehicles are headed in the opposite direction and one or both barely cross over the center line on the road, it can result in a sideswipe. While most accidents involving opposing traffic results in an angular or frontal head-on type of crash, some vehicles headed in the opposite direction collide in a sideswiping manner.
Although there are two ways in which sideswipe accidents can occur, these collisions typically happen when two vehicles are traveling alongside each other in the same direction. Although some same-direction sideswipes take place when drivers turn from the wrong lane, such as a right turn from the left outside lane or vice-versa, most sideswipe collisions involving trucks occur because truck drivers attempt to change lanes without looking in their blind spots.
“Blind Spot” Accidents – What To Know
These types of crashes are actually called “blind spot” accidents. In fact, failing to check blind spots is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Because semis and tractor-trailers are so large, they have big blind spots (also called No Zones) that can make it difficult for drivers to see if a lane is empty. Although this is the case, truck drivers still need to do everything they can to avoid a sideswipe collision, which means they need to double and triple check their mirrors, signal their intentions in advance, and move over slowly so that they don’t cause a sideswipe accident.
Contact Shevlin Smith For Help
If a truck driver sideswiped your vehicle and you suffered property damages and physical injuries, you should speak with an accident injury attorney today. Large trucking companies have large insurance companies and lawyers to handle their claims and they will do everything to minimize their liability. To protect yourself and your personal injury claim, it is in your best interest to call us at 703-721-4233 to discuss your accident in a free no-obligation consultation.