Sideswipe collisions, though often considered minor compared to head-on or T-bone accidents, can be deceptively dangerous. These accidents occur when the sides of two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact. While these collisions might not sound like they would be that dangerous, sideswipe collisions can result in significant injuries and property damage. At The Law Offices of G. Turner Howard III and Associates, we’re ready to get you the compensation you deserve after a sideswipe accident. Here’s a list of what makes sideswipe collisions so dangerous:
- Limited Protection: Unlike frontal or rear-end collisions where vehicles have crumple zones and airbags to absorb impact, sideswipe collisions offer far less protection to occupants. When a vehicle is struck from the side, there's minimal material between the occupants and the impacting vehicle, increasing the risk of injuries, especially to the torso and head.
- Loss of Control: Sideswipe collisions can lead to a loss of control over the vehicle, especially at high speeds. When a vehicle is struck from the side, the force may cause the driver to lose control, potentially resulting in the vehicle veering off the road, colliding with other vehicles, or rolling over. This loss of control can escalate the severity of the accident and the extent of injuries sustained.
- Secondary Collisions: One of the lesser-known dangers of sideswipe collisions is the potential for secondary collisions. When a vehicle is sideswiped, it may be pushed into adjacent lanes or into the path of other vehicles, leading to subsequent collisions. These secondary impacts can cause additional injuries and damage, complicating the aftermath of the accident.
- Vulnerability of Motorcycles and Pedestrians: Sideswipe collisions pose an even greater threat to vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists and pedestrians. Motorcycles lack the protective structure of cars, making riders particularly susceptible to serious injuries in sideswipe accidents.
- Intersection Risks: Sideswipe collisions frequently occur at intersections, where vehicles are often changing lanes or making turns. In busy urban areas like Knoxville, these accidents can occur due to driver distraction, failure to signal lane changes, or misjudgment of gaps in traffic. Intersection sideswipe collisions can result in significant traffic disruptions, injuries, and legal complications.
Contact G3 Today
While sideswipe collisions may seem less severe than other types of car accidents, they pose significant dangers to motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. Limited protection, loss of control, the risk of secondary collisions, and the vulnerability of motorcycles and pedestrians underscore the seriousness of sideswipe accidents.
If you've been involved in a sideswipe collision in Knoxville or the surrounding areas, don't hesitate to seek the guidance of experienced legal professionals like The Law Offices of G. Turner Howard III and Associates to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact G3 today at (865) 558-8030.
