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Whether you’re on I-495 or in your own neighborhood, a sideswipe car accident can catch you by surprise. High-speed swipes and sudden lane merging can cause drivers to lose control, leading to secondary crashes, rollovers, or crashes into fixed objects. Drivers and passengers who suffer serious injuries from sideswipe car collisions in Washington, DC deserve a top-tier personal injury lawyer.
While many people assume sideswipes are minor “fender benders,” the reality is far more serious. The lateral forces involved can cause severe neck and spinal injuries, and the loss of vehicle control often leads to devastating secondary impacts. Insurance companies frequently undervalue these claims, arguing that side-contact accidents should result in minimal damage and injuries.
At Regan Zambri Long, our Washington DC car accident lawyers have decades of experience and in-depth knowledge of DC’s traffic laws, auto insurance rules, and defense tactics. Our car accident attorneys help victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve for the harm you’ve suffered. Begin the process today with a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer.
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A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another vehicle, either while traveling in the same direction or in opposite directions. Sideswipes can also happen when one of the vehicles involved is parked or stopped.
These accidents often occur when drivers accidentally drift into adjacent lanes, change lanes without checking blind spots, or rush through tight city streets.
At first glance, a sideswipe accident may seem less severe than a head-on or rear-end collision. But the reality is that sideswipe crashes can lead to significant injuries—especially when vehicles are traveling at high speeds or when the initial impact causes a chain reaction.
Sideswipe collisions can cause one or both drivers to suddenly lose control of their vehicle. Sideswipes can cause drivers to veer into another lane, crash into barriers and guardrails, run off the road, or even rollover. This is especially true if the sideswipe happens at a high rate of speed.
Sideswipes often set off a chain reaction, particularly in Washington, DC’s congested traffic. After the initial impact, a vehicle may be pushed into oncoming traffic or hit another vehicle, resulting in a multi-vehicle pileup.
Any of these scenarios can result in serious or even life-threatening injuries.
Identifying what caused a sideswipe accident directly impacts your ability to prove liability and recover compensation. At Regan Zambri Long, our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case to uncover the root cause of the crash, identify all responsible parties, and build a strong case on your behalf.
One of the most frequent causes of sideswipes is when a driver changes lanes without signaling or checking blind spots. In dense DC traffic, this type of maneuver can easily result in one vehicle sideswiping another that’s already occupying the lane.
Drivers who are texting, adjusting a GPS, eating, or otherwise distracted are more likely to drift out of their lanes and into the side of a neighboring vehicle. Even a moment of inattention can lead to a dangerous and preventable collision.
Fatigued, impaired, or distracted drivers may unintentionally veer into adjacent lanes. This type of gradual lane drift is especially hazardous on highways, where vehicles travel at high speeds and have less time to react.
Speeding, weaving through traffic, and trying to squeeze into tight gaps are aggressive behaviors that frequently lead to sideswipe crashes. These actions reduce reaction time and make it difficult to safely judge distance and clearance between vehicles.
Improper merging, especially on highway on-ramps or during construction detours, is a major contributor to sideswipe accidents. If a driver fails to yield or misjudges the speed of traffic, they may force their way into a lane already occupied by another vehicle.
Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs often have poor lane discipline, slower reaction times, and impaired judgment. This makes them far more likely to cause sideswipes by swerving, failing to yield, or drifting unexpectedly.
Narrow lanes, lack of shoulder space, or faded lane markings can increase the risk of sideswipe accidents, particularly at night or in bad weather. Poorly designed roads may leave little room for error, especially when large vehicles like trucks or buses are involved.
Rain, snow, and ice can reduce traction and visibility, making it harder for drivers to stay in their lanes. A slip or skid can easily result in a sideswipe if nearby drivers are unable to react in time.
The sudden lateral movement caused by a sideswipe can cause the head and neck to snap violently from side to side. This often results in:
These injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.
In more severe collisions, especially when a vehicle is forced off the road or into another object, victims may suffer:
These injuries can range from temporary pain to permanent paralysis.
If a vehicle occupant hits their head against the door, window, or steering wheel during a sideswipe, it can cause:
Even a mild concussion can have lasting effects if left untreated.
The impact of a sideswipe can twist or compress parts of the body, leading to fractures—especially in:
Muscles, ligaments, and tendons are often stretched or torn in a collision. These injuries may not show up on X-rays but can cause severe pain and require physical therapy.
The blunt force of a sideswipe can cause damage to internal organs, particularly if the side of the vehicle is crushed. Common internal injuries include:
These injuries are especially dangerous because symptoms may not be immediately obvious.
Beyond physical injuries, sideswipe accident victims may also experience:
These emotional effects are valid and compensable under Washington, DC personal injury law.
In Washington, DC, determining fault in a sideswipe accident depends on proving which driver left their lane or operated their vehicle negligently. These types of crashes often involve conflicting accounts of how the accident occurred, so establishing clear liability requires strong evidence, expert analysis, and a deep understanding of DC’s strict contributory negligence laws.
Your DC car accident attorney will review evidence including the police accident report, witness testimony, and photographic or video evidence to establish liability on the part of the at-fault driver. Because Washington, DC follows a strict contributory negligence rule, proving that you do not share blame for the car accident that caused your injuries is especially important.
In particularly challenging car accident cases, our attorneys often work with accident reconstruction experts, engineers who analyze vehicle damage, and digital event recorders or black box data to determine liability. These experts can help us show exactly how the crash occurred and who was at fault.
If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident, taking the right steps can protect your legal rights and strengthen your case. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to pursue a claim, a qualified attorney can:
At Regan Zambri Long, we offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe accident in Washington, DC, Regan Zambri Long is ready to evaluate your case at no cost. Our attorneys know DC’s contributory negligence rules inside and out, and we’ve secured substantial settlements for sideswipe victims who insurance companies initially dismissed. We handle everything from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers, so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for your free consultation—we only collect fees when we win your case.
Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.