Sideswipe car accidents occur when the sides of two vehicles collide. According to the Insurance Information Institute, sideswipe collisions are the third most common type of car crash. 
Sideswipe accidents occur when the sides of two cars that are traveling in the same direction collide. A driver may cause a sideswipe collision when changing lanes, drifting into the next lane, or merging onto a road. A driver who exercises reasonable care can change lanes or merge without causing a crash. However, if a driver is distracted, drowsy, drunk, or otherwise negligent, a sideswipe wreck can occur.
Injuries that can occur because of a sideswipe crash may be significant. Cars have more safety protection in the front and in the rear than they do on the sides. Accordingly, drivers and passengers may be more likely to be hurt in sideswipe collisions than in other types of crashes. Some of the injuries that can result from a sideswipe accident include:
Additionally, a sideswipe crash can cause a driver to lose control of the car, and a secondary crash with another vehicle or a fixed object may occur and cause further injuries.
Drivers who are changing lanes or merging must exercise reasonable care to avoid hitting another car. A driver who fails to exercise reasonable care and causes a car crash may be legally responsible for any injuries that result from the accident.
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