Vehicle accidents can be scary experiences, and they usually happen unexpectedly. One of the most common types of vehicle accidents that occur throughout Pennsylvania each day are sideswipe accidents. A sideswipe incident occurs when two vehicles are moving in the same direction, and one vehicle strikes the side of the other vehicle. There are various reasons why these types of crashes occur, but determining liability can be difficult. Often, victims find that they need assistance from a skilled Pennsylvania car accident lawyer to help them secure full compensation after a sideswipe crash.
Understanding sideswipe accidents
According to data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, we can see that there were 8,385 total sideswipe accidents across the Commonwealth during the latest reporting year. Out of these incidents, 42 people tragically lost their lives and many others sustained severe injuries. The DOT says that sideswipe accidents accounted for 6.7% of all vehicle accidents during the latest reporting year.
Anytime there are two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, there is a chance that a sideswipe crash will occur. All vehicles have a duty to stay in their lane of travel and not leave their lane unless it is safe to do so. There are various reasons why sideswipe accidents occur, including the following:
- Drivers changing lanes without using a turn signal
- Unsafe lane changes, even with a turn signal
- Failing to yield when merging in traffic
- Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Drivers distracted by phones or other devices
- Overcorrecting after veering off the road or into another lane
- Road rage incidents (intentionally trying to cut another driver off or ram their vehicle)
- Driving too fast for roadway conditions or weather conditions
There are instances where the driver who did not leave their lane of travel may be responsible for the crash. This could include instances where a driver:
- Sped up as the other vehicle was changing lanes in front of them
- Slowed down as a vehicle was changing lanes behind them
- Was texting or talking on a phone
- Purposefully refused to let another driver into their lane of travel
Determining fault after a sideswipe accident
It is easy to say that the person who left their lane is the one responsible for a sideswipe accident. However, it is often challenging to prove which driver left their lane of travel. This type of collision may require various types of evidence in order to prove which party caused the crash. This can include:
- Photographs taken at the scene of the crash
- Video surveillance from nearby homes or businesses
- Accident reports that may indicate fault
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Statements of other drivers and passengers
- Vehicle “black box” data
- Cell phone data records
Do you need to work with an attorney
Sideswipe accidents are often caused by the careless or negligent actions of other drivers. However, determining liability in these cases can be difficult. If you or a loved one are injured in a sideswipe accident in Pennsylvania, you need to consider working with an attorney as soon as possible. All of the evidence mentioned above may be difficult to obtain for a person without legal experience or the resources to do so. Let an experienced car accident attorney use their resources to investigate the claim, help determine liability, and secure full compensation for your losses.