Georgia Sideswipe Accidents

Of the many types of car accidents in which a person can be involved, sideswipes are some of the least dangerous, at least as far as physical injuries go. They do, however, tend to result in significant property damage that can be expensive to repair, making the determination of fault for these kinds of crashes of the utmost importance to the injured party.

What is a Sideswipe Accident? 

Sideswipe accidents occur when one vehicle scrapes alongside the other, usually traveling in the same direction. Although they can occur when one vehicle is not moving, they almost always involve two vehicles passing each other too closely while traveling on a multi-lane road. In these scenarios, it is the person who failed to stay legally in his or her lane who is most often found to be at fault for the crash, although it is also possible for the driver of the vehicle that was struck to bear some responsibility.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents 

Most sideswipe accidents can be attributed to one of a few different causes, including:

• Distracted driving, with one driver veering into a nearby lane after taking his or her eyes off the road;
• Tailgating, which significantly reduces the amount of time that vehicles have to react when traffic slows down or comes to a sudden stop, meaning that a driver (in an attempt to avoid a rear-end collision) could swerve into a vehicle in an adjacent lane;
• Making unsafe lane changes, such as failing to check one’s blind spots, or failing to use one’s turn signals;
• Driving under the influence, which can impair judgment and coordination, causing a driver to swerve out of his or her lane and into the next; and
• Inclement weather, like heavy rain, which can reduce both visibility and traction, causing a driver to swerve into a nearby lane.

Of these causes, distracted driving and unsafe lane changes are amongst the most common causes of sideswipe accidents. In these cases, an accident victim who can provide proof of this type of negligence could be entitled to compensation for his or her vehicle damage.

Lane Change Laws in Georgia

 Many sideswipe accidents happen when a driver changes lanes in an unsafe manner. To reduce the risk of these kinds of crashes, Georgia law requires that motorists take certain precautions when attempting to change lanes. They are, for instance, barred from changing lanes until doing so can be achieved safely. This in turn, means that drivers, when changing lanes, must leave their signals on continuously for enough time to notify nearby drivers of their intention. Drivers who fail to obey these rules and who cause sideswipe accidents as a result can be held liable for the resulting damages, which could include compensation for the victim’s medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Schedule a Free Consultation 

If you or a loved one were involved in a sideswipe accident and want to talk about your legal options with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to Shiver Hamilton Campbell at 404-593-0020 today.

Sources: 

yahoo.com/now/georgia-jury-awards-736k-sideswipe-051300600.html

law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-40/chapter-6/article-3/40-6-48