What to expect

When two vehicles traveling side by side make contact

A sideswipe collision happens when the sides of two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact — usually when one driver changes lanes without making sure the space is clear. The impact can scrape or crush vehicle panels, push a car sideways, or even force it into other lanes of traffic. Even low-speed sideswipes can cause serious injuries and significant damage, especially on a crowded highway.

How sideswipe collisions happen

Common scenarios include:

• Changing lanes without checking blind spots
• Drifting into another lane due to distraction, fatigue, or impairment
• Overcorrecting to avoid debris or another vehicle
• Failing to yield while merging
• Speeding or losing control on wet or uneven roads

Common causes of sideswipe accidents

Most sideswipe crashes come down to driver negligence, including:

• Distraction — texting, adjusting the radio, or looking away from the road
• Speeding — reduces reaction time and increases impact force
• Drowsy or impaired driving — fatigue, alcohol, or drugs limit awareness
• Blind spot errors — failing to check mirrors before changing lanes
• Aggressive driving — cutting off other vehicles or refusing to yield

These crashes are preventable, yet they remain a leading cause of serious highway injuries across Missouri.

Injuries caused by sideswipe collisions

While most vehicles are built to protect against front and rear impacts, side impacts leave occupants vulnerable — even with airbags, the collision happens just inches from the body. Common injuries include:

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
• Neck, shoulder, or back injuries, and whiplash
• Fractures, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage, plus cuts and bruises

Determining fault in a sideswipe collision

In most cases the driver changing lanes is at fault, since they must make sure the lane is clear before merging. But fault isn’t always one-sided — both drivers can share responsibility depending on the circumstances.

The lane-changing driver may be liable if they drifted while distracted, failed to check blind spots or mirrors, cut off another vehicle while merging, or drove too fast for conditions. The other driver may share fault if they sped up to block a merge, failed to yield, slowed suddenly, or drove recklessly or under the influence. And both drivers may be liable if they moved into the same lane at the same time. Under Missouri’s comparative fault system, each party’s percentage of fault affects how compensation is awarded — which is why a careful investigation matters.

What to do after a sideswipe accident

If you’re involved in a sideswipe collision, stay calm and take these steps to protect yourself and your claim:

1. Move to safety and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Call the police and request an accident report.
3. Exchange contact, insurance, and vehicle information with the other driver.
4. Document the scene — photograph the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
5. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine; some injuries surface hours or days later.
6. Contact a St. Louis car accident attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.

Can you recover compensation?

Yes. If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and future care, vehicle repair or replacement, lost income and reduced earning capacity, and pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Insurance companies often minimize or dispute sideswipe claims, so a local Missouri car accident lawyer can investigate the crash, determine fault, and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.