A sudden jolt. A screech of metal. You didn’t see it coming, but the car that got sideswiped just inches from you left damage that was more than cosmetic.
Here’s a number worth paying attention to: over 900,000 sideswipe collisions happen in the U.S. every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many don’t cause fatalities, but that doesn’t mean they’re minor. The injuries from a sideswipe can be serious, long-lasting, and even disabling.
If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe collision, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Medical bills, lost work time, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies can pile on quickly. The injuries might not be obvious right away, but they can worsen over time.
What is a Sideswipe Collision?
A sideswipe happens when the side of one vehicle strikes or scrapes the side of another traveling in the same or opposite direction. It often results from:
- Merging without checking blind spots
- Distracted or impaired driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Overcorrection
Unlike head-on or T-bone crashes, sideswipes might seem minor at first glance. But the momentum, angle, and vehicle size involved can turn a glancing blow into a serious accident.
Most Common Sideswipe Accident Scenarios
Sideswipe collisions can happen in many driving environments, but certain scenarios tend to come up repeatedly. These include:
- Unsafe Lane Changes: A driver merges into another lane without checking blind spots or using signals.
- Drifting Across Lanes: Fatigue, distraction, or impairment can cause a driver to veer unintentionally into another lane.
- Merging Into Highway Traffic: Failure to yield properly or misjudging distances while entering the highway.
- Passing Too Closely: Attempting to squeeze by another vehicle in a narrow lane or tight construction zone.
- Aggressive Driving: Speeding or weaving through traffic without regard for spacing or signaling.
- Low Visibility or Bad Weather: Rain, fog, or poor lighting can obscure lane markings and vehicles, increasing the risk of drifting into another lane.
These scenarios are especially common on high-volume roads like I-65 and U.S. 280 in Birmingham, where drivers deal with constant merges and congested multi-lane traffic.
Common Injuries from Sideswipe Accidents
1. Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Even at low speeds, the sudden sideways motion can jolt your neck violently. Whiplash is one of the most frequently reported injuries in sideswipe collisions. Symptoms may include:
- Stiff neck
- Headaches
- Reduced range of motion
- Dizziness
These may not appear immediately after the accident. Some symptoms take 24 to 48 hours to develop.
2. Back and Spine Injuries
The twisting force during a sideswipe can place intense pressure on your spine. You might suffer:
- Herniated discs
- Lower back pain
- Muscle strains
- Nerve impingement
Back injuries are particularly dangerous because they often go undiagnosed until they become chronic. Persistent pain or tingling should never be ignored.
3. Shoulder and Arm Injuries
If you were gripping the steering wheel at the moment of impact, the force can travel straight through your arms and shoulders. Common injuries include:
- Torn rotator cuffs
- Dislocated shoulders
- Tendon injuries
- Bruising and contusions
These may limit your ability to work, especially if your job is physically demanding.
4. Head Injuries and Concussions
While you might not hit your head directly in a sideswipe, your brain can still be injured from the rapid back-and-forth movement. Mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), like concussions, can occur. Symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Memory problems
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
It’s important to seek medical evaluation even if there’s no visible injury. Brain injuries can worsen without treatment.
5. Cuts, Bruises, and Soft Tissue Damage
Broken glass, twisted metal, or impact with interior parts of the car can cause:
- Lacerations requiring stitches
- Deep bruising
- Sprains or torn ligaments
- Airbag burns
These are usually treated quickly, but they can leave lasting scars or nerve damage.
Serious Injury Risk Increases With Speed and Vehicle Type
In Birmingham, Alabama, sideswipe collisions are a regular occurrence, especially on heavily traveled routes such as Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 280. These roads experience high traffic volumes throughout the day, including large commercial vehicles, passenger cars, and motorcycles. This mix creates a greater chance of sideswipe incidents, particularly during peak commuting hours or in construction zones.
According to a 2023 report from the Alabama Department of Transportation, 8.2% of all motor vehicle crashes in the state involved sideswipe impacts. While this may seem like a smaller category compared to rear-end or angle crashes, the data shows a clear trend: smaller vehicles tend to sustain more severe occupant injuries when sideswiped by larger vehicles such as trucks, vans, or SUVs.
Vehicle size and structure matter. A sedan struck by a heavier SUV or pickup often absorbs the brunt of the impact on its side doors, which offer less protection than the front or rear of the vehicle. Occupants on the impact side are especially vulnerable to injury. These injuries are more likely when the striking vehicle rides higher or weighs significantly more than the victim’s car.
Speed also has a direct influence on injury outcomes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that the risk of serious injury increases significantly in side-impact crashes when speeds exceed 40 miles per hour, even when vehicles are equipped with side airbags and reinforced doors. At higher speeds, the force of impact can penetrate deeper into the vehicle cabin, causing head, chest, and spinal trauma to occupants.
In urban areas like Birmingham, where traffic flow is frequently interrupted by sudden stops, merging, and lane changes, these risk factors combine. Higher speeds, larger vehicles, and limited visibility during lane shifts or merges make sideswipe collisions more dangerous than many drivers assume.
What To Do After You Got Sideswiped
If you're reading this because you got sideswiped, here's what to do next:
1. Seek Medical Attention Right Away: Even if you feel okay, injuries like whiplash or internal bruising can take time to show up. Let a doctor document everything.
2. Report the Accident to Police: Make sure a formal crash report is filed. This is critical if fault becomes disputed.
3. Take Photos at the Scene: Document damage to all vehicles, the surrounding area, any debris, and road markings. This visual evidence may be helpful later.
4. Collect Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver. If witnesses were present, ask for their contact information.
5. Do Not Admit Fault or Speak to Insurance Without Legal Advice: Insurance adjusters may try to get you to settle quickly. Do not agree to anything or give a recorded statement without first speaking to a lawyer.
6. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney can assess your case, gather evidence, deal with the insurance company, and pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses.
How Cory Watson Attorneys Can Help
Sideswipe collisions often lead to complicated injury claims. At Cory Watson Attorneys, we have decades of experience handling these cases and know how to investigate sideswipe crashes, prove liability, and fight for maximum compensation.
If you or someone you love got sideswiped, you don’t have to handle it alone. Our team can help you recover medical costs, lost income, and damages for pain and suffering.
Call Cory Watson Attorneys today for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your future.
Final Thoughts
Sideswipe collisions can happen in an instant but leave behind months or years of pain, stress, and recovery. From hidden back injuries to expensive medical treatment, the impact is often more than physical. If your crash was caused by another driver’s carelessness, you have the right to take legal action.
Got sideswiped? Call Cory Watson Attorneys. We’re here to help you move forward.