Body and rear door of white car get damaged by accident.

Sideswipe accidents are among the most common types of car crashes on Long Island. Nationwide, these collisions account for nearly 240,000 accidents each year and lead to thousands of injuries and fatalities. Whether caused by unsafe lane changes, distracted driving, or merging errors, sideswipe accidents can result in serious harm. If you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe accident on Long Island, the attorneys at Dell & Dean, PLLC, are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Sideswipe Accident Causes

A sideswipe accident, also called an angled collision, occurs whenever the side of one vehicle collides into the side of another vehicle. This type of accident can occur when both vehicles are traveling in opposite directions or the same direction. Sideswipe accidents often occur as a result of one vehicle drifting into another lane of traffic. Some of the most common causes of sideswipe accidents in New York include:  

  • Drowsy driving
  • Intoxication
  • Distracted driving
  • Inclement weather, such as snow, rain, fog, and heavy winds
  • Wet, icy, or otherwise dangerous driving surfaces 
  • Road hazards, such as fallen trees, potholes, and other objects

Common Types of Sideswipe Accidents

There are several types of sideswipe crashes that result in serious injuries. Some common types of sideswipe accidents in New York include: 

Unsafe merging accidents

Unsafe merging, specifically unsafe merging onto the freeway, requires quick reflexes and careful maneuvering. If a driver merges too slowly, too quickly, or without matching the speed of oncoming vehicles, a sideswipe accident may occur.

Unsafe lane change accidents

When a driver changes lanes without using a turn signal or without checking his or her blind spots, this is likely to result in a sideswipe accident. 

Parked car accidents

Many sideswipe accidents in New York occur when a vehicle in motion collides with a parked car. Narrow roads, negligence, and other factors increase the likelihood that a vehicle will sideswipe a parked car. 

Common Sideswipe Accident Injuries

Although some sideswipe accidents are minor, many of them result in devastating injuries. In addition to catastrophic injuries and death, sideswipe accidents can also cause extensive property damage. The results of sideswipe accidents, including personal injuries and property damage, often leave victims in extreme pain and serious debt. Common sideswipe accident injuries in New York include:

  • Fractured bones
  • Cracked ribs
  • Crush injuries
  • Knee injuries
  • Lacerations 
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Torn ligaments
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Paralysis
  • Disfigurement
  • Death

The Importance of Medical Treatment Following a Sideswipe Accident

If you are a victim of a sideswipe accident, you should seek immediate medical attention. Your medical professional will diagnose and provide a course of treatment for your injuries. Not only will seeking medical treatment help ensure that you are correctly diagnosed and treated, but it will be useful should you ultimately decide to file a personal injury claim. Sideswipe accidents often leave victims out of work with stacks of expensive medical bills to pay. Fortunately, as a victim of a sideswipe accident in New York, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for your injuries. Please contact an experienced attorney today to explore your compensation options. 

Contact a Long Island Sideswipe Accident Attorney 

If you’ve been involved in a sideswipe accident in New York, Dell & Dean, PLLC, is here to help. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, our New York sideswipe accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience necessary to obtain financial compensation on your behalf. Please contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with a talented New York sideswipe accident attorney.

Dell & Dean, PLLC, represents personal injury victims throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County on Long Island, as well as the boroughs of New York City and the surrounding areas.