Head-on and rear-end collisions are two types of automotive incidents that can leave both vehicles damaged, both drivers injured, and at least one driver taking legal action against the other. There are many other types of collisions that you should seek to avoid as a driver and that could leave you in a legal battle should you make a mistake behind the wheel. One such type of collision is a sideswipe collision, in which the side of your vehicle brushes alongside the side of another. This collision can take place in crowded parking lots and narrow streets, for example. Here are some other things that can increase your risk of sideswiping another vehicle.
Looking Down While In Traffic
Looking down while you're driving is never a good idea, but whether it's to check a text message or reach for your coffee, many drivers engage in this behavior regularly. Looking down is especially dangerous when you're in heavy traffic, as your vehicle could easily wander to the left or right just a foot and sideswipe another car. By way of contrast, looking down while driving on a long stretch of divided highway with no other cars around you is still not a good idea, but you'd likely be able to correct any steering issue quickly and without incident.
Driving An Oversized Vehicle
When you buy a vehicle, you should always be cognizant of where you plan to do most of your driving. Some vehicles are wider than others, which means that if you do a lot of city driving, you could be at a higher risk of a sideswipe incident with one of these vehicles. For example, if you're driving a full-sized pickup truck down a street that has parked vehicles along the curb, you'll need to avoid sideswiping them or perhaps sideswiping any oncoming vehicles. In this scenario, a smaller vehicle that isn't as wide may be a better choice.
Speeding In The Rain
It's easy to speed when you're running late, but many motorists don't consider the road conditions and adjust their speed accordingly. When your roads are wet, and especially if your tires are old, hydroplaning can be a legitimate risk. Even while driving straight, rather than turning, you can hydroplane very quickly, and your vehicle will slide to either side. If there's a moving or parked vehicle beside you when this occurs, you may sideswipe it.
If you've been in a sideswipe collision, be sure to hire a car accident attorney to represent you.