New York Side-Swipe Accident Lawyer

Unlike most rollover, t-bone, or head-on collisions, side-swipe car accidents can do more than ruin a paint job. Even a seemingly minor collision can cause significant disruption to your life. This is also one of the most common types of hit-and-run accidents.

Are you experiencing psychological and physical pain after a collision? What about missed work due to your injuries? Did you lose a loved one as a result of a side-swipe accident?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, why not turn to the professional and compassionate lawyers of Hill & Moin for legal assistance? We help our clients take advantage of New York laws to recover from financial losses. Call (212) 668-6000 today to schedule a free consultation to learn about your rights. 

How to Identify a Side-Swipe Accident

A side-swipe accident occurs when two cars make side-to-side contact when traveling either in the same or opposite direction.

Same direction

Same-direction accidents happen when two vehicles travel in the same direction, such as on a multiple-lane highway. Often, one car hits another and continues forward so that the damage continues along the side of the vehicle.

Opposite direction

It’s also possible for two vehicles traveling in opposite directions to make a side impact. For example, narrow country lanes and alleys might have only one lane. In some places, the custom is for one car to pull to the side to make enough room for the approaching vehicle to pass. But sometimes one vehicle scrapes the other.

Most roads have at least two lanes with one lane running in one direction while the other lane’s traffic travels in the opposite direction. It’s possible for passing, careless, or inebriated drivers to cross the dividing line and impact a vehicle traveling in the other direction.

Recognize the Preventable Causes of Side-Swipe Accidents

Given all the road rules and marked lanes, you might wonder how your accident happened. An examination of the contributing factors reveals that side-swipe accidents are often avoidable. Notice the unfortunate statistics compiled from the New York City Police Department report for May 2022.

Driving distracted

Driver inattention or distraction played a role in at least 2,678 New York City motor vehicle collisions in June 2022 alone.

New York State law prohibits using handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle. A driver must avoid activities that take attention away from driving, including:

• Daydreaming
• Eating and drinking
• Grooming
• Reading
• Using maps, GPS, or apps to navigate
• Adjusting controls
• Talking with passengers

Distracted driving is dangerous for two reasons. Distracted drivers might not notice a car entering their path or an obstacle on the road. They might not realize their cars are drifting until too late.

Driving under the influence

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) explains why driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is never a good idea. Substance use can impair a driver’s:

• Attention
• Balance
• Coordination
• Perception
• Other brain functions associated with safe driving, such as judgment and impulse control

Drugs, alcohol, and driving are often a catastrophic mix. In June 2022, the New York City police department identified illegal drugs and alcohol involvement in 175 injury or fatal collisions.

Driving while fatigued or sleepy

The NYPD identifies fatigued driving as another contributor to many serious accidents. Though young adults, shift workers, and commercial drivers are notoriously susceptible, anyone can get drowsy on the road.

To ensure proper sleep habits and minimize fatigue, drivers should:

• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals in the evening
• Get enough sleep by sticking to a schedule
• Speak to a doctor about insomnia if necessary

Fatigued drivers often drift from their lanes, posing a danger to others on the road. A national survey revealed that 37 percent of drivers admit falling asleep or nodding off behind the wheel. To learn whether fatigued driving played a part in your accident, leave us a message using our convenient contact form.

Failing to check a blind spot

A blind spot is an area you cannot see along the side of your vehicle. Mirrors reduce blind spots, but they do not always eliminate them. Before merging or changing lanes, drivers should check over their shoulders and in their mirrors to ensure the path is clear.

Large trucks like 18-wheelers and commercial vehicles could have a blind spot of up to 11 feet behind their front bumpers and 12.5 feet in front of it. Many accidents occur when a passenger vehicle travels just ahead of a truck on its right. When a truck changes lanes, its semi-trailer or cab could collide with the side of the car.

Failing to signal

According to the law, New York drivers must signal turns or lane changes at least 100 feet ahead. Drivers can use hand signals or blinkers to alert other drivers of their intentions.

Misjudging distances

Navigating an automobile through a narrow gap requires spatial awareness and good judgment. While passing or dodging an obstacle, drivers must scan to the right and left of their cars until they are satisfied they have sufficient space.

Good drivers also monitor their speed. They might try to allow time, for instance, to avoid a crash in case a parked car door swings open.

Losing control

An out-of-control car could side-swipe other vehicles and property. Various factors could result in a loss of control:

• Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, sleet, or snow, could make roads slick and increase the chances of hydroplaning
• Speeding can make vehicles harder to control, especially around curves
• Mechanical issues (e.g. tire blowouts or brake failure)

When someone loses control of a vehicle, it is easy to panic. According to the NHTSA, drivers tend to oversteer or understeer to correct issues. Instead, the safe course is to gradually slow down and turn the steering wheel thoughtfully to the proper degree.

Driving recklessly

Drunk drivers, or drivers who put others in danger on purpose or disregard obvious risks could face jail time and lose driving privileges. They might also be fined and have points against their driving record. However, the worst consequences of reckless driving involve injuries and death.

What to Do After a Side-Swipe Accident

First, move your car to a safe location out of traffic. Next, assess the well-being of anyone involved in the accident. If necessary, call 911.

If there is no immediate medical emergency, you should exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver. Take pictures of the scene and any damage to cars and property.

You should have a professional examine your vehicle. Even if the damage appears superficial, the situation might be more severe than you realize. Your car might be dangerous to drive.

Common “invisible” side-swipe damage could include:

• Tires: The force of a sudden impact can jar your tires out of place. Misaligned tires do not wear evenly, which is a problem that can lead to tire failure or motor strain.
• Suspension systems: The shock of a hit can also damage your suspension. Later, your car might list to one side, making it hard to steer.
• Frame: Once a car frame bends out of shape, a car might be difficult to steer. Since the frame is a safety structure designed to bear the brunt of an accident, the frame might not hold if you get into another accident in the future.
• Bumper and bumper covers: These fiberglass or plastic components absorb shock in an accident, but in doing so they can sustain damage. Though the outside might look fine, the compressible foam beneath and the connectors that hold it onto your car can break or become weak in an accident.

At Hill & Moin, our phone lines are always open, so you can involve an auto accident lawyer as early as possible. With a legal team guiding you, you can ensure that you do not make a costly mistake that would negatively affect an insurance claim.

Benefit From Personal Injury Compensation

While repair bills might seem expensive, they are nothing compared with the other financial stresses that accompany many side-swipe accidents:

• Medical expenses: Emergency attention, surgeries, tests, medications, and transportation to and from medical appointments
• Lost wages: Missed work due to injuries and doctor’s appointments
• Lost earning potential: The temporary or permanent inability to work due to accident-related disabilities
• Household services: The expense of hiring help to perform duties you can no longer take care of due to the incident (e.g. childcare, lawn services, cleaning)
• Funeral and burial expenses: The cost of providing a dignified memorial for a loved one lost in a car accident

Would you like to know how a personal injury claim can help stabilize your financial future?

Learn How Hill & Moin Can Help Today

Accidents are painful and stressful. Yet, understanding your legal rights can bring you peace of mind. However, the high-pressure sales tactics and hidden fees imposed by some law firms only add more worry.

At our law firm, we treat our clients like family. There is no charge for the initial consultation, and you will not pay legal fees unless we win you money for your case.

You can find out your own Personal Injury Recovery SolutionsⓇ without any cost or obligation. Call (212) 668-6000 or send us a message as soon as possible to schedule your free side-swipe accident case review. 

Don’t wonder about your rights!