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A sideswipe car accident in Maryland can cause disastrous results for you and any passengers in your car, not to mention damage to the city you are in. A sideswipe car accident is when two cars traveling in parallel directions collide. While some believe this is not as dangerous as a head-on collision, it can be just as deadly. The reason for this hinges on where the point of impact is. For example, if the rear of their vehicle collides with the front of your side, that may be enough to turn your car 90 degrees and begin flipping. This comprehensive guide explores the causes, consequences, and legal considerations concerning sideswipe car accidents in Maryland. Below, we discuss the causes of sideswipe accidents, the consequences you may observe, and what to do to protect your legal rights following an accident.
Sometimes, anticipating and avoiding a sideswipe car accident in Maryland is impossible. In other instances, if you learn the common causes we discuss below, you may be able to anticipate this form of negligent driving before it happens. This education could mean the difference between protecting your family in your car and falling victim to the unimaginable consequences that stem from careless driving. We understand how much these accidents affect your lives. A sideswipe car accident affects your ability to work. When you cannot work, you cannot earn a paycheck to support your family. This is an unimaginable scenario for a parent. While lost wages can be recovered in a personal injury lawsuit, you may lose your right to this economic damage altogether if specific steps are not taken. Thus, it is critical to speak with an accident lawyer immediately.
Call our office today for a free consultation to learn what steps you need to take to protect your rights.
There are countless reasons for sideswipe accidents occurring in Maryland. Some are more challenging to prove liability in than others. Below, we discuss the most common causes of sideswipe accidents in Maryland. Then, we discuss how to prevent these accidents and what to do to protect your legal rights.
Anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road can lead to a sideswipe car accident in Maryland. If careless drivers take their eyes off the road, they may easily float into your lane, causing a sideswipe accident. When you think of a distracted driver, you may think of texting and driving. And that is one of the most ubiquitous forms of distracted driving. It is among the most understood because everyone understands how addicting smartphones can be. Accordingly, it is illegal as the risks on the road are too great. But, it is not the only distraction on the road. Even actions deemed legal are distractions. For example, you may already know that speaking on the phone with the phone to your ear is illegal in Maryland. However, you may still use a hands-free device and talk on your phone through your car.
An improper lane change is among the most common causes of sideswipe car accidents in Maryland. While it may be an intentional act to merge into another lane, the accident still falls under a negligence cause of action. It would only be a deliberate act and thus a battery if there is an intention to hit your car. If the other driver is merely careless and does not know your car is there or wrongly believes they can fit in but does not mean to hit you, then it is a negligence claim. In Maryland, this is generally the better option. While your case is worth more for an intentional claim, auto insurance probably will not cover the claim. Of course, every insurance contract is a bit different, but that is the norm. An improper lane change can occur when two lanes naturally merge into one or when one car simply means to get into another lane.
While adverse weather conditions are a less common cause of a sideswipe car accident in Maryland, they occur frequently because they reduce drivers’ visibility. Anyone who has driven for long enough knows that a bad rain storm, particularly at night, can make it so you cannot see the lane markers. This makes remaining in your lane increasingly tricky, even with maximum attention to the road. When you are in adverse weather conditions, we recommend slowing down, turning your hazards on if the weather is especially bad, and pulling off into a parking lot if you do not feel comfortable driving.
Another cause related to adverse weather conditions is when a driver wants to avoid a large body of water on the road. A driver may feel the urge to swerve to avoid the puddle. However, doing so can lead to a sideswipe accident.
The consequences of a sideswipe car accident in Maryland can be catastrophic. The most immediate and obvious result of a sideswipe accident is damage to the side of your vehicle. This can affect your door, mirrors, and side panels. In terms of personal injuries, you may suffer from whiplash, neck pain, back pain, and other common injuries. Of course, a more serious accident can flip your car over. This can lead to your car insurer deeming your car a total loss. If you own the vehicle outright, you will be entitled to the vehicle’s market value at the time of loss. The longer-term effects of a sideswipe can include chronic pain, psychological trauma, and financial burdens due to medical bills and lost wages. These consequences are consistent with most other types of car accidents in Maryland.
Some accidents are unavoidable. While we cannot assist you in avoiding every accident before it happens, you can rest assured we will leave no stone unturned in pursuit of your financial recovery if you are injured in an accident. Consider the following tips to prevent sideswipe car accidents in Maryland.
The steps you should take after a sideswipe car accident in Maryland are consistent with the actions you should take after any car accident. This is a positive because it simplifies the process. Consider the following steps and immediately contact a car accident lawyer for specific and actionable advice.
At Gelb & Gelb, we have handled thousands of sideswipe car accidents in Maryland. Founded in 1954, we have handled over 10,000 accident cases in Maryland. We understand the difficulty of this process and will work tirelessly to deliver the best results possible.
Contact our office today for a free case evaluation at (202) 331-7227.
Copyright © 2025 Gelb & Gelb, P.C. All rights reserved.