Sideswipe Accidents in San Diego

When the sides of two vehicles collide, it’s classified as a sideswipe accident. Sideswipes can happen when vehicles are traveling in the same direction or when two vehicles are traveling in opposite directions. Some sideswipes happen when both vehicles are in motion, while others occur when one vehicle is parked.

The specific circumstances of a sideswipe will influence the extent of any damage to the vehicles and if the collision was serious enough to cause an injury or death.

If you’ve suffered damage to your car, a physical injury, or the wrongful death of a loved one in a San Diego sideswipe accident, it’s important to consider your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation from the driver who caused the sideswipe accident, their insurance company, or other responsible parties. Consult with an experienced injury lawyer in San Diego today.

Are Sideswipe Accidents Common in San Diego?

Yes. According to state crash data, there were 888 sideswipe car accidents in the city of San Diego in 2023, which represented 15 percent of the city’s crashes.

That’s roughly 2.4 sideswipe accidents in San Diego, California, every single day.

At least 1,047 people were injured in these San Diego sideswipes. Another 7 were killed.

More than one-third of San Diego’s sideswipes took place on state highways, including SR-67, SR-56, and SR-75.

What Causes Most Sideswipe Accidents?

There are a lot of different ways that sideswipe car accidents can happen.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
• Unsafe lane changes
• Speeding
• Leaving a marked lane of traffic due to distraction, intoxication, or driver fatigue
• Aggressive driving
• Failing to yield the right of way when merging

While many sideswipes happen on city roads, they’re also a common occurrence in San Diego parking lots. Sideswipes tend to occur when a vehicle attempts to pass a parked car but doesn’t leave enough space.

How Do I Get Compensation After a Sideswipe Accident in San Diego?

As a crash victim in California, you’ll have the opportunity to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Pursuant to state law, California motorists are required to carry at least $15,000/$30,000 in bodily injury coverage and another $5,000 for property damage.

When you file an insurance claim, you’ll have to prove that the insured driver caused your sideswipe because they were negligent or reckless.

The San Diego, CA car accident lawyers at Singleton Schreiber will carefully investigate your crash, gather key pieces of evidence, enlist the help of qualified expert witnesses, and build a compelling claim that proves liability and helps you recover much-needed compensation.

If your claim is successful, you’ll be able to recover damages for your medical bills, loss of income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Damages can be paid up to the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits. If your costs exceed these limits, then our car accident attorneys in San Diego can explore getting you additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

You’ll have a limited time to seek damages after a San Diego sideswipe accident, so call our San Diego law office to discuss the details of your case today.