Sideswipe accidents are often dismissed as “minor,” but in reality, they can cause serious injuries, multi-vehicle crashes, and long-term consequences for victims. In Brandon, where traffic is heavy along Brandon Boulevard (SR 60), Causeway Boulevard, Falkenburg Road, I-75, and the Selmon Expressway, unsafe lane changes and blind-spot collisions happen every day.
When a driver drifts into another lane, merges without looking, or aggressively weaves through traffic, a sideswipe collision can force vehicles off the road, into barriers, or into oncoming traffic. If you or a loved one was injured in a sideswipe accident in Brandon, you may be entitled to compensation. At Slater | Grant, we help injured victims prove negligence and hold careless drivers fully accountable.
This article explains why sideswipe accidents occur, who may be liable, and what injured victims should know about protecting their legal rights.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with an attorney.
What Is a Sideswipe Accident?
A sideswipe accident occurs when the side of one vehicle strikes the side of another vehicle traveling in the same or opposite direction. These crashes often happen during:
- Lane changes
- Merging onto highways
- Passing maneuvers
- Drifting due to distraction or fatigue
While the initial impact may seem minor, sideswipe accidents frequently cause drivers to lose control, leading to much more severe secondary crashes.
Why Sideswipe Accidents Are Dangerous
Sideswipe collisions are dangerous because they often involve loss of vehicle control rather than a single point of impact.
These crashes are especially dangerous because:
- Vehicles may be forced into other lanes
- Drivers can lose steering control
- Secondary collisions with other vehicles occur
- Cars may strike guardrails, medians, or poles
- Motorcyclists and cyclists are especially vulnerable
At highway speeds, a sideswipe accident can quickly turn catastrophic.
Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents in Brandon
Most sideswipe accidents are preventable and caused by driver negligence. Common causes include:
1. Unsafe Lane Changes
Drivers who fail to signal or check blind spots cause many sideswipe collisions.
2. Distracted Driving
Texting, GPS use, or adjusting in-car systems causes drivers to drift between lanes.
3. Blind Spot Negligence
Large vehicles and SUVs have significant blind spots that drivers often ignore.
4. Speeding
Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of crashes.
5. Aggressive Driving
Drivers who weave through traffic or make sudden lane changes put others at risk.
6. Fatigue or Impairment
Tired or impaired drivers may drift out of their lanes without realizing it.
7. Roadway Design Issues
Narrow lanes, construction zones, or unclear markings increase the risk of sideswipe accidents.
Identifying the cause of the accident is critical to determining liability.
Where Sideswipe Accidents Commonly Occur in Brandon
In Brandon, sideswipe accidents frequently occur:
- On highways and interstates
- At on-ramps and off-ramps
- In construction zones
- In congested commuter traffic
- Near shopping centers and commercial areas
These locations often involve merging traffic and lane shifts—prime conditions for sideswipe collisions.
Who May Be Liable in a Brandon Sideswipe Accident?
Sideswipe accident claims may involve multiple responsible parties, depending on the circumstances.
1. Negligent Drivers
Drivers who fail to signal, check blind spots, or maintain their lane are often primarily at fault.
2. Commercial Drivers or Employers
If a delivery truck, rideshare driver, or commercial vehicle caused the crash, the employer may share liability.
3. Government Entities
Poor road design, faded lane markings, or unsafe construction zones may create government liability.
Claims against government entities involve strict notice requirements and deadlines.
4. Construction or Maintenance Contractors
Improper lane closures or unclear signage may contribute to sideswipe accidents.
5. Vehicle Manufacturers
In rare cases, steering or lane-assist system failures may play a role.
Identifying all liable parties is essential to maximizing compensation.
What to Do After a Sideswipe Accident in Brandon
The steps you take after a sideswipe accident can significantly affect your injury claim.
1. Call 911
A police report documents the collision and lane positions.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Sideswipe accidents often cause neck, back, and head injuries that may not appear immediately.
3. Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of:
- Vehicle damage along the sides
- Lane markings
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Your injuries
4. Gather Witness Information
Witnesses may confirm unsafe lane changes or drifting.
5. Avoid Insurance Statements
Do not give recorded statements without legal advice.
6. Contact a Brandon Sideswipe Accident Attorney
Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Evidence Used to Prove Fault in Sideswipe Accident Claims
Insurance companies often dispute sideswipe cases. Strong evidence is essential.
At Slater | Grant, we collect and analyze:
- Police crash reports
- Traffic and surveillance camera footage
- Dashcam video
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage patterns
- Cell phone records
- Vehicle black box (EDR) data
- Accident reconstruction analysis
- Medical records
This evidence helps establish lane position, negligence, and causation.
Common Injuries in Brandon Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents can cause serious injuries, including:
- Whiplash and cervical spine injuries
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and shoulder injuries
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Chronic pain
- Permanent disability
Secondary crashes often worsen injury severity.
Compensation Available After a Sideswipe Accident
Injured victims may be entitled to compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital visits and surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Ongoing medical care
- Vehicle repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent impairment
Punitive Damages
May apply if the at-fault driver acted with extreme recklessness or road rage.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system:
- You may recover compensation if you are 50% or less at fault
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault
Insurance companies often try to assign shared blame in sideswipe cases. Slater | Grant aggressively challenges these tactics.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Sideswipe Accident Claims
Insurers often attempt to:
- Claim both drivers “changed lanes”
- Minimize injuries
- Dispute vehicle positioning
- Push low settlement offers
Experienced legal representation is critical in these disputed cases.
How Slater | Grant Helps Sideswipe Accident Victims
At Slater | Grant, we fight for injured victims by:
- Launching immediate investigations
- Preserving video and electronic evidence
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
- Identifying all liable parties
- Handling all insurance communications
- Accurately valuing damages
- Negotiating aggressively or preparing for trial
Our mission is accountability and maximum compensation.
Why Choose Slater | Grant?
Sideswipe accident cases require experience, precision, and persistence. Slater | Grant offers:
- Extensive personal injury experience
- Aggressive legal advocacy
- Personalized client support
- Trial-ready representation
- No upfront fees — you pay only if we win
We stand with victims when negligent drivers cause preventable harm.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you or a loved one was injured in a sideswipe accident in Brandon, do not let insurance companies decide fault unfairly.
Start by completing thefree case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444.
Slater | Grant is ready to fight for your recovery, your rights, and your future.
Sources
1. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
Lane-change and sideswipe crash data.
https://www.flhsmv.gov
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Research on lane departure and sideswipe accidents.
https://www.nhtsa.gov
3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
Studies on lane-change crashes and prevention.
https://www.iihs.org
4. CarLawyer.Law – Car Accident Causes
Causes of car accidents.
https://carlawyer.law/car-accident-causes/
