Columbia Sideswipe Accident Lawyer

Sideswipe collisions pose a danger on Columbia’s roads, from the congested lanes of Interstate 26 to the busy lanes of Garners Ferry Road. These accidents occur when vehicles traveling in parallel make side-to-side contact, typically during lane changes or when drivers drift from their designated lanes. While many drivers assume sideswipes cause only minor damage, these crashes frequently result in severe injuries, secondary collisions, and loss of vehicle control, especially at highway speeds.

If you’ve been injured in a sideswipe accident in Columbia, the car accident lawyers at Stewart Law Offices can help. Our experienced Columbia car accident lawyers understand how these collisions happen, who’s liable, and how to pursue maximum compensation under South Carolina law. 

With over 30 years of protecting accident victims’ rights and millions of dollars recovered for our clients, we have the resources and determination to take on insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.

How Sideswipe Accidents Happen in Columbia

Sideswipe collisions strike suddenly on Columbia’s roadways. Highway lane changes represent the most frequent scenario, a driver merges or switches lanes on I-77, I-20, or I-26 without properly checking blind spots, and makes contact with an adjacent vehicle. According to NHTSA research on lane-change crashes, 85% of drivers use turn signals during planned lane changes, but only 24% signal when making unplanned lane changes to avoid forward crash threats, a critical factor contributing to many sideswipe accidents.

Drift-related sideswipes occur when distracted, drowsy, or impaired drivers gradually veer from their lane and strike vehicles traveling alongside them. Shopping center and parking lot sideswipes happen frequently when two drivers compete for the same space or fail to maintain proper clearance. 

Opposite-direction sideswipes, while less common, prove especially dangerous on two-lane roads throughout Richland County when drivers take wide turns or drift over center lines.

Why Sideswipe Accidents Are Dangerous

Many people wrongly assume that sideswipe accidents cause only cosmetic damage since vehicles don’t collide head-on. This dangerous misconception ignores the serious risks these crashes create. Vehicle sides provide minimal protection, doors contain thin metal and limited structural reinforcement compared to front and rear crumple zones designed to absorb impact forces.

Secondary collisions frequently follow the initial sideswipe contact. The impact causes drivers to overcorrect their steering, sending vehicles spinning into other lanes, off roadways, or into barriers. On multi-lane highways through Columbia, a sideswipe can trigger chain-reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles. Rollover risks increase significantly when sideswipe forces push smaller vehicles or SUVs, destabilizing them at highway speeds.

Common Injuries From Sideswipe Accidents

Victims often suffer:

  • Whiplash and neck injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Internal organ damage
  • Severe cuts and bruises

These injuries can lead to long-term medical care and financial hardship.

Common Causes of Sideswipe Accidents in Columbia, SC

Sideswipe crashes usually happen because one driver fails to maintain proper lane control or awareness. Common causes include:

  • Unsafe lane changes without checking blind spots
  • Merging errors on highways and entrance ramps
  • Distracted driving, including phone use
  • Speeding or aggressive driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Construction zones with narrow or shifting lanes, which may also involve claims similar to construction accident cases.

Determining Fault in a Columbia Sideswipe Accident

Establishing fault in a sideswipe collision can be challenging. Drivers often dispute which vehicle crossed into the other’s lane, and physical damage alone may not tell the full story.

A Columbia car accident attorney will typically rely on:

  • Police crash reports
  • Vehicle damage patterns
  • Surveillance or dash-cam footage
  • Witness statements
  • Roadway design and lane markings
  • Expert accident reconstruction when necessary

In South Carolina, a modified comparative negligence rule determines your ability to recover damages after an accident. According to this law, you can seek compensation only if you are found to be 50% or less responsible for the collision. If your fault is determined to be 51% or higher, you are barred from recovering any damages. Therefore, definitively establishing the other driver’s fault is of the utmost importance.

Visit Our Sideswipe Accident Lawyers in Columbia

How Stewart Law Offices Can Help You

At Stewart Law Offices, we understand how complex sideswipe accident cases can be. Our team takes a thorough, evidence-driven approach to every claim.

We help by:

  • Investigating the crash scene and traffic patterns
  • Securing video footage and witness testimony
  • Consulting accident reconstruction professionals when needed
  • Handling all communication with insurance companies
  • Building a strong case for settlement or trial

Whether you were sideswiped on a highway or city street, our Columbia car accident lawyers are prepared to advocate for you.

Speak With a Columbia Sideswipe Accident Lawyer Today

A sideswipe accident can leave you injured, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. You shouldn’t have to handle medical bills, insurance disputes, and legal deadlines on your own.

At Stewart Law Offices, our Columbia car accident attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of injured drivers and pursuing the compensation they deserve. We offer free consultations and charge no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Call 803-743-4200 or contact us online today for your free, confidential consultation. Let our experienced Columbia car accident attorneys handle your claim while you focus on healing.