What Is a Sideswipe Collision in Texas?

Sideswipe collisions are deceptively dangerous accidents that occur when two vehicles traveling next to each other make contact along their sides. While the impact may seem minor compared to a head-on or rear-end collision, sideswipes can cause devastating injuries, especially when vehicles are traveling at highway speeds or when the force causes one driver to lose control.

In Texas, determining liability in a sideswipe accident can be complex particularly when both drivers may bear some responsibility. Texas’s comparative negligence laws and unique traffic regulations add further layers to these cases, making skilled legal representation essential.

Understanding Sideswipe Collisions

Definition of a Sideswipe Collision

A sideswipe collision happens when the sides of two vehicles touch or collide while moving in the same or opposite direction. These crashes often occur when:

• A driver changes lanes without checking blind spots
• A vehicle drifts out of its lane due to distraction or impairment
• Two vehicles merge into the same lane simultaneously
• A parked vehicle is sideswiped by a moving one

Unlike more direct collisions, sideswipes may not cause immediate stopping or visible damage, yet they can set off a chain reaction of swerving, overcorrection, rollovers, or secondary collisions.

Common Scenarios in Texas Roadways

Sideswipe collisions are especially common in:

• Multi-lane highways like I-35, US-183, and Loop 1 (Mopac) in Austin
• Urban streets with narrow lanes or street parking
• Construction zones, where lane shifts are abrupt
• Merging ramps and interchanges, such as those on TX-71 and I-10

Because Texas is home to major metro areas and expansive rural highways, drivers frequently navigate high-speed lane changes and congested traffic conditions ripe for sideswipes.

Why Sideswipe Collisions Can Be So Dangerous

At first glance, a sideswipe may not seem severe. But these crashes can result in significant injuries and property damage, especially under the following conditions:

High Speeds

On Texas highways, even a slight nudge at 70+ mph can send a car careening into guardrails, medians, or other vehicles. This can lead to:

• Rollover accidents
• Multi-vehicle pileups
• Head-on collisions if a vehicle crosses the median

Motorcycles and Smaller Vehicles

When a car sideswipes a motorcycle, the consequences can be catastrophic. Riders have little to no protection from side impact, and even low-speed contact can eject them from the bike.

Secondary Collisions

Drivers often overcorrect when hit from the side, swerving into oncoming traffic or nearby lanes. This domino effect can cause crashes with multiple injuries and extensive liability disputes.

Delayed Symptoms and Hidden Injuries

Even in low-speed sideswipes, occupants may suffer injuries that aren’t immediately obvious, such as:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord trauma
• Internal bleeding

Victims should seek immediate medical attention after any sideswipe, even if symptoms seem minor.

Liability in Texas Sideswipe Accidents

Determining Fault

Fault in a sideswipe collision depends on proving negligence. In general, a driver may be considered negligent if they:

• Failed to check mirrors or blind spots
• Crossed into another lane without signaling
• Were texting or otherwise distracted
• Were impaired by alcohol or drugs
• Made an unsafe or illegal lane change

Evidence used to determine fault can include:

• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Eyewitness statements
• Police crash reports
• Vehicle damage assessments
• Cell phone records
• Accident reconstruction reports

Comparative Fault in Texas

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001. This means:

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• A party can recover damages only if they are less than 51% at fault
• A plaintiff’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault

Example:

If you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

What If Both Drivers Changed Lanes?

A common scenario in sideswipe collisions is when both vehicles attempt to change into the same lane from opposite sides. In these cases, liability may be shared, and each driver’s attentiveness, signaling, and timing will be closely scrutinized.

Dashcam footage, vehicle telemetry (in modern cars), and road markings often play a crucial role in establishing who had the legal right-of-way.

Legal Duties and Traffic Laws Relevant to Lane Changes

Texas drivers are subject to specific statutes regarding lane usage and safe driving:

• Texas Transportation Code § 545.060 – Requires drivers to stay in a single lane and only change lanes when it is safe.
• § 545.104 – Mandates signaling a lane change continuously for at least 100 feet.
• § 545.062 – Requires maintaining a safe following distance, which can be relevant in multi-vehicle sideswipe cases.

Violating any of these statutes may constitute negligence per se, strengthening the injured party’s claim for damages.

Insurance Complications in Sideswipe Accidents

Insurance companies often downplay the severity of sideswipe collisions or attempt to shift partial blame onto the injured party. Common tactics include:

• Alleging you failed to avoid the crash
• Minimizing property damage to dispute injury claims
• Pressuring you to settle quickly before full medical diagnosis

This is especially common in cases involving disputed liability or shared fault. An experienced personal injury attorney can help collect and present the necessary evidence to refute these arguments and protect your right to full compensation.

Damages You May Recover After a Sideswipe Collision

If you were injured due to another driver’s negligence in a sideswipe accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of consortium (in certain cases)

Punitive damages may also be available if the at-fault driver was grossly negligent such as driving drunk or fleeing the scene.

What to Do After a Sideswipe Accident in Texas

Taking the right steps after a sideswipe collision can significantly affect your ability to recover damages:

1. Call 911 and file a police report.
2. Document the scene with photos and videos.
3. Exchange information with the other driver.
4. Seek immediate medical attention, even if symptoms are minor.
5. Do not admit fault or make statements to insurers without legal counsel.
6. Contact a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement offer.

How Dang Law Group Can Help

At Dang Law Group, we understand the complexities of Texas sideswipe collision cases. Whether you’re facing disputed liability or severe injuries from a negligent lane change, our experienced attorneys will:

• Investigate the crash thoroughly
• Deal with insurance companies on your behalf
• Secure expert medical and accident reconstruction testimony
• Fight for the full compensation you deserve under Texas la

Contact Dang Law Group Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a sideswipe collision, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Call Dang Law Group now for a free consultation. Let our experienced Texas car accident attorneys help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Information verified by lawyer Loc Dang

Loc Dang is a founder and member of our legal team. In this blog, Attorney Dang shares his expertise to guide accident victims.