The high-volume of traffic on NYC streets significantly increases the likelihood for sideswipe crashes. The sudden nature of these collisions can be extremely unsettling for both parties, especially since they often take drivers by surprise.
Injured in a sideswipe crash in NYC? At The Bongiorno Law Firm, our experienced NYC car accident lawyers are deeply committed to helping injured victims recover the full and fair compensation they deserve. Below we discuss sideswipe collisions, including why they are so common in NYC and how to avoid getting involved in one.
What Is a New York City Sideswipe Crash?
A sideswipe collision occurs when two vehicles traveling parallel crash into each other, side-to-side. You know when these crashes happen, because you can hear the scraping and crushing damage alongside both vehicles.
What Are Some Common Causes of Sideswipe Crashes?
New York City has one of the most complex intersections in the country. Aggressive drivers and narrow streets create a lot of situations that could lead to sideswipe collisions.
Some factors that contribute to sideswipe collisions are:
- Tight Lanes and Limited Space: Many NYC streets have narrow lanes, which forces vehicles to travel close together.
- Multiple Turning Lanes: Complex intersections often feature several turning lanes, which can lead to vehicles sideswiping each other during turns.
- Aggressive Driving: In New York, you may frequently experience impatient and aggressive drivers who may not care if they sideswipe another driver’s vehicle.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions like texting or grabbing something from the backseat could cause drivers to overlook pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles in the adjacent lane.
- Improper Lane Changes: Sudden or unsafe lane changes, such as changing lanes in an intersection, could be dangerous. A pedestrian could be crossing the street or other cars could be passing by.
- Merging Difficulties: Poorly designed merge lanes or drivers making last-minute lane changes often contribute to these collisions.
- Blind Spots: Large vehicles, like trucks and buses, have significant blind spots, especially in high volumes of traffic where multiple vehicles could be hidden.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, increasing the risk of sideswipe crashes and other types of collisions.
- Construction Zones: Ongoing road work often creates unexpected lane shifts and merges, increasing the risk of sideswipe accidents involving vehicles, road workers or objects.
- Double Parking: Illegally parked parallel vehicles can force other drivers to maneuver around them, potentially leading to sideswipe collisions.
What Is the Risk of Being Hit in a NYC Sideswipe Crash?
The risk of being sideswiped in New York City is considerably higher than in other major cities across the country. There are thousands of miles of crowded streets filled with taxis, delivery trucks, daily commuters and tourists.
NYC drivers are notoriously aggressive making crowded traffic lanes a daily battle for space and speed in tight lanes. Like any city, New York has construction happening everywhere, too, which only increase the risk of a sideswipe crash due to sudden lane shifts and detours.
Your chances of being involved in a sideswipe crash increase when:
- Navigating busy intersections where multiple lanes merge
- Driving next to large trucks on narrow streets
- Traveling during hectic rush hour traffic
- Dealing with double-parked cars that force sudden lane changes
- Moving through construction zones that create unexpected lane shifts
Can NYC Sideswipe Crashes Cause Serious Injuries?
Many people believe sideswipe crashes are less severe than head-on or T-bone collisions. However, they can sometimes cause serious injuries. In fact, these injuries could become catastrophic in some cases, especially if the impact of a sideswipe crash causes one of the vehicles to lose control and spin into other traffic or off the road.
Sideswipe collisions in NYC can cause serious injuries for other reasons, such as if they:
- Occur Unexpectedly: Victims often have no warnings before a sideswipe crash, leaving them with no time to react or prepare for the impact.
- Cause Severe Injuries: A crash victim involved in a sideswipe crash may sustain severe damage to their spine or a suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Multiple other injuries, including fractures, deep lacerations and bruises, can also occur, depending on the severity of the crash.
- Result in Significant Vehicle Damage: Sideswipe car crashes may misalign tires, damage suspension systems and cause other mechanical issues that might not be immediately noticeable.
- Seriously Harm Cyclists and Pedestrians: New York drivers share the road and maneuver busy intersections with pedestrians and cyclists. Sideswipe accidents could threaten their safety in a matter of seconds, especially in areas that have no bicycle lanes or crosswalks.
- Run into Buildings and Stationary Objects: Drivers may lose control of their vehicle after a sideswipe crash, causing them to collide with a stationary object or building.
Where Are Sideswipe Accidents at High Risk in NYC?
Knowing where certain high-risk locations are can help drivers stay alert. These areas in NYC are particularly prone to sideswipe collisions.
- Times Square: This busy area is always full of tourists, taxis and buses. Heavy traffic and narrow lanes create further increase the risk of a sideswipe crash.
- Chinatown: Double parking is usual in Chinatown, forcing drivers to make sudden lane changes or squeeze through tight spaces.
- Brooklyn Bridge: This bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, so there is often traffic congestion. Abrupt lane changes and impatient drivers in rush hour make a crash much more likely.
- Fifth Avenue: This central shopping district attracts drivers and pedestrians. The crowded streets and multiple intersections make this area vulnerable to sideswipe collisions.
- Roosevelt Field Mall: Sideswipe car crashes are common in parking lots, especially in busy shopping areas like Roosevelt Field Mall, where vehicles move in and out of parking spaces.
- School Zones: School zones near areas like Garden City High School may have sideswipe accidents due to the high volume of cars dropping off and picking up students.
How Can I Prevent a NYC Sideswipe Crash?
Sideswipe collisions happen even when you take precautions. However, here are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in this type of accident:
- Stay Alert: Remain alert and watch your surroundings
- Use Turn Signals: Always turn on your signal before you change lanes to alert other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
- Check Blind Spots: Look for blind spots in your rearview and side mirrors, and physically turn your head to ensure lanes are clear. Driver-assisted technology helps, but it is not foolproof.
- Avoid Distractions: Put away phones and other distractions while parking or driving.
- Maintain Lane Position: Staying in the center of your lane, especially when passing parked cars or backing out of parking spaces.
- Be Patient: Resist the urge to weave through traffic or make sudden lane changes
- Leave Space: Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, particularly in turning lanes
- Adjust Driving in Poor Weather: Slow down and increase the distance between you and other vehicles in poor weather
- Use Mirrors Properly: Ensure side and rearview mirrors are correctly positioned
- Make Predictable Decisions: Avoid sudden movements or last-minute driving maneuvers
Contact The Bongiorno Law Firm for Legal Help
If you have been involved in a sideswipe accident, we strongly recommend seeking legal help as soon as possible. The Bongiorno Law firm is a trusted NYC law firm with a history of proven results. We are prepared to support you throughout the legal process, and we will fight for the maximum possible compensation on your behalf.
Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your situation and potential legal options. We take cases on a contingency, so there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We only get paid if we win your case.
