Part 2: Missouri Side-Swipe Accidents: Who’s at Fault After a Lane-Change Collision?
What Is a Side-Swipe Crash?
A side-swipe accident happens when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite directions make contact along their sides. While some seem minor, these incidents can cause drivers to lose control, leading to rollovers or multiple-car collisions.
Common Causes of Side-Swipe Accidents
Most side-swipe crashes happen when a driver:
Fails to check blind spots before changing lanes
Drifts into another lane
Improperly merges onto a freeway
Drives distracted or fatigued
How Fault Is Determined
Liability usually falls on the driver who failed to maintain their lane or did not ensure it was safe before merging. To establish fault, investigators may review:
Skid marks and debris locations
Dashcam or surveillance footage
Vehicle damage points
Eyewitness statements
Missouri law requires drivers to stay in a single lane and only change lanes when it’s clear and safe. A violation of this rule can strongly indicate negligence.
Protecting Your Claim
Don’t assume a side-swipe is “no big deal.” Internal injuries or delayed pain signals can reveal more serious harm later. Speaking with a personal injury lawyer early can help preserve evidence and protect your rights.
If you’ve been side-swiped on a Missouri highway or city street, contact McDuffey & Medcalf LLC for a free, no-obligation case review.
For More information see Part One of this series: Part 1: Who’s at Fault in a T-Bone Collision? Missouri Side-Impact Crash Liability Explained
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