The MEC of cooperate governance and traditional affairs Mr Speedy Mashilo is one of few motorists to have survived a sideswipe accident. He was involved in the accident on Sunday.
“Two people were injured when the MEC’s private vehicle had a sideswipe accident with another car. They are recovering in Siyabuswa hospital. Mashilo has wished them a speedy recovery,” said George Mthethwa, spokesperson for the department.
Also read: Driver seriously injured on the R40
He added that Mashilo was not injured and had since resumed his duties.
Research from https://dubofflawgroup.com/blog/sideswipe-accidents/ states that sideswipe accidents are caused when one car veers out of its own lane and into the adjacent lane; the reason for the change of lanes can vary and include:
• Inattention by the driver who simply does not look before changing lanes
• Distracted driving either by eating, texting, reading or interacting with passengers while driving
• Drunk driving
• Object on the road which causes the driver to swerve to avoid an animal or object in the road
• Objects in a blind spot or that the driver cannot see.
What to do if you have been sideswiped
• Document the scene: take photos of the cars in place to help show the conditions and what happened. If possible, get contact details for anyone who stopped so that you are able to call witnesses if you have to.
• Seek out for medical attention: get treatment for any injuries, even those that seem minor, and let your doctor know that you’ve been involved in a collision.
• Call the police: file a police report to make a record of the accident and to further record the details.
• Never accept a settlement: if the insurance company offers you an immediate settlement or wants to pay for the damages to your vehicle, do not accept it until you speak to an attorney. Call an attorney.
