The driver is not always the party liable for a single-vehicle accident. While the driver is often found at least partially responsible, liability can also fall on a vehicle manufacturer, a government entity responsible for road maintenance, another driver whose actions caused a swerve, or a combination of these parties, depending on what actually caused the crash.
A single vehicle accident occurs when only one vehicle, whether a car, truck, or SUV, is involved in a crash, sometimes called a single car accident or single vehicle crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes killed an estimated 39,345 people nationwide in 2024, and a substantial share of fatal crashes each year involve only a single vehicle, from a driver losing control on a rural road to a vehicle leaving the roadway due to a mechanical failure.[1] If you were involved in a single-vehicle accident, understanding who may be liable is the first step toward pursuing compensation.
Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents can result from a combination of factors, including driver negligence, vehicle defects, and external conditions such as weather or road hazards. Common causes include:
- Speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving
- Faulty brakes, tires, steering, or seat belts
- Inclement weather, poorly maintained roads, or wildlife on the roadway
- Malfunctioning or missing traffic signals and signs
- Another driver’s actions that caused the vehicle to swerve or leave the road
In some cases, a single-vehicle accident results from a combination of these factors, such as a driver speeding on a wet road who then loses control and strikes a stationary object.
Is the Driver Always Liable in a Single-Car Accident?
Often, a single-vehicle accident involves a driver who acted negligently while operating the vehicle, resulting in the vehicle leaving the road and striking an object such as a tree, mailbox, or guardrail. While this is frequently the case in a single car accident, it is not always the full explanation for what happened. In many cases, the driver of the vehicle involved is not fully liable for the crash, and other parties, such as a negligent manufacturer or a government entity responsible for road maintenance, may bear responsibility.
To hold another party liable, you generally need to show the following elements of negligence:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
- That duty of care was breached
- The breach caused the single-vehicle accident and your injuries
- You suffered losses as a result
To begin building your single-vehicle accident claim, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible so evidence can be gathered before it is lost.
Role of Mechanical Failure
Mechanical failure can play a significant role in single-vehicle accidents. A vehicle defect, such as a faulty brake system or a tire blowout, can cause a driver to lose control. In some cases, the failure results from a manufacturing defect or a maintenance issue at a repair shop. If a mechanical failure caused a single vehicle accident, the vehicle manufacturer or repair shop may be held liable for damages, and a thorough investigation is usually necessary to pinpoint the exact cause.
Passenger Injuries
Passengers injured in a single-vehicle accident often have more options for recovering damages than the driver does. If the driver is found at fault, the passenger may be able to file a claim against the driver’s insurance policy. If a vehicle defect or mechanical failure caused the crash, the passenger may instead pursue a claim against the manufacturer or repair shop. Passengers should seek medical attention promptly and consult with an attorney to understand their specific options.
Government Liability
In some cases, a government entity may be held liable for a single-vehicle accident. If a road hazard or poorly maintained road contributed to the crash, or if a malfunctioning traffic signal played a role, the responsible government entity may bear liability. Pursuing a claim against a government entity requires following specific notice procedures and deadlines that are often shorter than standard filing deadlines, so it is important to consult an attorney quickly if a public road or traffic control device may have contributed to your accident.
How Comparative Negligence Can Affect a Single-Vehicle Claim
Kansas and Missouri both follow comparative negligence rules, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your own percentage of fault if you contributed to the accident. In a single-vehicle crash, this often comes up when a driver was speeding or distracted at the same time a road hazard or mechanical defect also contributed to the crash. Establishing that another party shares in the fault, even partially, can meaningfully change the outcome of a claim.
Damages You May Be Eligible to Recover After a Single Vehicle Accident
Although many single-vehicle accidents result from driver negligence, another party may sometimes be found liable for the resulting damages. If a party other than the driver caused the accident, the driver may be able to recover damages through that party’s insurance or a direct claim. Damages that may be available include:
- Medical expenses and future medical care
- Lost wages and lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Wrongful death, where applicable
Optional coverage, such as comprehensive or uninsured motorist coverage, may be necessary to recover certain damages that standard policies do not include. A totaled vehicle claim often involves a separate valuation process from the injury portion of your case.
Navigating the Insurance Claim Process After a Single Vehicle Accident
Handling the aftermath of a single vehicle accident can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to the insurance claim process. The first step is to ensure everyone’s safety and seek medical attention if needed. Once the scene is secure, document everything: photograph the vehicle damage, the surrounding area, and any contributing factors such as road conditions or weather, since evidence gathered at the accident scene is often the strongest support for your version of events.
Notify your insurance company promptly and provide a clear, accurate account of how the crash occurred, including any potential causes such as mechanical failure or road hazards. Keep detailed records of every communication with your insurance company, repair shops, and medical providers. If your claim is denied or you face resistance in recovering fair compensation, an experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and negotiate on your behalf.
Understand Who Is Liable for Your Single-Vehicle Accident Case
At Hollis Law Firm, our personal injury legal team works to hold negligent parties accountable and helps clients pursue fair compensation after a single-vehicle accident. Determining fault in these cases can be complex due to factors like vehicle defects or road maintenance failures, and we help gather the evidence necessary to identify every liable party.
Contact our personal injury law firm today to discuss your accident by completing our contact form. We offer a free consultation to help you understand your legal options after a single-vehicle accident.
Frequently Asked Questions About Single-Vehicle Accident Liability
Can I recover compensation if I was the only driver in the accident?
You may be able to recover compensation even as the only driver involved if another party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or a government entity responsible for road maintenance, contributed to the cause of the crash. An investigation into the mechanical condition of the vehicle and the condition of the roadway is often the first step in identifying other liable parties.
How do insurance companies determine fault in a single-vehicle crash?
Insurers typically review the police report, vehicle inspection findings, road conditions, and any available witness or camera evidence. Because there is no second driver to compare accounts against, physical evidence from the scene and the vehicle itself often carries more weight than in a multi-vehicle crash.
What if my own negligence partly caused the accident?
Kansas and Missouri both apply comparative negligence rules, meaning your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault rather than eliminated entirely, as long as another party also contributed to the crash. The specific impact depends on how fault is allocated among the parties involved.
How long do I have to file a claim after a single-vehicle accident against a government entity?
Claims against a government entity typically require a formal notice within a shorter window than a standard personal injury deadline, often a matter of months rather than years. Missing this notice period can bar the claim entirely, so it is important to consult an attorney promptly if a public road or traffic device may have contributed to your accident.
What evidence helps prove a vehicle defect caused a single-vehicle accident?
Preserving the vehicle for inspection, obtaining maintenance and repair records, and consulting an engineer or accident reconstruction specialist are common steps used to trace a crash back to a mechanical defect rather than driver error.
Source:
[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “NHTSA Estimates 39,345 Traffic Fatalities in 2024,” U.S. Department of Transportation, 2025. Available: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/nhtsa-estimates-39345-traffic-fatalities-2024
