Introduction to Single Vehicle Accidents
A single vehicle accident, also known as a single car accident, occurs when only one vehicle is involved in a crash. This type of accident can happen for various reasons, including driver error, vehicle defects, and external factors such as weather conditions or road hazards. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), single-vehicle accidents account for a significant percentage of all traffic fatalities in the United States. If you are involved in a single-vehicle accident, it is essential to understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation. An experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the complex process of determining liability and filing an insurance claim.
Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents can be caused by a combination of factors, including driver negligence, vehicle defects, and external factors such as weather conditions or road hazards. Driver error, such as speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving, is a common cause of single-vehicle accidents. Vehicle defects, such as faulty brakes or tires, can also contribute to a single vehicle accident. Additionally, external factors such as inclement weather, poorly maintained roads, or wildlife on the road can increase the risk of a single-vehicle accident. In some cases, a single vehicle accident may be caused by a combination of these factors. For example, a driver who is speeding on a wet road may lose control of their vehicle and crash into a stationary object.
Is the Driver Always Liable in a Single-Car Accident?
Often, a single vehicle accident involves only one driver who acted negligently or carelessly while driving. In these cases, their actions may result in the vehicle swerving and then striking an object on the side of the road, like a tree, mailbox, or guard rail, with no other vehicle involved in the crash. While this is often the case in a single car accident, it is not always the full truth of what occurred. In fact, there are many cases in which the driver of the vehicle involved in the single-vehicle accident is not fully liable for the crash. Insurance policies may cover vehicle damage based on fault determination, which is crucial for drivers seeking compensation after being the sole cause of an accident. Additionally, it is important to address damage to someone else’s property in single-vehicle accidents, as it can be treated similarly to a hit-and-run.
There are many different reasons a single car accident may occur, including:
- Another driver on the road caused the driver involved in the crash to swerve off the road
- A mechanical failure on the vehicle due to negligence by the manufacturer
- A dangerous condition on the road, like bad weather or large potholes
- Faulty or improper traffic signals
- Improper maintenance of the road
If another party was responsible for your single-vehicle accident, your lawyer can help you identify the at-fault party and prove their liability by collecting evidence of the factors of negligence:
- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care
- The duty of care was breached
- The breach of duty 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.
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 of their vehicle and crash. In some cases, a mechanical failure may be the result of a manufacturing defect or a maintenance issue. If a mechanical failure is found to be the cause of a single vehicle accident, the vehicle manufacturer or repair shop may be held liable for damages. It is essential to have a thorough investigation of the accident to determine the cause of the mechanical failure and to identify the party responsible.
Passenger Injuries
Passengers who are injured in a single-vehicle accident may have more options for recovering damages than the driver. If the driver is found to be at fault, the passenger may be able to file a claim against the driver’s insurance company. Additionally, if the accident was caused by a vehicle defect or mechanical failure, the passenger may be able to file a claim against the vehicle manufacturer or repair shop. It is essential for passengers to seek medical attention immediately after the accident and to consult with an experienced car accident attorney to understand their rights and options.
Government Liability
In some cases, a government entity may be held liable for a single vehicle accident. For example, if a road hazard or poorly maintained road conditions contribute to the accident, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be held responsible. Additionally, if a traffic signal or sign is malfunctioning or missing, the government entity responsible for maintaining the traffic control device may be held liable. To pursue a claim against a government entity, it is essential to follow specific procedures and deadlines and to consult with an experienced car accident attorney who has experience in handling government liability cases.
Government liability cases can be complex and require a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations that apply. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Damages You May Be Eligible to Recover After a Single Vehicle Accident
Although many single-vehicle accidents result from the driver’s negligence, there are times when another party may be found liable for the resulting damages. Filing an insurance claim can lead to increased insurance premiums, particularly if the driver is found at fault. If a party or entity other than the driver of the vehicle in the accident caused the single-vehicle accident, the driver may be able to recover damages from the party at fault through their own insurance policy.
The damages you may be eligible to recover after another party caused your single-vehicle accident include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
Your lawyer can help you calculate how much you may be owed in damages as you pursue justice for your losses. An experienced attorney can also assist in helping you recover compensation that may exceed insurance payouts.
Understand Who Is Liable for Your Single-Vehicle Accident Case
At Hollis Law Firm, our personal injury legal team believes in holding negligent parties responsible for their actions and helping our clients pursue fair compensation after they are injured in an accident. Determining fault in a single-car accident can be complex due to various external factors, such as vehicle defects or negligence from other parties. We can help you gather the evidence necessary to identify the liable party whose negligence led to your accident.
At Hollis Law Firm, we provide guidance to our clients throughout the personal injury process so that they feel confident in their case as they pursue the damages they are owed following a single-vehicle accident. Seeking legal counsel is crucial in these cases to understand your legal rights and manage insurance claims effectively. Contact our personal injury law firm today to discuss your accident case by giving us a call at (800) 701-3672 or completing our contact form. A qualified attorney can assist you in navigating the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
