Typically, you will see news coverage of car accidents where multiple vehicles are involved and there are significant personal injuries. However, a large number of accidents do not involve various drivers. In some cases, a single driver may be seriously injured without other vehicles involved.
At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we have years of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured in a single-car accident, contact our car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.
What is a Single-Vehicle Accident?
A single-vehicle accident is an accident where there is one vehicle involved. This can include accidents where the car hits a stationary object, like a tree or a pole, or where the car flips over. Single-vehicle accidents are often caused by driver error, but they can also be caused by mechanical failures or weather conditions.
Common Causes of Single-Car Accidents
Many different things can cause a single-car accident. In many cases, the driver is at fault, but there are some exceptions. The most common causes of single-car accidents include:
- Driver error: This is the most common cause of single-vehicle accidents. Driver error can include speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving.
- Mechanical failures: If a car’s brakes fail or the tires blow out, it can cause a single-vehicle accident.
- Weather conditions: If the roads are icy or there is severe weather, it can make it difficult for drivers to control their cars, leading to accidents.
Liability In Single-Car Accidents
In many cases, the car driver is at fault in a single-vehicle accident. This is because the driver is responsible for controlling the vehicle and ensuring it is operated safely. However, not all single-vehicle accidents result from a negligent driver.
A collision causing personal injury can happen outside of a driver’s control. For example, there have been cases where a brake failure results in a vehicle going down a hill and injuring an owner or a pedestrian. Or, a passenger’s seat can come loose and crush the vehicle’s occupant, who can’t escape. Liable parties in a single-vehicle accident may include:
Another Driver
If you were attempting to avoid a collision with a negligent driver, you might be able to file a personal injury claim against them. For example, if a driver is intoxicated or impaired, they may be driving recklessly or speeding. If your accident is due to avoiding an accident with the driver, they may be liable for your damages.
A Government Entity
If the road is not well-maintained, it can make it difficult for drivers to control their cars, which can lead to accidents. In this case, the entity responsible for maintaining the road may be liable.
Car Manufacturers
You may be able to sue the car manufacturer if a vehicle defect caused your accident. Cases in which a particular mechanism or part failure results in a car accident or is attributed to causing damages are considered product liability. In these situations, the defective product’s manufacturer could be held responsible.
It is also possible for blame to be assigned to companies who distribute or sell the defective products if it can be shown that they knew the products were defective. Furthermore, since few vehicle owners perform maintenance on their cars, blame can be assigned to a professional who improperly installs the defective product or fails to examine the part to ensure it doesn’t have a defect.
Mechanic or Auto Repair Shop
Few motor vehicle owners are familiar with maintaining their vehicle with its new technology. Today’s vehicles consist of more technical parts manufactured by different companies that use materials obtained from multiple countries. Any defective part could malfunction and cause a car accident. So we rely on professionals to maintain and repair our vehicles.
If an accident occurs due to a mechanical failure, the mechanic who inadequately performed a repair could be responsible for the crash leading to property damage and personal injury. In addition, the company that employs the mechanic could be held liable if they failed to supervise or train the employee properly.
What to Do After a Single-Car Accident
After a single-car accident, you should do the following:
Check for Injuries and Move to a Safe Location
The first thing you should do is check for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Once you have checked for injuries, you should move your car to a safe location. This will help to avoid further accidents.
Call the Police
You should always call the police after an accident, even if it is a single-vehicle accident. The police will be able to file a report and investigate the accident.
Get Insurance Information
You should exchange insurance information with the other driver if another driver is involved. If not, you should get the insurance information of the car owner if it is not your own.
Document the Accident
You should report the accident to your car insurance carrier as soon as possible. You should also take pictures of the accident scene and get the contact information of any witnesses. This will be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t think you are injured, you should seek medical attention after an accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent.
Contact a Lawyer
If you are injured in an accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Can I File an Insurance Claim After a Single-Car Accident?
Yes, you can file an insurance claim after a single-car accident in Florida. Florida is a no-fault insurance state and requires all drivers to carry personal injury protection insurance (PIP). PIP covers some medical expenses and lost wages. It will protect you regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
You should review your policy to make sure you are fully covered in the event of an auto accident. If your own car insurance policy doesn’t cover all your expenses, you may need to speak with a personal injury law firm about filing a lawsuit.
Negligence in Single-Car Accident Cases
Single vehicle accident cases where the driver is not at fault are categorized as negligence cases. Negligence is a legal term based on four points: duty, breach, causation, and damages. This means there is a duty or responsibility to care about public safety that should not be breached and cause damages or injuries.
In these situations, victims have difficulty making their case and dealing with the insurance companies as this type of accident may involve multiple individuals and companies. Insurance companies may try to shift blame from the person or company they cover to some other company.
Due to the complexity of these situations, you should consult with the car accident attorneys at The Fran Haasch Law Group. They have the knowledge and experience to fight any defensive action made by an insurance company.
Professional Car Accident Attorneys
Our car accident attorney team is dedicated to fighting for justice and ensuring you receive the best representation possible. At The Fran Haasch Law Group, we have the expertise and experience to provide Tampa Bay area residents with the most effective representation in all types of motor vehicle accident cases.