A single-car accident can happen for various reasons, more than you might think. Many single-car accidents involve multiple parties, but not all of them. There is a widespread misconception regarding single Vehicle accidents. People tend to believe it is the driver’s fault, but that is not always the case in reality.
You may be entitled to compensation from a third party depending on the circumstances of the single-vehicle collision. Keep reading to know the rules and options for the recovery process of a single-vehicle accident.
Table of Contents
What is a Single Vehicle Accident?
A single-vehicle collision occurs when the accident only involves your car. Now, any other driver may have involvement or not; it will be a single-vehicle accident. This definition reflects all collisions involving a single vehicle.
How Does It Occur?
A single-vehicle crash occurs when a driver loses control and collides with something.
Example
A single-car accident can occur when a driver attempts to avoid colliding with another vehicle. Consider the following example: A drunk driver enters your lane. To avoid colliding with the other car, you had to drive off the road and eventually hit a tree. Thus you may end up with personal injuries and subsequent damages.
Additional Consequences
A single-car accident might also result in property damage.
Are You at Fault for the Single Vehicle Accident?
When a driver’s actions cause a single-vehicle accident, the driver has to take responsibility.
Proximate Causes
There can be proximate causes, such as heavy rain or bad weather, behind the accident. People tend to put out reasons like this to discuss what led to the accident. On another note, you might be at fault if you drive too fast and lose control. If you make a mistake or drive too fast, you are responsible for the accident.
The Aftermath
Accidents can occur anytime, anywhere, no matter how skillful a driver you are. Single Vehicle accidents can have various consequences, such as increased insurance rates, lawsuits, and even criminal penalties for the driver at fault.
Paying Your Bills
When you are at fault for a single Vehicle accident, the government will refuse to pay your damage or medical bills. Accident victims can only receive compensation from others if they were the ones who caused the accident. It is better to consult with an attorney.
Tickets for a Traffic Violation
Law enforcement may give you a ticket for one or more traffic violations. You can go to court and explain your situation in such a case.
Charges for Committing a Crime
You may face legal charges if you cause the accident along with a crime. Drunk driving and reckless driving are two of the most common traffic violations. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible to deal with criminal charges.
What if You Become a Victim of a Single Vehicle Accident?
However, if you are the victim, the responsible one may pay for your losses. It can be a reckless driver or a government agency, or the car’s manufacturer. But there can be a different scenario as well.
Filing Lawsuits against Others
There can be other people on the road or a driver responsible for the accident. You have the right to sue them following the law. If another person’s negligence causes an accident, they could be held liable for your damages.
What If You Do Not Cause Any Damage to Them?
Even if you do not hit them, you can still file a lawsuit against them. The irresponsibility of others can be the reason for your injuries or car damage. So you can file a claim with their insurance company to get compensation from them.
Example
Single-vehicle collisions can occur by items in the middle of the road. Such as a part falling off another vehicle or a cargo item falling off a truck. Further investigation may be necessary, but the driver or owner of the vehicle at fault can be held responsible for leaving the object.
Suing the Manufacturer
A driver’s safety is at stake if the brakes, lights, or engine fails to function correctly. Mechanical failure is a significant factor in single vehicle accidents. Inevitable failures are the result of malfunctioning components. A thorough investigation of your car may discover one or more defects that had a role in the collision.
If this is the case, you can claim product liability claims against the manufacturer and other parties. When a company makes a vehicle based on a preliminary design or makes a mistake in manufacturing, they are responsible for its damages.
Can I File a Lawsuit against the Manufacturer?
You can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer in some instances. If some malfunction or defect of the car causes you an accident, you can do it. You can also file for a personal injury.
Example
SUV rollover accidents are frequently the result of a flaw in the vehicle’s design. Because of roof crushing, these accidents are often fatal. In this case, the product defect is the car manufacturer’s fault. Cars built to safety specifications do not easily topple over, and their roofs are strong enough to withstand impact, saving the drivers and passengers inside.
Special Mention
It is essential to keep track of evidence and call an attorney as soon as possible.
Bringing a Lawsuit Against the State
The state takes the responsibility to keep public roads in good condition and safe for people. It is tough to file a lawsuit against the state, but it is not impossible. If they don’t do their job correctly, you may be able to hold them responsible for your losses.
Example
Obstructed or nonexistent road signs can also cause devastating automobile accidents. These are often the result of negligence on the part of the driver. In this scenario, the responsible party is the organization in charge of road maintenance.
What to Do After a Single-Car Collision
While there are cases where an individual who has involvement in a single-car collision may not be at fault, proving this can be difficult. It is critical to document the single-car accident in the following ways thoroughly:
Make a Note of the Accident’s Location.
The first step is to document the location of the accident. Find a mile marker, write it down, and photograph it if possible. If there aren’t many road markers, choose a notable landmark and document it with words and photos.
You may be shaken up after the accident and believe you will remember the location. On the other hand, second-guessing can be detrimental to your case.
Image Capture
Aside from the location and any potential hazards, imagine your car, any damage to items (signs, guardrails, etc.), skid marks, and anything else that may show the accident’s impact. These photographs could be crucial in establishing the facts of your case.
Investigate the Situation
After that, take note of the road conditions, paying particular attention to any hazards that may have contributed to the accident. Keep in mind the weather and lighting conditions, as these may be essential factors to consider when developing your case.
Interrogate Witnesses
Was there anyone else there at the time of the accident? If this is the case, you should interview them and obtain their contact information so that you or your attorney can contact them later. Because the other driver may have fled the scene, witness testimony may be precious when another driver caused the collision, such as the drunk driving scenario described above.
How Car Insurance Companies Handle Single-Vehicle Accidents
If you are at fault in a single-car collision, such as losing control of your vehicle on black ice and colliding with a hydro pole, Vartanian advises that you carry collision coverage.
If you don’t, you’ll have to pay for damages yourself. Third-party liability coverage may cover some of your claim costs, but since you’d be ruled at fault, you’d want collision coverage to cover the remaining.
Collision insurance, unlike liability or accident compensation, is not required in all provinces except Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In certain provinces, public car insurance offers collision coverage as part of the base policy.
However, according to Vartanian, if a flying object damages your car, comprehensive coverage is your best choice. You would not be at fault in this case because the accident was beyond your control.
According to Vartanian, collision and comprehensive coverage are “generally part of the package together” and are sold as a bundle.
Speak with a Lawyer
Finally, if you believe your single-car accident was the outcome of others’ negligence, you should consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand the law, your options, and the following steps to take.
Many reasons can cause a single car accident. Some of the reasons are inevitable, and there is no need to worry if you are dealing with this. Contact a good lawyer who can help you to understand your situation, your options very well. Check if the lawyer is an expert in this field. After discussing it with the lawyer and understanding your options, take action accordingly. We hope this article gave you a good understanding of a single-car accident, its consequences, and what to do next.
