Getting into a car accident is a frustrating occurrence. The parties involved exchange insurance information, the damage is assessed and payouts often generated. While these situations can be pretty frustrating, they’re generally easy to navigate. On the other hand, single-car accidents can be more difficult to manage. When it’s just one car at the scene, it may seem as though there’s nobody to blame but the driver. Still, this isn’t always the case.

Single-car Accidents

A single-car accident is defined as a car accident that only involved one car. Damage affects only one vehicle.  Single car accidents occur as a result of a variety of reasons, most of which have nothing to do with the driver themselves. Common causes of single-car accidents are:

  • Poor weather conditions
  • Uneven roads
  • Road hazards (potholes, disrepair, etc.)
  • Mechanical failure of a vehicle
  • Evading another individual’s reckless driving
  • Defensive driving
  • Distracted driving

In most cases, a single driver will try to navigate or avoid an obstacle in order to prevent serious injury, be it for themselves or others, and end up in a car accident. Crashing into a tree, light fixture, fire extinguisher, or otherwise damaging some sort of private or public property can all occur in a single-car accident.

Liability

At a glance, it may seem as though the driver alone is liable for damages that occurred in the accident. However, various factors could make others liable. For example, if the road where the accident occurred was poorly maintained, that is, contained potholes, improper signage, poor or faded markings, or any other substandard flaws that could have caused the accident, this could absolve the driver of liability. If mechanical failure, such as a faulty brake or steering system led to the accident, this could be a case of product liability in which the manufacturer of the car could be held liable.

Some crashes occur as a result of a pedestrian jay-walking or trying to avoid other reckless drivers. While they are often not at the scene, if found to have caused the accident, these parties may be held liable for the accident.

Determining liability is one thing; successfully fighting for your rights is another. Single-car accidents can be difficult to navigate. If you or a loved one has been involved in a single-car accident, contact an attorney who could help fight for you. Contact The Paris Law Firm today to schedule your case evaluation.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.