Most car accidents are the result of a collision between two or more vehicles. However, thousands of accidents annually occur with only one vehicle. When cars veer off the road, hitting medians or crashing in ditches, there is not always another vehicle involved.
Drivers in single-vehicle accidents may assume they are automatically at fault for their injuries, or they may be concerned with proving their negligence was not responsible for the accident.
If you have been in a single-vehicle accident, contact Shaw Cowart LLP to learn more about your rights. Our team can help you understand your options and uphold your rights. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents are any type of collision that involves only one vehicle. The most common reasons single-vehicle accidents occur may include:
Avoiding an Accident
When drivers see danger, such as an object in the road or the risk of a head-on collision, they often swerve to prevent an accident. This can result in hitting a median, running into a ditch, or striking a fixed object, like a stop sign.
Poor Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads, rain, ice, and snow can also cause single-vehicle accidents because all of these conditions make it more difficult for drivers to safely navigate to their destinations.
Poor weather conditions often cause vehicles to hydroplane which occurs when a car’s tires have minimal contact with the road because of an excess of water. This can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, which often results in spinning out, veering off the road, and hitting medians, or curbs.
Problems Holding Liable Parties Accountable
Although driver negligence, such as distracted driving or intoxication causes many single-vehicle accidents, it is often difficult to hold the appropriate party liable. This is because many single-vehicle accident victims are defensive drivers.
When defensive drivers swerve to avoid a deadly collision, they may save their lives but still end up in an accident. In these circumstances, the culpable party is often not at the scene of the accident, making it difficult to hold the negligent driver liable.
Recovering Compensation
Drivers in single-vehicle accidents face more barriers to receiving compensation for their physical injuries or property damage. Although there are challenges, drivers can take steps to ensure they are able to recover.
- Witnesses. It is crucial to obtain the contact information for any witnesses at the scene of the accident. Their testimony provides valuable evidence to support your claim.
- Surveillance footage. Video evidence from dash cams or nearby business surveillance systems can also help you establish that your injuries are not a result of your own negligence.
- Documentation. Preserve all medical bills to show a clear link between the accident and the injuries you sustained. Keep similar records of any repairs done to your vehicle.
- Contact an attorney. Receiving compensation after a single-vehicle accident is often more complex than claims involving multiple cars. Hiring an attorney to review your case, gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf increases your odds of receiving the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Injured in a Single-Vehicle Accident? Call Shaw Cowart TODAY
Although single-vehicle accidents only involve one vehicle they can result in the same injuries as any other type of car accident. The stress injured parties face, including medical bills, lost wages, and recovery is also the same.
At Shaw Cowart LLP, we understand the difficulty injured parties face while navigating the aftermath of a single-vehicle injury. You deserve to have an attorney advocate on your behalf by assisting in the investigation of your claim and negotiating with insurance for full compensation after your loss.
To better understand your claim and legal options contact our office today. We will help you assess your claim during a free and confidential consultation.