Some single-vehicle crashes are the result of the driver’s negligence. For example, the driver of the damaged vehicle may have been drunk or distracted, causing him or her to crash into a utility pole, tree or guardrail.
However, there are also single-vehicle crashes that were caused by other drivers, even though the other driver’s vehicle did not suffer damage in the crash. Sometimes a vehicle manufacturer or government entity is at fault for a single-vehicle collision.
Claims for these kinds of collisions may be challenging to prove. Victims need an experienced attorney to help them build a strong case and pursue maximum compensation for damages.
At Galloway Jefcoat, our Lafayette-based car accident lawyers know how devastating a car crash injury can be to your health, finances, your job and other aspects of your life. We have obtained millions in injury compensation on behalf of our clients over more than 25 years in Louisiana.
What is a Single-Vehicle Accident?
When you hear about a car crash, you probably think of a collision between two or more vehicles. However, some crashes only involve one vehicle. These are known as single-vehicle crashes because only one vehicle sustains damage.
These crashes often involve fixed objects, such as:
- Road signs
- Guardrails
- Utility poles
- Trees
- Buildings
- And more
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What Causes These Crashes to Happen?
There are a few common causes of single-vehicle accidents. For example, sometimes the victim made a maneuver to avoid a collision with another vehicle, and this maneuver caused the first vehicle to crash into something else.
Sometimes the driver of the vehicle was negligent and lost control, causing him or her to go off the road and crash.
Other factors that often contribute to single-vehicle collisions include:
- Drowsy driving
- Distracted driving
- Impairment from alcohol or other drugs
- Bad weather
- Winding roads
- Wildlife on the road
- Poorly lit roads
- Lack of experience behind the wheel
- Defective vehicles or vehicle parts
- Glare from the sun
How Could Another Driver be Liable for a Single-Vehicle Accident?
It is possible that another driver caused you to get into an accident, and somehow that negligent driver did not collide with your vehicle. For example, the driver in front of you may have suddenly hit the brakes or a driver to your left or right may have suddenly veered into your lane. Sometimes this happens and drivers can avoid a vehicle crash, but they end up hitting something else.
Your attorney would need to provide evidence showing that you would not have crashed unless the other driver was negligent. Unfortunately, this could be a challenge. The driver who caused you to crash may not realize what happened to you and may not stop. Unless you can locate the fleeing driver, you would not be able to file a claim against his or her insurance policy.
Some drivers know they were negligent and caused a crash to occur, but they do not care, and they keep going. In these situations, you would need to file a claim against your own insurance policy. If the driver fled the scene, make sure to call the police and explain what happened. That way you have documentation of the crash to help validate your claim with your insurance company.
You should call the police after any crash because it can be difficult to obtain compensation without a police report. The police may even be able to find the driver, particularly if you are able to note the license plate number as the vehicle drives away.
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Filing a Claim for Compensation
If the other driver stopped at the scene, your lawyer may be able to file a claim against that driver’s liability insurance policy. If the other driver did not stop and fled the scene, you may be able to seek compensation from your uninsured motorist coverage, as this type of accident is considered a hit-and-run accident.
However, you should expect your insurance company to challenge your claim. They may say you caused the crash because you said you did not collide with another vehicle. That is why you need strong evidence for your claim.
Our experienced attorneys know how to validate a car crash claim. We have the resources to thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence.
We are ready to take your call to discuss how we may be able to assist you. Contacting a lawyer right away can be an important step after a car crash injury.
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When Could Another Party Be Liable for a Single-Vehicle Crash?
There are times when no drivers are liable for a single-vehicle collision.
Defective Vehicle or Vehicle Component
Some crashes are the result of problems with the vehicle. For example, a car may have had defective brakes that did not function like they were supposed to. This may have caused a car to crash.
Other examples of defective components that may have contributed to a crash include:
- Accelerators that accelerate without warning
- Fuel systems
- Wheels
- Tires
- Air bags that deploy when they should not
- And more
These types of issues can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in a crash with another vehicle or a fixed object.
If a defective vehicle part caused a crash, the manufacturer of the part may be liable for damages. You would need to provide proof that the defective part caused the crash that led to your damages.
You would also need to prove you did not know about the defect. If the defect was part of a recall and you did not get the recall repaired, it is unlikely the manufacturer could be liable.
Even if the defect was not part of a recall, if you knew about it and chose not to fix it, you are probably at fault for the damages you suffered. It is reasonable to expect you to fix a defect or recall you know about.
Contact Galloway Jefcoat to Schedule a Free Consultation
Our licensed attorneys have been representing car crash victims for decades. We have helped countless crash victims file insurance claims and secure compensation for the damages they suffered.
We take cases on contingency, which means there are no upfront fees. The initial meeting with an attorney is free of charge. If you hire our firm, there are no fees while we work on your case. We do not get paid unless we obtain compensation for your damages.
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