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Drivers should be worried about sleep-deprived truckers, texting teens, or intoxicated drivers causing single-vehicle accidents. However, they should fear themselves the most in such situations.
While many drivers worry about being hit by a distracted or red-light runner, single-car incidents account for more than half of all road fatalities in the country.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States, single-car accidents accounted for 53% of all fatal auto accidents nationally in 2019.
Everyone avoids single-car accidents, but it's still a good idea to understand what they might entail and the reasons they might occur. It's a good idea to be aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a single-car collision as well as the most effective preventative measures.
Our single-car accident attorneys can assist you with your case to obtain the highest amount of compensation for your injuries if you were hurt in a single-vehicle collision that wasn't your fault.
Talk to a St. Louis Single-Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Contact Powell Law Firm if you were hurt in a single-vehicle collision in St. Louis and want to recover the money you are entitled to. You might be eligible for financial compensation from the party at fault if the single-car accident wasn't your fault. We know how to hold people accountable for their reckless behaviors that result in mishaps and harm.
When you hire us, we'll work tirelessly to secure the highest possible financial settlement for you. We are aware that it is challenging to heal following a single-car accident. Being in pain, having to pay for medical expenses, and missing work is exhausting.
Our St. Louis single-vehicle accident lawyers will handle all the legal implications of your collision and endeavor to swiftly resolve your case. Call us at (314) 470-1374 to learn how we can assist you following your single-vehicle mishap. When it suits you, we can set up a no-obligation consultation.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents
Many car accidents involve two or more vehicles. The collision is frequently caused by driver error or inattention. Sometimes there is only one vehicle involved in an accident due to a dangerous construction site, a broken road, or the behavior of another vehicle. The driver and passengers may sustain physical injuries if that occurs. The most typical reasons for single-vehicle accidents are shown below.
Run-Off-Road Crashes
A run-off-road collision occurs when a vehicle departs the travel lane, completely veers off the road, collides with an object, or flips over. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's analysis of single-vehicle incidents during a two-year period, this accounted for 64.4% of all crashes involving only one vehicle (NHTSA).
There is a significant possibility that you caused the single-car accident if you are involved. Nearly 95% of these collisions are the result of anything the driver did or didn't do, not bad weather or mechanical issues with the car.
Defective Vehicle Parts
It is the duty of auto manufacturers to ensure that the components they produce are error-free and fully functional. Sadly, there are instances when parts leave the manufacturer flawed or damaged in a way that could lead to a problem with the car.
Among the auto parts that may develop defects are:
Seatbelts
Airbags
Transmission
Brake systems
Tires
Engine
Lights
Steering system
Poor Lighting
It is crucial to have streetlights so that drivers can see approaching dangers, other cars, and pedestrians crossing the road. At night, it's critical to have enough lighting.
Poor lighting might make it difficult to see roadside hazards such as debris or important traffic signs while driving. You risk getting into a single-vehicle collision even if you follow safety procedures since you can't see where you're going.
Poor lighting prevents you from noticing things like:
Traffic signs
Cracked or uneven pavement
Potholes
Line markings
Sharp turns
Debris
Traffic Signal Malfunction
Traffic lights and stop signs are essential for ensuring the security of motorists, bicycles, and pedestrians. They may not work properly due to flaws, inadequate programming, and other issues. When that occurs, it makes it impossible for drivers to use the roads safely.
When you're trying to avoid another automobile that is simultaneously crossing an intersection, you can be involved in a single-vehicle accident. The majority of the time, government agencies are in charge of programming traffic signals. If you have enough proof of the error, you might be able to get them to pay you for the bad signals.
Road Defects
The state of roads deteriorates over time. They may break down due to natural wear or acquire flaws as a result of bad weather. When such occurs, the local government or state must quickly make the necessary repairs to stop single-car accidents.
Unfortunately, due to poor maintenance, certain road flaws go unreported. Sometimes, in an effort to conserve money, the government agency chooses to ignore the damage. Roadway defects are harmful and can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Some examples include:
Blind curves
Faded line markings
Potholes
Loose gravel
Missing or weak guardrails
Debris or hazards
Missing road signs
Inadequate lighting
Improper Signage
Traffic signs are intended to guide drivers and highlight the proper conduct on the road. One-way streets, for instance, should be identified with the proper signs to prevent traffic from moving in the wrong direction.
The absence of signs or ones that are difficult to understand might make drivers worry, leading to a car accident.
Hitting an Animal
More frequently than you may imagine, single-vehicle accidents with deer or other animals occur, especially in states with more wildlife or in rural areas.
Determining Liability After a Single-Vehicle Accident
Sometimes the only party to blame in a single-vehicle collision is the individual who sustains injuries. A car accident might happen as a result of driving while distracted or texting.
In other cases, someone else may be responsible for the harm you experienced. You could file a claim with your insurance company or file a lawsuit against the party at responsibility if you find out that something, such as a pothole on the road or a defective auto part, caused your incident. A driver of another car who swerved or drove recklessly and caused your collision may be held accountable. You may also be interested in learning what happens when car accident claims exceed insurance limits.
Car or Parts Manufacturer
You can submit a collision insurance claim against the manufacturer if a recalled or flawed component in your car contributed to your accident. It is the duty of manufacturers to design their products to particular requirements and to test them for safety.
If they find possible problems, companies are required to add warning labels to inform their customers of the risks they may encounter. Any workers who leave the plant with a flaw that causes a car accident may be held financially liable for any injuries that ensue.
Government Entity
Single-vehicle accidents happen often due to damaged roads, broken traffic signals, or absent signage. In order to prevent injuries to motorists, government organizations are required to do routine maintenance and repairs on local and state roadways.
They run the risk of being injured in an accident if they don't replace broken traffic signals or address flaws. Unfortunately, local government, state, and national entities are shielded from litigation by sovereign immunity unless a dangerous condition caused the victim's injuries. To learn more, talk to auto accident attorneys in St. Louis MO.
Third-Party
Accidents involving a single car can occasionally be the fault of a third party, such as a construction company. To advise drivers to pass through a construction area with caution, there must be enough traffic cones, warning signs, and barriers.
Without enough time to prepare, drivers may not be able to avoid danger and endanger the control of their cars. Businesses that disregard safety precautions, such as construction firms, may be held accountable for any injuries that result.
Another Driver
Even if your car is the only one in a car accident, it could still be the result of the behavior of another motorist. You could swerve to avoid colliding and run into a ditch or telephone pole if someone else is driving carelessly or failing to pay attention to the road.
Steps To Take After a Single-Car Crash
Do not leave the site of a single-car collision. If you leave the scene of an accident involving any kind of physical harm or property damage, it might be regarded as a hit-and-run. In most places, that might result in harsh punishments such as prison time, hefty fines, and license suspension. Instead, carry out the subsequent actions. If there is property damage in a car accident, you will want to learn about property damage claims.
Call Emergency Services and Get Medical Attention
If you're on the road, stop, and after you're off it, watch out that you don't put anyone else in danger. Your hazard lights should be on.
Give anyone who is hurt assistance, but don't move them. If you require immediate assistance, dial 911 or the non-emergency police line. After that, stay put until the cops show up. Exchange contacts and auto insurance details with any injured parties, including any witnesses and pedestrians. Don't take the blame for the accident or talk about it there. Ensure that you get yourself checked out too by a medical professional even if you don't have severe injuries. The report will come in handy when filing claims.
Assess Damage
Make an effort to locate the owner or a person to whom you can report the damage if you have damaged or hit someone else's property. Leave a remark if necessary with your contact and insurance details.
Don't forsake the pet if one is involved. Try to get it out of the way if you can, and then either stay with it or try to track down its owner.
It's crucial to avoid approaching or touching any large wild animals you may have hit, such as deer, as terrified animals may inflict more harm on themselves or you. Keep driving while you make a police call.
Call an Attorney
An experienced accident attorney knows the necessary protocols to ensure that you don't break any law handling the aftermath of the crash. They also understand the necessary reports you have to make and can handle them for you. It is imperative that you call your attorney before your insurance company in single-vehicle crashes, especially if you hit an accident victim. Your lawyer will analyze the accident scene to find any evidence that might help your case.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You should report the incident to your insurance company as quickly as possible to make your claim more legitimate. It is best your attorney makes this report while you focus on healing from your car accident injuries. Your auto insurance provider will also have to be prepared for a car accident claim from anyone you hit to cater for their medical bills and other losses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will a single-vehicle crash claim increase my premium?
Your annual auto insurance premiums may or may not increase as a result of a single-vehicle collision. Your driving history, whether you were at fault, the insurance laws in your state, any prior claims and payouts, and any policy add-ons like accident forgiveness will likely all be taken into account by your insurer when evaluating the one-car accident.
What happens if I’m found at fault for a single-vehicle accident?
Damage may instead be covered by collision coverage, comprehensive insurance, glass coverage, or Personal Injury Protection (PIP). You'll probably have to pay out of pocket if you don't have these coverages and are determined to be at fault in a single-car collision.
Get an Experienced Single Car Crash Attorney in Missouri
It is best to avoid single-vehicle accidents as much as possible. However, a car crash is unpredictable and can occur even when you follow the tightest safety precautions. Depending on the event, your insurance company will have to help fix your car per the deal in your car insurance. Other insurance policies will handle medical bills for any injured victims from the car crash and many more. Without an efficient single-vehicle accident lawyer, accessing all these may be frustrating.
At Powell Law, we have helped clients claim millions of dollars in car insurance claims in St Louis, Missouri. Our single-car accident attorneys are ready to guide you through any issues you may have. Call us at (314) 470-1374 for a free consultation today.