Who Is at Fault in a Single Vehicle Car Accident - MO Law

A single car accident is one of the most misunderstood of all motor vehicle accidents. Unlike multi-vehicle accidents, these accidents are different. The driver involved is at fault in a single-car accident, right? Not always. As with most car accident cases, things can get complicated.

In Missouri, determining fault in a single-car accident requires very careful examination of the situation. The accident scene must be carefully examined, and the circumstances of the case must also be considered. In addition to this, the vehicle condition and any third-party influence may come into play.

Understanding liability in these situations is so important. This is not only the case for injured drivers and passengers, but also for insurance claims, legal defenses, and personal injury lawsuits.

Powell Law Firm takes a look at these cases and explains here how fault is determined when a single vehicle accident occurs in Missouri. They can also take a look at who is at fault in a passenger side car accident MO. Below, read about key legal principles in the state, see real-world examples, and how Missouri's laws can impact auto accidents. It doesn't matter if it's a driver seeking clarity after a single vehicle accident, or if someone reading this is interested in Missouri law, this post is meant to be a guide.

Defining a Single Car Accident

In Missouri, a single vehicle accident usually involves only one driver and one vehicle, but not always. These accidents may take many forms including:

• A car that hits a tree, street sign, guard rail, or utility pole

• A vehicle that rolls over after swerving

• A car that goes off the road and into a ditch

• A driver that strikes an animal or other object

• A driver that is hit by another driver who fled the scene

While a single vehicle accident involves only one car, they can still result in the same consequences as a multi car accident. These include serious injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.

However, since other vehicles and drivers aren't usually directly involved, or they have fled the scene, the question that often comes to mind is this: "who is at fault?"

Missouri's Fault-Based Auto Insurance System

In Missouri, there is a fault-based system, called a tort system, for car accidents. This means that the person who is at fault for the accident is responsible for the damages caused by the accident. This applies to both accidents with only one vehicle as well as with multi vehicle collisions.

In the case of a single car accident, fault assigned to the driver involved makes sense, right? Well, it's not always the driver's fault.

The state of Missouri requires drivers to carry liability insurance to cover damages, including medical expenses, that may occur when multiple vehicles are involved in an accident. However, for a single car crash, the focus shifts to first-party coverage. This includes:

• Collision Insurance -- this covers damage to the vehicle of the policyholder

• Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) -- this covers medical bills

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage -- this covers the policyholder in case another driver caused the crash, but then fled the scene

When accidents happen, fault determines whether these coverages apply, and to what extent they apply. So, it is very important to determine the party responsible. Whether it is a single driver or multiple drivers, legal counsel is highly recommended, as the legal process can be confusing. They can also consult on who is at fault in a roll over car accident MO.

The Legal Standard for Determining Fault in Missouri

To fully establish fault in a single vehicle accident in Missouri, the concept of negligence will play an important role. Even in a single car accident, the driver might be found negligent if they fail to react appropriately, or act in a way that a reasonable person would act under similar circumstances.

To prove negligence, there are four main elements that must be established:

1. Duty of Care --  The driver had a legal obligation to operate the vehicle in a safe manner.

2. Breach of Duty -- The driver breached the duty noted above. This comes into play if the driver is speeding or distracted.

3. Causation -- The breach above directly caused the car accident.

4. Damages -- The accident caused physical, emotional, or financial harm.

If a driver doesn't uphold their duty, such as if they were texting, driving at high speeds, not paying attention, or impaired, they are more likely to be determined at fault. However, there are other factors that can complicate this.

Common Causes of Single Vehicle Accidents in Missouri

One way to go about determining fault in an accident with a single driver is to understand the causes of these crashes. Here are some of the most common causes that are seen in Missouri:

Driver Error

Driver negligence is the most common cause of single vehicle accidents. Even the most skilled drivers make errors. These include:

• Distracted driving, i.e. texting, talking on the phone, or the driver fails to have their eyes on the road

• Speeding

• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, which may limit motor skills

• Falling asleep at the wheel

• Aggressive driving or overcorrecting

In most cases, the driver is deemed at fault unless there are specific circumstances that show the driver is not responsible.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Not all accidents are the fault of the driver, though. In Missouri, especially in rural areas, road conditions can greatly contribute to a single vehicle accident. Some of these conditions include:

• Poorly maintained roads

• Unmarked or hidden curves

• Missing or damaged road signs

• Road debris or a fallen tree

• Faulty traffic signal

• Inadequate lighting

In these situations, which can negatively affect the way a driver can control their vehicle, the local government or the agency responsible for maintaining the road, may actually share liability if it is proven that they did not maintain safe road conditions.

Weather-Related Factors

Here in Missouri, there are sometimes extreme weather conditions. This can lead to accidents that cause vehicle damage or even catastrophic injuries. Heavy rain, flooding, snow, ice, fog, or winds can all contribute to an accident.

According to Missouri law, drivers are expected to adjust their behavior based on these weather conditions. It is more difficult to assign 100% blame to the driver if an accident occurred during a storm or on a snowy/icy road that was not treated.

Vehicle Malfunctions

A vehicle defect might also come into play in a single vehicle accident. Crashes can occur due to brakes failing, tire blowouts, steering issues, or vehicle electrical issues. In this case, if the driver has relevant evidence, the fault may lie with the vehicle manufacturer or an auto repair shop. These cases can be very complex, which is why it's recommended to contact a legal team as soon as possible.

Avoidance Maneuvers

In some cases, a driver will swerve to avoid an animal or another driver who cuts them off. In this case, they may end up crashing. While it may seem like the driver is at fault, they may have actually acted in a reasonable manner in response to a situation. If another driver causes the vehicle to crash, but then leaves the scene, that driver may be to blame. If they fled, however, they may not be able to be held accountable. In this case, the driver who crashed may use their uninsured motorist coverage.

Third-Party Liability in Single Vehicle Accidents

Although an accident may only involve a single car, a third party can sometimes be held responsible. Examples of this include:

• Government Agencies - Responsible for road maintenance and signage

• Construction Companies - May create hazards or fail to properly mark road work

• Vehicle Manufacturers - Defective parts may cause accidents

• Other Drivers - Their actions may cause the crash

In order to hold the third party liable, the driver must provide solid evidence that the negligence of the third party directly contributed to the crash.

What If a Passenger Is Injured in a Single Vehicle Crash?

If there is a passenger in the vehicle when a single car accident occurs, they may be able to file a claim against the driver's insurance company. Missouri is an at-fault state. This means that the passenger would need to show that the driver was, indeed, negligent. If the driver carries MedPay coverage, it doesn't matter if they are at fault or not. This covers medical bills.

A passenger can also potentially sue a third party if the accident was caused by something external, such as mechanical failure, poor road conditions, or other third party negligence.

Comparative Fault in Missouri

Missouri is a comparative fault state, which means that even if the driver is partially at fault, they can still recover compensation. However, the amount they get is lowered by their amount of fault, which is a percentage. The helps to ensure fairness because they share responsibility.

For instance, if a driver is 80% at fault for losing control on an icy road, and the government is found to be 20% at fault for not salting the road, the driver is still able to collect 20% of the damages.

This can make a big difference in the outcome of claims and lawsuits, as in many cases, the driver will share fault with a third party.

How to Prove Fault in a Single Vehicle Accident

Proving fault in a single vehicle accident is a challenge. However, it is imperative if a person wants to make an insurance claim or take legal action. Here are some ways fault is often established:

• Police Reports - Anytime there is an accident, even if it is minor or involving a single vehicle, it's important to get a police report. This official report can help to assign blame in the crash, which is so important when seeking compensation.

• Witness Statements - Eyewitnesses can also help in an accident, and their testimony might prove to be crucial in determining fault.

• Vehicle Inspection - If a mechanical issue is believed to have caused the accident, an inspection of the vehicle should be done.

• Road Evidence - It's also important to document road evidence including skid marks, debris, missing signage, or construction hazards, which may have caused or contributed to the accident.

• Video Footage - Video evidence from a dash cam, traffic cameras, or a home security system is also often sought out as a way to prove fault.

• Weather or Road Conditions - Finally, documenting weather and road conditions at the time of the accident can show that the driver was at the mercy of those external factors.

Legal Steps to Take After a Single Vehicle Accident in Missouri

Anyone involved in a single vehicle accident in Missouri should take the following steps:

• Seek Medical Attention - Health and safety should always come first. Medical care should be sought out even if injuries are minor.

• Report the Accident - If no one has called 911, it should be done as soon as possible.

• Document the Scene - It's important to document the scene. Take photos, videos, and capture other factors, like road and weather conditions.

• Inform the Insurance Company - The accident should also be reported to the insurance company of the driver.

• Call an Attorney - Finally, legal guidance can help to determine fault, especially if a third party is involved.

Get Legal Representation As Soon as Possible.

Fault is not always clear in a single car accident. This is why consulting with this car accident lawyer in St Louis is so important. A good lawyer will help with the following:

• Investigating the accident thoroughly

• Gathering opinions and evidence

• Dealing with the insurance company on behalf of their client

• Filing claims against a negligent third party

• Representing their clients in court

Powell Law Firm has been helping car accident victims in St. Louis for many years. The team is led by an experienced personal injury attorney, Kenny Powell, and they can help victims of single car accidents get compensation. Call today for a free consultation.