Single Car Crashes are Not Always the Driver’s Fault
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While most accidents involve multiple vehicles, there is a subset of accidents where only one car is involved. If you are in a single car accident, you may assume that you were the one at fault and that you will only be able to recover for your injuries from your no-fault car insurance. However, this isn’t always the case. There are a number of situations where a single car accident is not the fault of the driver.
Negligent or Aggressive Driver
Just because your car was the only one that was damaged,and you were the only one injured, does not mean that another driver wasn’t responsible. A distracted or aggressive driver could run you off the road and cause serious injury. In addition, you may have swerved off the road and into an object to avoid a collision with a drowsy or reckless driver. In these cases, the other driver may be held responsible for your injuries. Hopefully, you were able to get information about the other driver, or there are eyewitnesses that can help you identify the responsible party. If this is not the case, however, it doesn’t mean that you are out of luck. You may be able to recover damages from your uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage if another, unidentified, driver was responsible for your accident.
Dangerous or Defective Roadways
Sometimes a roadway is designed or maintained so poorly that it can cause a driver to be involved in an accident. Conditions like broken pavement, inadequate signage, curves that can’t be driven safely at the posted speed limit, dangerous trenches or potholes, and missing or broken guardrails can all lead to single car accidents. If your accident is the result of a dangerous or defective roadway, then the governmental entity responsible for maintaining or designing the road may be held responsible. The rules regarding filing a claim against a governmental entity are complex, and you should consider hiring an experienced attorney to assist you if you believe a defective roadway is the source of your accident.
Defective Car Parts
A single-vehicle accident could also be the result of equipment failure. For example, if your brakes failed and caused a collision, the accident may not be your fault. Manufacturers of defective auto parts may be held responsible for injuries that result from the failure of these parts. In addition, if you had your brakes repaired or replaced and the mechanic was negligent, they may also be held liable.
Contact a Trusted Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a single-vehicle accident, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact the trusted lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk online or call us at 1-800-538-4878 to schedule your free consultation.