If you were hurt in a single-vehicle accident, are you solely responsible for covering your medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, and other losses? Or are there instances where someone else might be responsible for compensating you? Depending on the situation, there could be other parties who caused or contributed to your crash and might owe you money.
The legal team at the Olson Law Firm, LLC, is ready to assess your legal options for recovering compensation for a single-vehicle crash. Contact our office now for a free case review.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Car Accidents
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the most common causes of single-vehicle accidents are:
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy
- Driving while intoxicated
- Curvy roads
- Speeding
- Inclement weather conditions
- Inexperienced drivers
- Roadway hazards
Can You Receive Compensation after a Car Crash If No Other Vehicles Were Involved?
Yes, depending on the circumstances, you could seek compensation after a single-vehicle crash. If the accident was not your fault, you might be able to recover compensation from another at-fault party.
Some examples of single-vehicle accidents in which someone else could be held liable include:
- Another driver – Another driver could be responsible for an accident even if their vehicle was not directly involved in the collision. For example, if a driver swerves into your lane without signaling, causing you to drive off the road and hit a tree, the other driver could be liable for your injuries.
- Parts manufacturer – If a vehicle part malfunctions or is defective while the car is on the road, the driver could lose control behind the wheel and trigger a single-vehicle accident. In this case, the manufacturer of the parts could be liable.
- Government agency – If a government agency responsible for maintaining the road fails to do so, resulting in potholes or another hazard, and an accident occurs, the agency could be held liable.
Can Passengers Recover Compensation If the Driver Was at Fault for the Single-Vehicle Crash?
Yes, if you were a passenger in a single-vehicle crash and suffered injuries, you could seek compensation if the driver was at fault. The driver’s liability coverage on their auto policy might cover your losses. If the driver carried Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage, that policy might also provide benefits. If the driver had no insurance or too little, you might be able to tap your auto policy for uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) benefits.
Single-Vehicle Accident Statistics
The following data illustrate how dangerous single-vehicle accidents can be:
- A study by NHTSA revealed that more than 30 percent of crashes involve only one vehicle.
- According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 21,199 fatalities occurred in single-vehicle crashes nationwide in one recent year, accounting for 55 percent of all traffic fatalities.
- Data from the National Safety Council (NSC) show that car crashes involving a fixed object accounted for 28 percent of traffic fatalities in one recent year.
How an Attorney Can Help with Your Compensation Claim
If you were injured in a single-vehicle accident, either as a driver or passenger, an experienced Denver car accident attorney can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact the Olson Law Firm, LLC, to learn more about your legal options during a free consultation.
