Single-Car Accidents: What You Need To Know

Single-Car Accidents and Houston Auto Accident Attorneys

Generally speaking, most car wrecks involve multiple parties. However, not every motor vehicle accident includes another driver. Unfortunately, there are many instances that lead to a single-car accident. Additionally, these collisions are far more common than many believe. 

After a single-car wreck, people tend to assign blame and fault to themselves. However, this is not necessarily the case. 

In some instances, you have the right to pursue compensation from someone when they cause your single-vehicle accident. After any type of accident, it’s essential for drivers to understand true liability and their legal options for recovery. 

With our team of Houston motor vehicle accident attorneys, you have advocates to investigate your case and pursue compensation from anyone liable for your accident. Schedule your FREE consultation today and hold the liable accountable. 

What Constitutes a Single-Vehicle Accident?

A single-car accident is a motor vehicle accident that causes damage to one vehicle. Even when another driver contributes to or causes the accident, when the crash only involves your vehicle, we consider this a single-vehicle accident. 

For instance, consider this situation. You spin out of control and run into a street post. This is a single-vehicle collision. However, when another driver cuts you off and causes you to veer off the road instead of their vehicle, they may be liable for your single-car collision. 

Oftentimes, single-car accidents involve different forms of property damage. However, they only involve a single automobile.

Am I Liable for My One-Car Accident?

As you can see, liability is not always clear in an accident. So, how do you know when you’re liable for your car collision? 

As a driver, you are liable for your one-car accident when your actions are the “proximate cause” of the collision. “Proximate cause” means that your actions led to the crash. 

For instance, when you drive too fast on a rainy day, you are liable for the resulting wreck. Another example is driving too fast and losing control of the vehicle. Whenever you make a driving error or behave in a way that isn’t careful enough, you bear the liability for your own accident. 

When Someone Else is Liable in Single-Car Accidents

Maybe a driver pulled out in front of you, causing you to hit a tree instead of the other vehicle. Perhaps someone weaved into your lane, causing you to make a sudden evasive maneuver. 

Maybe the accident happened because there was a malfunction in your vehicle and not because you did anything wrong. All of these are extremely real situations in which you might not be liable for a one-car accident. 

After single-car accidents, we investigate the situation from several different angles. As Houston car accident attorneys, we understand that liability isn’t as cut and dry as it seems. When you experience an accident, explore your options at a free case evaluation with our team. 

Single Car Accidents & Personal Injury Claims

After single-car accidents, people are often surprised to learn that have legal options. When someone else’s negligence leads to your accident, you have the opportunity to hold them accountable for your injuries, expenses, and losses. After an accident, try to preserve evidence through documentation of the scene and protection of your vehicle. 

There are many aspects involved in these types of accidents. The best thing for you to do is schedule a free case evaluation with a Houston personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. 

With a qualified Houston auto accident attorney, you have an advocate to investigate the details of your case and determine liability. Often, people assign blame to themselves in single-vehicle accidents. When you work with an attorney, we explore every option available. 

Consulting our team quickly helps us evaluate your case and advance your interests. Let us bear the weight of your case as you focus on healing. Schedule your free consultation today!

Single-Car Accidents FAQ

What are the possible outcomes when I’m liable?

Traffic Tickets or Citations

When you bear liability for your accident, there are numerous ways in which your case resolves. One example is a ticket from law enforcement when you violate Texas traffic laws. As with any ticket, you have the right to contest it in court and share your side of the story with a judge. 

When you have personal injury protection insurance, you have the option to seek recovery from your own insurance company. However, when there’s damage to another person’s property, it is likely they will also look to your insurance for compensation. 

Before you assume your insurance company won’t help when you’re at fault, check whether you have the right coverage. Likely, your policy comes with liability coverage, which means you have the means to cover damage to your property or someone else’s. 

Pay Out of Pocket

When you are responsible for your single-car accident, it is possible you have to cover your own medical expenses and other damages. However, it’s important to speak with an attorney at a free consultation. You may have options to pursue compensation, even if it’s from your own insurance company. 

Criminal Charges

Those at fault for single-car accidents often face criminal charges of some sort. For example, drunk driving is a common criminal charge following single-car collisions. When you face such charges, it’s essential to seek out a criminal defense attorney to protect your rights. 

Never Assume You Are At Fault

In many cases, the drivers are responsible for their own single-car accidents. However, it’s not always the case. In some cases, perfectly careful drivers end up in an auto accident. 

When this happens to you, it’s important to understand your legal options. Understanding your rights makes all the difference for a deserving victim after an auto accident. 

What are the possible outcomes when someone else is liable?

When you aren’t liable for your single-vehicle accident, our Houston auto accident lawyers help you hold the liable accountable. The “responsible party” varies with each case. 

However, potentially liable parties include other drivers, negligent businesses that don’t maintain their properties, vehicle manufacturers, or even government entities. 

A Personal Injury Claim Against the Liable Party

When another’s negligence causes your collision, you have the right to pursue a claim against them. We help victims hold negligent parties liable for their injuries. In some cases, people act negligently without direct involvement in the impact of the motor vehicle accident. 

When this is the case, you have the potential to file a claim against them in court or seek compensation from their insurance company. 

Product Liability 

When a defective part or faulty vehicle causes single-car accidents, the victim has the option to bring a claim against the manufacturer. For example, a company produces a vehicle or part with an inadequate design. Alternatively, perhaps an error occurs during the manufacturing process. 

In these cases and others, they are liable for the injuries caused by their defective products. With product liability cases, it is essential to preserve evidence. Speak with an auto accident attorney as soon as possible. When you do so, our team begins to build proof and gather evidence of the malfunction. 

Pursuing a Claim Against an Entity

In some single-car accidents, they result from negligence regarding maintenance. For example, when a pothole in a business’s parking lot leads to your wreck, they may be liable. Additionally, a variety of government entities maintain public roads. 

When businesses and governments don’t adequately maintain roads or pavement, you have the option to hold them accountable for your damages. This type of claim tends to require some special knowledge, so it’s essential to work with a personal injury attorney. 

It’s not easy to sue the government. However, it’s not impossible. 

What do I do after a single-vehicle accident?

After a single-car accident, there are certain things to do to protect yourself and your interests. Here’s a list of things to consider after your accident. 

Stop

Never leave the scene of an accident. The only time to leave early is when you need emergency care. 

Protect the Scene

Prevent further accidents by cordoning off the area of the accident. Turn on your hazard lights to let other drivers know. It’s good to keep a flashlight on you in case it’s dark and your lights don’t work. 

Call the Police

Even when there’s no major injury, it’s a good idea to call the police. A police report helps to establish liability with a personal injury claim. 

Take Notes and Establish a Record

When the officers arrive, tell them exactly what happened to the best of your ability. Never speculate or guess about anything you don’t know. It’s okay to say “I’m not sure.” 

If they ask about injuries, say “I’m not sure.” Oftentimes, pain and injuries set in later on after motor vehicle accidents. 

Take Pictures

Document the damage to your vehicle and the scene of the accident. After single-car accidents, this helps us examine the scene to determine potential causes and fault. 

Exchange Information

In other car accidents, you would exchange information with the other driver(s). After a single-vehicle accident, gather contact information from witnesses. 

Report the Accident

Oftentimes, insurance policies require immediate reporting and full cooperation. However, after you report the accident, it’s important to discuss your options with an attorney. As your advocate, your auto accident attorney may handle all communication with the insurance company moving forward. 

Seek Medical Attention

Typically, injuries in single-car accidents are not readily apparent. Many of our clients report pain days after the accident. Seek out medical attention at an emergency center or with your physician. This establishes a record of your injuries and maps out a treatment plan. 

Maintain a File

Keep a file with any accident-related documents and information. This includes the following. 

  • Claim numbers
  • Claim’s adjuster handling your case 
  • Names and phone numbers of witnesses and other contacts 
  • Receipts for your expenses
  • The treatment plan from your doctor

Protect Your Rights

One of the most important things to do after a single-vehicle accident is to consult an auto accident attorney. With an attorney, you have an advocate to protect your rights and maintain evidence in your case. 

Oftentimes, insurance companies want to gather statements immediately after an accident. It’s essential to consult an attorney before you do so because they provide guidance throughout the process. 

We advise you on a broad range of issues to ensure you get the medical treatment you need. Moreover, we fight on your behalf to help you receive the compensation you deserve. As personal injury attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means there’s no fee until we win your case. 

After single-car accidents, people often feel defeated. Let us help you explore your options. 

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