A car crash involving a single vehicle can only be caused by the driver of that vehicle, right? That is not necessarily true.
Read today’s blog to learn about situations where a single-vehicle collision may not be the fault, or at least solely the fault, of the driver.
If you suffered harm in a single-vehicle crash caused by a negligent driver, our Vancouver auto accident lawyers are prepared to help.
Call for your free case review today.
The Driver of the Vehicle
There are many situations where the driver of a vehicle may be at fault for causing a single-vehicle accident. For example, the driver may have been:
- Texting and driving or engaging in another form of distracted driving
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving while under the influence of intoxicants (DUII)
- Tailgating
- Speeding
Single-Vehicle Crashes Where Third Parties May Be Liable
There are many ways a third party could be fully or partially liable for causing a single-vehicle collision.
No-Contact Car Crash
If another driver is texting and drifts into your lane of traffic, what do you do? The natural response is to attempt to veer away from that oncoming car. A driver reacting to this situation may avoid the oncoming car, but then hit another object, such as a light pole or tree. However, the at-fault party for this collision is the distracted driver who drifted into your lane.
After the crash, look around for cameras that may have captured the incident. Your attorney may be able to obtain this footage to build your case against the other driver. Look around for witnesses as well. They may have seen what the other driver did.
Dangerous Road Hazards
The rise in distracted driving is just one potential danger on the road. When traveling down any road or highway, there are many other types of road hazards you could encounter. This is just one reason why it is important to remain alert when behind the wheel.
Other factors that are out of your control include:
- Deer or other animals darting out into the road unexpectedly
- An object falling off another vehicle (it could hit your car or your windshield)
- A sign, branch or other object falling onto or in front of your car
- Large potholes
When you come across these and other hazards, you may not always be able to avoid an accident. Depending on how the collision happened, you may be able to pursue a third-party claim.
For example, if an object falls off a truck and strikes your car, it could cause you to crash. In this situation, you may have a claim against that driver’s insurance.
Speaking to a licensed attorney after a single-car crash can be an important step as you consider legal options. These cases can be complex and very difficult to manage on your own.
Defective or Malfunctioning Vehicle Parts
Cars have a lot of moving parts, and we trust that the companies that built those parts made sure they will function as intended.
But what happens if these parts fail and cause you to crash?
Some examples of parts that could fail and cause a collision include:
- Brakes
- Steering wheel
- Transmission
- Aftermarket parts that should not have been put into your car
- Airbags
While drivers are responsible for getting recall repairs completed, sometimes a part may malfunction when there was no recall issued. If a defective car part contributes to or causes you to have a single-vehicle accident, you may have a liability claim against the manufacturer.
Establishing Liability
Establishing another’s negligence when no one else is at the crash site may be difficult. That is why there are certain steps you should take after a single-vehicle accident to help preserve your claim for compensation:
- Call 9-1-1 – That way a police officer can investigate the scene and help you seek medical attention.
- Take pictures of the scene – Capture the scene, damage to your car (all sides) and your injuries.
- Report the accident to your insurer – While it is important to report the crash, do not say anything that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to the basic facts.
- Have your car inspected – Have a mechanic inspect your car for a defect or mechanical failure.
- Are there witnesses? – Get contact details from any bystanders who may have seen what happened.
Call Our Firm for Legal Help
Contact our firm when you need legal help after a single-car crash that caused you harm. We have the resources and staff to fully investigate your accident. We can also help you understand your potential legal options, including whether a third party may be liable for your damages.
There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and if we represent you, nothing to pay up front. We only get paid if we recover compensation on your behalf.
