Being involved in a car accident can be a scary and dangerous experience. Good drivers try to avoid accidents by obeying traffic laws, keeping their eyes on the road, and keeping an eye on the cars around them. But what happens when you are involved in a wreck with no other drivers? The answer to that question lies within the laws specific to single-car accidents. If you have legal questions about your own situation, then make sure to speak to an experienced car accident attorney right away.
What is a Single Vehicle Accident?
A single-vehicle accident is just what it sounds like, an accident involving one car. Varying types of accident scenarios can lead to a one-car accident. Common factors that lead to accidents include hitting objects on the side of the road, hitting guardrails on highways, or losing control while driving in inclement weather conditions. A driver may be guilty of drowsy driving, or just simply not paying attention which can lead to injury and even death. The varying circumstances that lead to one-car accidents, however, can determine fault and if your insurance will compensate you.
Can I Be Compensated If I Am Involved in a Single Vehicle Accident?
All drivers have a duty to maintain reasonable control and care of their car when they are on the road. When a driver is involved in a single-vehicle crash, then the presumption is that the driver was negligent. If you are deemed negligent and the cause of the accident, then you may not be compensated at all. If something else contributed or caused the accident, then you may have a claim for money damages. If you are able to demonstrate that it wasn’t driver error and something else caused the accident, then you may be excused from liability and can receive compensation.
When is the Driver in a Single-Car Accident Not at Fault?
There are a few scenarios where the driver can be excused from fault in an accident, they include:
Unavoidable road hazards or conditions: If you hit a pothole that came out of nowhere or lost control of your car trying to avoid a road hazard, an animal, or another vehicle, then you may be entitled to money damages.
Vehicle defects: If your vehicle or a part in your vehicle failed, then you may have a product liability claim on top of your car accident claim. If you experience brake failure or some other issue, you may have an action to be compensated.
Sudden health issue (such as suffering a heart attack): If you experience a medical issue that causes you to lose control of your vehicle, then you may need an experienced attorney to help you recover money.
If you have been involved in one of these types of collisions, then you may not be held liable for the wreck and may be eligible to have your damages paid from your auto insurance policy. Each case is fact-specific, so it is important to have your case reviewed by an experienced professional.
Collisions Involving Pedestrians
Collisions involving pedestrians can be extremely dangerous and deadly. They can even lead to criminal charges if it is alleged that the driver was drunk or was driving recklessly. Law enforcement will likely be involved if there is a collision involving a pedestrian. They will investigate the accident scene and interview the accident victim along with any other witnesses if possible.
The pedestrian can also take legal action themselves and sue the driver in court. If the pedestrian is killed in a crash, then the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim against the driver. It is important to have comprehensive insurance coverage to protect and cover you, your car, and other people in the case of an accident. If you have questions about how to approach your car accident case, then give us a call at the Law Office of Sofia Miguel so we can help!
Sofia’s No Fee Guarantee
Attorney Sofia Miguel guarantees that you will never write a check to our office under Sofia’s “no fee guarantee.” Consultations are free and if your case is selected, then Sofia will also cover all of your court costs that are incurred during your single-vehicle accident case.
Sofia only gets paid what you do. Her services will cost you nothing out of pocket; simple as that. Let Sofia’s nearly twenty years of experience in helping people recover from their injuries get to work for you now.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a car accident near Seattle, Puyallup, or Tacoma, WA, then contact attorney Sofia Miguel as she is ready to help you fight to get the money you deserve. Call us at 253-200-4471, come visit our office right here in Puyallup at 702 S. Hill Park Dr. #207, or contact us online anytime. We are here for you.
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