Can I Recover Damages After a Single-Car Accident?

The answer to this question largely depends on whose fault the car accident was. In many cases, single-car accidents are not the fault of the driver, in which case you may be able to recover compensation in one of several ways. In some cases, even if your single-car accident was your fault, you may have options for recovering funds from your own insurance company. If you were not at fault for your crash, then you may be able to recover compensation.

There are several parties who could potentially be on the hook for compensating you, ranging from the party responsible for your crash to your insurance company through uninsured motorist coverage. Identifying the party who is liable to you and then proving it can be complicated in single-car crashes, so you will need the help of an experienced attorney. 

What Causes Single-Car Accidents and Who May be Liable for Them?

It is important to identify the exact cause of your single-car accident before your lawyer can determine who might be liable. In some cases, it can be difficult to prove what happened. Witnesses often play an important role. Some common causes of single-car accidents include: 

• Miss-and-run - Similar to a hit-and-run, a miss-and-run involves another driver who causes an accident and then speeds away. However, in a miss-and-run, the other driver does not actually hit your car but forces you to crash in another way.  Examples would include being run off the road by another driver or having to swerve suddenly to prevent a head-on collision. In this case, the driver who forced you to crash should be liable. Identifying the driver is often the challenge. However, if you have uninsured motorist insurance, you may be able to recover this way. 
• Animal collisions - Animals are prone to abruptly entering the road, leaving drivers no time to react. If the animal you hit belongs to someone, its owner may be liable as they should have prevented their livestock or pet from getting into the street. Recovering damages might be more complicated if you hit a wild animal, like a deer. 
• Vehicular defects - If you crashed because an important component of your vehicle stopped working, you might be able to recover damages from the party responsible for that component. This could be a mechanic, a parts manufacturer, or even the original manufacturer. Parts that could cause an accident if they fail include brakes, steering systems, and tires. 

Keep in mind that if you caused the accident through your own negligence, you may not be able to recover compensation unless you have certain types of insurance protection. It is important to speak with a lawyer about what your options might be after a single-car accident. 

Call a Nueces County Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a single-car accident, The Edwards Law Firm may be able to help you recover damages. Our skilled Corpus Christi car accident attorneys will investigate to determine the cause of your accident. Call 361-698-7600 for a free consultation. 

Source: 

https://www.progressive.com/answers/single-vehicle-accidents/