Victims in car crashes that involve a single vehicle have rights just like any other victim but how is liability examined in these crashes?
The majority of the most common types of car accidents in our state accidents involve two parties such as two drivers, a driver and a pedestrian, or a driver and a bicyclist, and in most of these accident types a determination of liability can be made between one of the two parties.
When a crash seemingly involves only one driver, how is liability assessed?
Liability In Single Vehicle Accidents
When an accident involves a single driver it could seem like a safe assumption that the driver involved was likely at fault, and while that may be the case sometimes there are numerous additional factors that could be found to be even partially at fault.
Drivers could be liable after a one car collision for any number of reasons including DUI, speeding, distracted driving, or even just driver error, but there are still accidents in which none of these things may have happened, how would liability be assigned in those cases?
If a driver is not at fault in an accident then some outside source of negligence or liability may need to be found.
These sources could include anything from the state for poor roadway design or maintenance causing a dangerous road to manufacturers defects or even poor or improper work from mechanics or auto shops.
Beyond that just because another party was not hit does not mean there were no other parties involved in the accident. Reckless driving from another vehicle, or any number of other factors could cause an accident without necessarily forcibly causing the collision itself.
Unfortunately, drivers do bare the responsibility for some accident types that may feel out of their control, like accidents involving swerving to avoid an animal on the road, or driving too fast for conditions even if at or under the speed limit.
Thankfully, even if a driver is found to be liable in a single car collision, like any accident, passengers that have been injured in the collision are not considered liable for the actions of the driver.
What To Do After A Single Vehicle Accident
One of the most important things you can do for your claim is to seek medical care immediately and maintain regular appointments with your doctor to check in on progress, as gaps in treatment can be harmful to your claim.
Gathering your own records of evidence including photographs of the scene, witness statements if they are available, and even the police report is crucial to building your claim as well. If you believe the accident was due to a defect or mechanical issue, make sure the vehicle is inspected by a trusted mechanic, if you believe the roadway was dangerously designed or poorly maintained look into the history of accidents on that road and begin to build a case.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a single vehicle accident that was no fault of your own, you have the right to a full recovery, and Davis Law Group is here to help make sure you get it.
The award winning team of car accident attorneys at Davis Law Group have been protecting the rights of accident victims for over 20 years and know how to get accident victims the compensation they deserve.
Not every accident requires an attorney, but if you've reached a point where you're overcome with medical bills, being harassed by the insurance companies or even just don't feel like your claim is being taken seriously, it may be time to speak with an attorney.
That's why Davis Law Group offers free case evaluations for accident victims and their loved ones where our team can help accident victims understand the claim process and lay out the options for a settlement with or without an attorney.
To request a free case evaluation call 206-727-4000 or use the chat or contact options on this page today.
