As the name suggests, a single vehicle accident involves only one vehicle. Many people tend to blame the driver and consider them legally liable for the accident. However, that is not always the case when it comes to a single-vehicle accident. There are certain cases where the driver is not legally responsible for the accident.
For example, vehicle crashes due to hydroplaning or extreme weather conditions may not be the driver’s fault. Here, we will talk about some common types of single-vehicle accidents and situations in which the driver is not responsible.
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Common types of single vehicle accidents
Human error is the leading cause of motor vehicle accidents. Several factors, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or distracted or drowsy driving often explain these crashes. A single-vehicle accident can occur due to driver failure or factors outside a driver’s control.
These are some of the most common types of single vehicle accidents:
- Hitting artificial objects: An accident may occur when a vehicle driver hits a natural or artificial object on the road. This can include animals, trees, fallen debris, telephone poles, potholes, etc.
- Running off the road: In some cases, speeding or operating a vehicle carelessly may lead to serious accidents. For instance, drivers could run onto the shoulder, drive over the median, veer off the road, run into parking lanes, or cross traffic lanes, all of which can easily lead to an accident.
- Rollover accidents: In some cases, a vehicle may spin out of control and roll over with severe consequences.
Can drivers involved in single-vehicle accidents sue for their injuries?
Whether or not the driver can sue may depend on what type of car insurance policy a driver has. With insurance coverage, a vehicle driver will have two main options to choose from – full and limited car insurance. Generally, full coverage insurance is more valuable than a limited coverage policy. It is because it has more benefits, but it’s also usually more expensive.
When drivers opt for a full coverage insurance policy, they may have the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by at-fault drivers beyond what the insurance policy covers. This is highly beneficial because drivers will not even be limited to their insurance policy coverage. Instead, they can sue the negligent driver for monetary and non-monetary damages.
On the other hand, drivers who opt for a limited coverage policy may have certain restrictions. They may have to pay additional costs out of pocket. Non-monetary damages, such as physical pain and emotional suffering, are often not covered in this car insurance policy, or only with serious exceptions. An auto accident lawyer can explain everything you need to know to help you avoid hassles if you are ever an unfortunate car accident victim.
When is the driver not liable for a single-vehicle accident?
All drivers must obey traffic laws and maintain decorum while driving. Failure to follow reasonable precautions can result in negligence, leading to severe accidents. As mentioned above, there may be specific situations when the driver is not liable for a single-vehicle accident because a different factor caused it. Here are some possibilities:
- Another driver – There is a chance that another driver may share responsibility for the accident. For example, when another driver changes lanes abruptly, it can lead to an accident.
- Extreme conditions on the road – In some cases, certain government agencies or organizations may be held liable for not properly maintaining roads.
- Defects in the vehicle – Relatively often, there are instances where the vehicle manufacturer or the vehicle parts have defects that contribute to accidents. In these situations, a driver may file a claim against the manufacturing company responsible for the defect or malfunction.
If you have been injured in an auto accident, visit the website of a prominent injury law firm. These professionals will help you take the first step in seeking the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Greg Prosmushkin is an experienced auto accident attorney who can support those hurt from car accidents and fight for them in court.
