Just because you were involved in a single-vehicle accident does not mean you are to blame for the injuries you sustained. Hiring a South Carolina car accident lawyer will ensure the liable party is held accountable for their negligence and you are fully repaid for your damages.
Unsure what to do next after you are injured in a single-car crash? You have options. Here is more about potentially at-fault parties in a single-vehicle accident and what to expect as you pursue the compensation you are owed.
What Is a Single-Car Accident?
A single-vehicle accident involves only one truck, car, tractor-trailer, motorcycle, bicycle, or any other type of motor vehicle. Here are some examples of single-car accidents:
- A driver loses control of their vehicle and winds up in a ditch, rolling over, or spinning out.
- A driver strikes a guard rail or hits a tree.
- A motorist swerves to avoid hitting something else, such as an animal, another vehicle, a bicyclist, a pedestrian, or a hazard in the roadway.
You may have grounds for action if you have been injured in any of these accident types. Talk to your lawyer about the specific details of your case and what you can do to move your claim forward.
Common Causes of Single-Car Accidents
Since only one motorist is involved in a single-car accident, it is easy to assume you did not have grounds for a personal injury claim. After all, who will you sue?
The answer may be far more complex than you were expecting. Many single-car accidents are not caused by driver negligence but happen due to an underlying cause. Here are some of the most common reasons single-car accidents happen:
Vehicle Malfunctions
Vehicle malfunctions are one of the top ways single-car accidents happen. If a motor vehicle part is defective or malfunctioning, it may be difficult or impossible for the driver to avoid a collision. Some of the most common types of vehicle malfunctions include those involving:
- Steering columns
- Gas tanks
- Fuel lines
- Airbags
- Seatbelts
- Tires
- Windshields
- Gear shifts
It is possible the defective parts were part of a recall. Drivers should have been notified of the recalled parts and repaired these parts free of charge at the dealership. If maintenance workers fail to report defective parts to the vehicle owner or knowingly use faulty or recalled parts to save money, they can be held accountable for the victim’s damages.
If a vehicle part was recalled, you can expect the defense to blame you for the accident for failure to get the car fixed in a reasonable amount of time. However, with the right supporting evidence, your attorney can ensure they are held accountable for their negligence and ordered to compensate you for your damages accordingly.
Unsafe Roads
Dangerous road conditions are another one of the most common causes of single-car accidents. Collisions are more likely to occur when drivers cannot avoid road hazards. Some examples of road conditions that could be considered dangerous include:
- Large potholes
- Improperly secured road construction zones
- Lack of sufficient street lighting
- Missing traffic signs
- Defective traffic lights
Generally, the government agencies and municipalities responsible for highway and road maintenance will be held accountable for single-car accidents caused by hazardous roads. This might include local municipalities in South Carolina, such as the city of Cayce and the South Carolina Department of Transportation.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Single-Vehicle Accident
If you are involved in a single-vehicle accident, it is essential to remain calm and not panic. As soon as you can do so, contact a car accident lawyer for help. Collect evidence, if possible, while you wait for law enforcement officials and emergency responders to arrive at the scene.
This might include photos of surrounding property damages, a detailed account of the accident, including what you believe caused the accident, and photos of your injuries.
It is crucial that you do not leave the scene of the car accident, even if you were the only party involved. This could devastate your ability to recover the compensation you deserve and hold the liable party accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
What to Do if You Are Accused of Sharing Fault for the Accident
Being involved in a single-vehicle accident makes you more likely to be accused of causing the collision. Since no other parties are involved in a crash, it may be difficult to determine the cause of the accident. Fortunately, when you have a car accident lawyer working for you, we will conduct a thorough investigation.
Not only will we review the damage at the accident scene, but we will carefully evaluate the damage to your vehicle. This will help us determine whether dangerous road conditions, defective vehicle parts, or something else was the proximate cause of your car crash.
South Carolina Shared Fault Laws
Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, South Carolina modified comparative negligence laws do not prohibit you from recovering compensation unless your portion of the fault is greater than 50%. You could expect your car accident settlement to be reduced in proportion to your percentage of blame.
For instance, if you heard that a vehicle part was recalled early in the week but could not get your car into a repair shop until the weekend, the judge might find you 10% responsible for the accident. You could only collect 90% of your single-car accident settlement in this case. If you are unsure how sharing blame will affect the outcome of your single-car accident insurance claim or lawsuit, do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with your attorney.
Get Help from a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer Today
Identifying the liable party is essential to recover maximum compensation for your damages when you are involved in a single-vehicle accident. When you contact an experienced car accident attorney at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm for a free, no-obligation consultation, learn more about liability and fault in your single-car accident case.
Schedule yours as soon as today when you fill out our convenient contact form or call our office to take advantage of this opportunity.
