While most car accidents usually involve more than one party, not every auto collision involves another driver. There are several situations on the road that can cause a driver to be involved in a single-car accident, and these types of accidents are quite common.
People who suffer serious injuries in such accidents often ask our Atlanta automobile accident attorneys if they can receive compensation or sue anyone. Most of these people wrongly assume they are automatically at fault and have to pay for their damages out-of-pocket.
This is not the case every time. Sometimes, you have the right to sue another party for contributing to your car accident. At The Weinstein Firm, we can help you review your case if you have been involved in a single-car accident.
What Is a Single-Car Accident?
A single-car accident is any crash that involves and causes damage to only one vehicle. It doesn’t matter if any party may have contributed to the auto crash; if the crash involves only your car and no one else, it is referred to as a single-car accident.
For example, if your car hits a tree or spins out of control and strikes a stop sign, that is a single-car accident. In addition, if someone or an animal pulls out in front of you and you drive off the road and hit a tree, that’s also a single-car accident. A solo car crash usually involves properties but only one vehicle.
Can I Sue Anyone After a Single-Car Accident?
Most times, car accidents result from the driver’s negligence, such as speeding even though there’s a stop sign or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers involved in a single-car accident due to their actions or negligence cannot sue anyone for damages.
However, if the accident resulted from another party’s negligence or vehicle defect, you might be able to sue and claim damages. However, if there’s proof that a third-party action caused the accident, you shouldn’t delay filing a lawsuit. This is because you only have a limited time frame to file a lawsuit in Georgia.
When Can You Sue for a Single-Car Wreck?
There are instances where you obey all traffic laws and still get involved in a single-car accident. Some examples include acts of nature such as heavy wind that can cause a tree to fall on the road or floods that can cause a driver to lose control and crash. In cases like this, a driver cannot sue for damages, but their insurance may cover their losses.
However, as mentioned, there are situations where someone else has, directly and indirectly, caused a car accident. The following are situations where a single-car accident victim can sue for damages and get compensated.
Where Another Diver Was Negligent
There are situations where another driver does something negligent and forces you to respond to that quickly, which can result in a car accident. A practical example is a driver or cyclist suddenly pulling out of nowhere and swerving into your lane without looking.
The first reaction to that is to swerve to avoid the other driver. However, you might hit a tree, a stop sign, or something other than the other driver. In such a case, you can bring a claim against such a driver as their action caused you to crash.
Car Defects
Most times, cars have inherent faults. For example, maybe your car might experience poor alignment or faulty brakes, making it not function optimally. If such faulty brakes cause an accident, your Atlanta automobile accident attorney can sue the manufacturer.
Road Obstructions
Road signs or unmarked hazards can also cause devastating car accidents. Sometimes, items in the middle of the road, such as automotive parts that probably fell off another car or even a cargo item that fell off a truck, can cause single-car accidents.
When situations like this happen, the person responsible for the road maintenance and the driver or owner of the vehicle responsible for leaving the items on the road can be sued for damages.
What Do You Do After a Single-Car Accident?
After a car accident, you should take measures before deciding to sue anyone responsible for the accident.
Report to the Authorities
It is important that you report an accident case to the authorities immediately after it happens, regardless of whether the accident involves another car or not. Filing a report ensures there’s official documentation of the occurrence, and the record helps when making an insurance claim.
Get Evidence After the Accident
If you sustained any injury in a single-car wreck caused by third-party negligence, you must get enough evidence immediately after the crash. The success of your case depends on the quality of your evidence against the other party.
So take a picture of any road defect, the names of any witness present at the scene, and pictures of any damages you may have caused. In addition, if you believe the accident was due to a car defect, you shouldn’t get your car fixed.
If you have your car fixed while building your legal case, you might not be eligible for compensation. Therefore, it is recommended that you work closely with an attorney to help you review the facts surrounding your case and help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Our Atlanta Automobile Accident Attorneys Can Help You
Any driver involved in a single-car crash has the same right as those in a collision with another vehicle. So, contact a personal injury lawyer in Atlanta if you have been involved in a single-car accident and want to take legal action.
Our lawyers at The Weinstein Firm can help you determine the best action for you. Book a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers in Atlanta today. We work on a contingency fee basis and will not demand upfront payment.
