Some single-vehicle crashes are actually caused by negligent actions by another partyAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost one-third of all car accidents are single-vehicle events. Although many people believe it’s impossible to make a personal injury claim after a single-vehicle crash, there are actually a number of circumstances in which seeking compensation may be appropriate.

Filing a Claim as a Passenger

If you were the passenger in a single vehicle accident, you’re allowed to seek compensation from the driver. Auto insurance policies will pay for injuries caused to passengers in the vehicle regardless of whether or not an accident involved multiple drivers.

Unfortunately, the right to collect damages as a passenger is limited if you’re injured by a family member. Complications can result when the passenger is a relative living in the same home as the driver. In this case, the passenger is typically considered an insured person on the policy and barred from recovery. Insured persons can’t pursue a liability claim against the policy that insures them.

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Filing a Claim Against Another Driver

Some accidents that are considered single vehicle crashes actually involve a second driver.

For example, consider a situation in which you encounter a vehicle that suddenly swerves into your lane; you hit a tree as you’re trying to avoid a more serious collision. Even though the second driver’s vehicle never touched your car, he would be liable for your injuries.

Filing a Claim Against the Agency Responsible for Maintaining the Road

If an accident occurs because of a poorly maintained road, the city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining the road may be liable for injuries that result. Examples of situations in which this type of personal injury claim may be appropriate include:

  • Potholes with large chunks of blacktop or asphalt missing from the road.
  • Oil and chip areas that become slippery after being left on the road for too long.
  • Missing or damaged road signs.
  • Vegetation that is overgrown and obstructing the view of necessary road signage.
  • Missing or damaged guardrails.
  • Erosion damage that isn’t repaired in a timely fashion.

It’s possible for multiple government agencies to share responsibility for road maintenance, so you’ll need to consult an attorney to better determine who might be liable in this type of situation.

Filing a Claim Against a Mechanic

When you take your car to a mechanic for repairs, you expect them to be performed in a safe and effective manner. If you’re later involved in an accident caused by a faulty repair job, the mechanic can be held liable.

Examples of situations in which a mechanic may be held liable for damages from an accident include:

  • Neglecting to perform the requested work.
  • Using incorrect replacement parts.
  • Neglecting to properly inspect the vehicle to make sure the repairs were performed correctly.
  • Incorrect diagnosis of the vehicle’s mechanical problems.
  • Causing incidental damage to the engine while making repairs.
  • Leaving foreign objects or debris in the vehicle after making repairs.

Filing a Claim Against the Vehicle Manufacturer

In rare cases, auto accidents can be attributed to a flaw in the vehicle’s design. When this happens, the manufacturer can be held responsible for injuries.

Examples of situations in which this type of claim may be appropriate include:

  • Airbags failing to deploy when they should or deploying when they shouldn’t have.
  • Brake failure.
  • Power steering failure.
  • Broken or stuck accelerator controls.
  • A defective electrical system resulting in a vehicle fire.
  • Cracked or broken wheels that cause the driver to lose control.

Protecting Your Right to Compensation

The best way to protect your right to compensation following a single-vehicle accident is to collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim that you’re not at fault. This includes preparing a written statement describing the accident, taking photos of the accident scene, and getting the contact information of anyone who witnessed the incident. You’ll also want to keep detailed records of your medical treatment and accident-related expenses so you have a clear total of your damages to include in the claim.

Rechtman & Spevak is committed to helping Georgia residents receive fair and timely personal injury settlements. Please call to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation one of our car accident attorneys.
 

Jaret A. Spevak
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Atlanta Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation Attorney With 20+ Years Experience