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Can You Sue for a Single Vehicle Crash?

Vehicle Crash
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While many car accidents involve two or more vehicles, sometimes only one vehicle is involved in a collision. It’s important to understand that the driver isn’t always at fault in these cases. In fact, there are many reasons a car crash may only involve one car — and another party may still incur liability for any resulting injuries. It’s best to have an experienced personal injury attorney evaluate the facts surrounding your claim and advise you regarding your options.   

What Is a Single Vehicle Car Accident?

A single-vehicle car accident involves only one car, which may have collided with a guardrail, tree, telephone pole, or another object. Although the driver of a single-vehicle car crash is usually the party determined to be responsible for the accident, there can be situations in which they may not have been negligent. If a driver can prove that someone else’s negligence was to blame for the accident, they may be able to avoid liability and recover their damages in a personal injury lawsuit. 

Another party may be liable for a single-vehicle car crash under the following circumstances:

  • Hazardous road conditions — A driver in a single-vehicle collision may avoid liability if they can demonstrate that a pothole or dangerous condition in the road caused the accident. If a municipality had proper notice of the defect and failed to make repairs, they may be held accountable for any injuries caused by their negligence. 
  • The driver swerved to avoid an accident — If a driver swerves to avoid colliding with a reckless or careless driver, they may be able to hold them responsible for the crash. 
  • There was a defect in the vehicle — A driver may avoid liability in a single-vehicle crash if a defect in the vehicle or equipment caused the accident. In such cases, a manufacturer might be held liable. However, the failure must have been unexpected. If the driver knew there was a defect or a recall and failed to take appropriate measures to repair it, prevailing in a lawsuit may be a challenge. 
  • Debris from trucks — In the event debris or objects flew from the back of a truck onto your vehicle, causing you to collide with another object, you may be able to pursue a claim against the trucking company for failure to secure a tarp.

Various other factors, including flying objects, animal crossings, and weather conditions can also cause single-vehicle accidents. Regardless of the cause, seeking the medical help you need after a single-vehicle crash is essential. This is important not only for your health but also for any personal injury claim you might file against a negligent party. 

Compensation for Single Vehicle Crashes

A single-vehicle crash can cause severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and time lost from work. No-fault insurance will pay up to $50,000 for medical expenses and a certain amount of your lost wages. However, if another party is responsible for the accident, and if you sustained what New York Insurance law defines as a “serious” injury, you may be entitled to file a personal injury action to recover your full economic and non-economic losses.

By filing a personal injury action for a single-vehicle accident, you may be able to recover your unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages, future lost earnings, out-of-pocket expenses, and other monetary losses connected with your accident-related injuries. You may also be eligible to recover compensation for your pain and suffering. 

Contact an Experienced New York Personal Injury Attorney

If you were hurt in a single-vehicle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to have the representation of a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. A skilled attorney can help ensure you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries. The Dearie Law Firm P.C. has represented car accident victims for more than three decades and has assisted them with obtaining the best possible outcomes in their unique cases.

The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. has convenient office locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Brooklyn, as well as mobile locations serving Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County. Contact us today for a consultation.

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