Who is Liable in a Single-Vehicle Accident?
Single-vehicle accidents are challenging, which is why it’s critical to understand how liability works. Most of the time, the driver is found liable for any injuries or damages. However, there are some cases where another party can be found responsible. The Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather team is here to provide you with an insight into how these single-vehicle accidents can pan out. Read more below:
Who’s Responsible?
You (The Driver)
Sadly in some single-vehicle accidents, there is no one else to blame but yourself. For example, if you lose control of your car while texting, you are liable for your accident. Unfortunately, this also applies when it comes to facing the elements too. If you hydroplane and crash your car, you may be found liable if it’s proven that you were driving negligently.
Another Driver
If a driver’s reckless driving caused you to swerve and crash into another car or object, you could make a personal injury claim.
In a situation like this, gathering documentation and evidence is essential for proving liability. A person should collect:
- Police Report
- Eyewitness testimonies
- Photos or videos of the accident
The Government
Even your local government can be liable when it comes to single-vehicle crashes. If an accident was caused by road conditions that were a product of the city’s lack of maintenance, you might be able to file a personal injury claim. This also goes if a municipality fails to display stop or yield signs in designated areas.
The Retailer or Manufacturer
It is a retailer and manufacturer’s job to identify and alert consumers about any potential recall their vehicle may have. When they fail to do so, they can be found liable for any accidents that were caused by the defect. These cases are a bit trickier to prove, which is why we recommend contacting a personal injury attorney right away to handle the heavy lifting.
Fighting for Equal Justice for the Injured
If you believe that another party caused your single-vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather team has a proven track record of success when it comes to handling car accidents and product liability claims. When you’re ready, reach out to our team for a no-risk, free consultation.
Call us at (561) 500-4357 or visit our website to fill out a consultation request form.
