There were about 5.6 million police-reported automobile accidents in the United States in 2012, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One type of accident that is included in this number is single-vehicle accidents, or, as the name implies, car accidents that involve only one vehicle.
If you’ve been involved in a collision, you know how frightening it can be. If your accident was caused by the actions or negligence of someone else, you may be eligible to recover compensation. An attorney can help you sort out the details and pursue fair compensation for damages.
Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle collisions most commonly involve one of three things: the vehicle hitting a stationary barrier, such as a wall, guard rail or other stationary object; the driver of the vehicle running the vehicle off the road; or a rollover accident.
While a variety of factors may cause each of these types of single-vehicle collisions, a report published by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration in November of 2009 lists the following factors as closely related to fatal single vehicle collisions:
- environmental factors, such as an animal running onto the road;
- the driver’s age;
- driver impairment, either from drugs or alcohol;
- speeding;
- adverse weather conditions; and
- driver-performance related factors, such as drowsiness or driver distraction.
Additionally, factors such as other drivers’ actions, objects on the road, mechanical failure of the vehicle or vehicle parts, and improperly maintained roads all may contribute to a single-vehicle collision.
Why You Need an Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a single-vehicle accident, you may need an attorney for a variety of reasons, such as to help you recover the compensation that you need. While you may think that you may not be eligible to recover compensation due to the fact that yours was the only vehicle directly impacted, you may be entitled to compensation from your insurer or from other liable parties.
An attorney can help you understand what payments your insurance company should make based on your policy terms. Additionally, an attorney may be able to help you pursue a personal injury claim against an individual or group of individuals whose irresponsible or negligent actions contributed to your accident, such as another driver who swerved in front of you or changed lanes illegally. Furthermore, if a defective automobile or auto-related part, such as defective tires, caused your accident, an attorney can help you file a product liability and personal injury claim.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been the victim of a serious single-vehicle collision, then you may be eligible to recover damages for the damage done to your vehicle, your personal medical expenses, any lost future wages due to your inability to return to work, and your personal suffering and pain related to your single-vehicle accident.
The attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C., are ready to take on your case today. Contact us today at 800-550-0000 to get started filing your claim immediately.
