Who is to Blame for Single-Vehicle Crashes?
Single-vehicle crashes can pose problems for drivers involved in them. Although it might seem like the driver is the at-fault party, they may not be. There are actually many other possible parties who could be at fault.
Typically, when a single-car accident occurs, the driver is considered to be the at-fault party. However, this isn’t always the case. Even when there’s only one vehicle involved in an accident, another driver or party could still be at fault for the accident. If you crashed your car, don’t automatically assume that you are to blame or that others may not have any fault. It’s best to consult with a seasoned Round Rock personal injury lawyer to determine if you have a legal claim. Consider the following common causes of single-vehicle collisions.
Defective Vehicle (or Vehicle Parts) Design or Manufacturing
Vehicles should be reliable and operate in the manner for which they are intended. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Manufacturing defects can occur. For example, a faulty braking system causes the vehicle to be unable to stop, resulting in a wreck. A defective vehicle design can also result in a collision.
If you can prove that a vehicle defect caused your single-car accident, the car or part manufacturer is the party liable. With the help of a seasoned Round Rock personal injury attorney, you can pursue compensation for your resulting injuries and damages.
Other Drivers
A driver of another vehicle could be negligent and begin the chain of events that ultimately causes the accident. For instance, another driver might move into your travel lane unexpectedly, causing you to swerve and your vehicle to hit a stationary object on the side of the road. A skilled Round Rock personal injury attorney can help determine if another driver might have contributed to your accident.
Poor Road Conditions
Municipalities such as Round Rock must ensure that their roads are kept in a reasonably safe condition at all times. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or lack of warning signs, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicle, causing an accident. If something like this happened to you, you could file a claim against the municipality responsible for maintaining the road conditions in the area of your accident.
Wildlife or Other Animals
From time to time, wildlife, dogs, or even cattle can jump across the road or otherwise place themselves in the way. You may need to slam on your brakes or swerve quickly to avoid hitting them. Even if you don’t hit them, you might wreck your car trying to avoid them. If someone was negligent and had their animals or livestock where they shouldn’t have been, they could be liable for your injuries.
Were You Involved in a Single-Car Accident? Contact a Round Rock Personal Injury Lawyer Today for Help
Many different parties can be liable for a single-vehicle crash, and it’s not necessarily the driver of the vehicle. If you were injured in a single-vehicle collision, the legal team at Elissa I. Henry Law Firm can determine if another person or entity might be fully or partially to blame for your crash. If so, a seasoned Round Rock personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim for damages against that person or party. Call (512) 766-4529 today or use our online contact form to schedule your free case consultation.
