Who is Liable in a Single-Vehicle Accident?

If you were injured in a single-vehicle accident, this does not necessarily mean that you are responsible for your own injuries and losses. There are a variety of scenarios in which another person, company, or even a governmental agency could be to blame, and it is critical that you hire an attorney promptly to conduct an investigation.

So, who is liable for your single-vehicle accident? Let’s take a look at six contenders:

1. Another Driver

The first option is that another driver is to blame (or at least partially to blame) for the accident, even if it did not involve a vehicle-to-vehicle collision. One of the most common scenarios in which this is the case is when one vehicle forces another off of the road. For example, if you had to swerve to avoid a head-on collision, or if someone merged into your lane forcing you onto (and off of) the shoulder, then a negligent driver could be liable for your single-vehicle accident injuries.

2. Your Vehicle’s Manufacturer

The next option is that your vehicle’s manufacturer is liable. This could be the case if a defect caused the accident. If you crashed because your brakes failed, because your vehicle’s steering or accelerator system malfunctioned, or because of a tire blowout, these are all issues that could potentially give you a product defect claim against your vehicle’s manufacturer.

3. Your Repair Shop or Dealership

The third option is that your crash was the result of a faulty repair or maintenance job. Fixing and maintaining modern cars is a difficult job, and mistakes can easily lead to accidents on the road.

4. Another Vehicle Manufacturer or Other Company

If your vehicle could have caused your accident, then another vehicle could have just as easily have caused it as well. For example, maybe you had to leave the road because a truck with faulty brakes was barreling down behind you. Or, maybe the truck driver was asleep, and the trucking company is legally responsible for allowing its drivers to spend too many hours behind the wheel.

5. The Government

If your single-vehicle accident was the result of a problem with the road, then the government agency responsible for constructing and maintaining the road could be liable for your injuries. Low shoulders, potholes and sinkholes, inadequate lighting, and inadequate warnings are all examples of dangerous road conditions that can potentially lead to claims against the government.

6. A Private Contractor

In many cases, government agencies will hire private contractors to build and maintain their roads and highways. If a private contractor was negligent in designing or building a dangerous road and the condition of the road caused your accident, you may have a claim against the private contractor.

Find Out if You Have a Claim for Compensation

Were you seriously injured in a single-vehicle accident? If so, I encourage you to call me, Palm Beach injury attorney Brian D. Guralnick, for a free consultation. I can help you understand your situation; if you have a claim, my team and I will fight vigorously to secure maximum compensation for your losses. Don’t let delays or mistakes jeopardize your rights – call 561-202-6673 now.

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. If you need advice on specific legal issues, please consult with a licensed Personal Injury attorney.