A single-vehicle accident is a crash that only involves one vehicle. Oftentimes, these accidents are caused by driver error but could be the result of a malfunction or outstanding vehicle issue.
Regardless of what causes a single-vehicle accident, the monetary burden that the motorist may subsequently face can be detrimental to their long-term finances. Most auto insurance policies will offer some level of coverage for single-vehicle accidents, but many policyholders may feel anxiety about their ability to access these benefits.
At The Bert McDowell Law Firm, we are committed to the protection of our auto accident recovery clients. The associates at our firm understand the strain that a single-vehicle accident can cause.
Our goal is to alleviate some of these nerves by providing advocacy and knowledgeable representation, all while seeking the full extent of damages you have suffered.
An initial consultation with an attorney from The Bert McDowell firm is completely free and will leave you with no obligation to commit to any services. To schedule an appointment with a Hartford single-vehicle accident lawyer near you, call (203) 633-7449 or contact us online.
When Should I Contact a Hartford Single Vehicle Accident Attorney?
An attorney can help an auto insurance claimant maximize the benefits allowed in their coverage so they can walk away from the accident with the money they need to pay medical bills and cover any losses to income.
An attorney can be useful in cases where the victim is left with:
Expensive medical bills: An accident can leave a serious impact, physically and financially. The cost of medical treatment can be detrimental and impactful to a household; 40% of all bankruptcies in the United States are caused by medical debt. An attorney can help you maximize the medical coverage in your auto accident policy and even negotiate your debts on your behalf.
Severe property damage: Even if an accident only involves one vehicle, damage to the surrounding scene, including city and private property, can lead to expensive repercussions. Having an attorney present to settle any property damage claims can ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of financially for the damage, allowing you to walk away using the maximum level of insurance coverage available.
Wrecked vehicle: In an accident where you experience extreme personal property damage. like a wrecked or totaled vehicle, a lawyer can help you understand to what extent your auto accident coverage will alleviate the costs.
Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering damages may be available if your claim is against a manufacturer, negligent property owner, or other third party that holds liability.
These damages may be paid by your own insurer if you have a collision and the accident is covered. A liability policy could also supply the benefits if you were a passenger injured by the driver of your vehicle.
In some cases, your claim could be levied against a vehicle manufacturer or property owner, as well.
What Most Commonly Causes Single-Vehicle Accidents?
An accident can happen in the blink of an eye, but when no other vehicles are around, what causes single-vehicle crashes?
The most common factors that contribute to these accidents are:
Distracted driving: When a motorist gets comfortable behind the wheel, they may feel as though multitasking is a safe and normal habit. In fact, simple acts like eating, changing the radio station, and texting can be serious dangers for a driver on the road.
Driving under the influence: Operating a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is strictly illegal because of how serious the repercussions can be in the event of an accident. Driving impaired will lead to disorientation, limited cognizance, lack of judgment, and drastically inhibited reflexes.
Drowsy driving: A sleepy driver can cause a single-vehicle accident in a matter of seconds by dozing off at the wheel or zoning out to alleviate pressure in the eyes. A drowsy driver is considered to be just as dangerous as an impaired driver.
Poor weather conditions: When a motorist chooses to drive on the roads during wind, fog, snow, rainstorms, or other unideal weather conditions, they could be risking their safety. Many counties will recommend that all drivers stay inside and may even shut down roads because of how dangerous poor weather conditions can be.
Animals crossing: It is startling to have an animal jump out into the middle of the road. On instinct, many drivers will swerve to avoid hitting the animal and may instead crash into something like a pole, median, or building.
Road design: Narrow or windy roads can be troubling for some drivers, especially at night or when paired with poor weather. A motorist who is unfamiliar with their area may cause a single-vehicle accident on a complex road, especially if they overlook warning and speed signs.
When Will the Motorist Involved in a Single-Vehicle Accident NOT Be Deemed At Fault With Their Insurer?
The motorist involved will generally be deemed at fault for any damages caused by a single-vehicle accident, but there are unique situations where the driver has limited or no fault in the ultimate crash, such as:
Environmental factors: If the driver faces poor road conditions that are beyond their control, like a rainstorm or sudden winds, they may not be liable for the damages caused in the crash.
Hazardous roads: If it is probable that there was an object blocking a clear path or other complications like serious potholes or hazardous road working conditions are plausible, an attorney may be able to help an accident victim prove that the crash was not their fault.
Defective car part: Not all car part malfunctions will qualify for this liability exemption, but in a case where the part was installed incorrectly or manufactured with a defect, the victim of the accident may be deemed not at fault. An overworn car part due to neglecting maintenance does not qualify.
Will My Cost of Insurance Rise Because of a Single-Vehicle Accident?
After an accident, the cost of insurance may rise. This is especially true in at-fault accidents; your insurance rate after a crash will depend on many factors, including the severity of the accident, your claim history, and the type of coverage you have.
What Are The Steps Toward Financial Recovery After a Single-Vehicle Accident?
Getting into an accident can be an experience, but recovering financially may be a uniquely daunting process all in itself.
A person who has been involved in a recent single-vehicle accident can follow these steps to best prepare for their financial future:
Report the accident to all necessary channels: Leaving the scene of an accident can be seen as a hit-and-run, even if there is no other car involved. A crash can cause damage to city property, and the responding officer will do a sweep of the area to ensure that the scene is not left in a hazardous condition. Then, in order to obtain any kind of reimbursement for the expenses related to this accident, it is important that the policyholder contact their auto insurance company as soon as possible.
Review your insurance coverage: You’ll want to know what expenses your coverage can actually take off your hands, and a thorough review of your policy documents is the most productive way to get an accurate understanding of this information. An attorney can efficiently assess your policy documents to map out what protections you have.
Evaluate the damages and get repair cost estimates: One of the first steps that a policyholder should take after reporting the initial accident is to obtain repair quotes for vehicle damage and any inflicted property damage. Your auto insurance company may provide you with a list of their recommended body shops, but the choice is ultimately up to you.
Budgeting and planning for the future: An attorney can help you understand how the crash can affect your finances now and in the future. Assess your current cost of living, the new expenses you may take on, and the rate of repayment. It is important to develop a realistic budget that allows you to meet any financial obligations in a practical time period.
What Expenses Will My Insurance Cover in a Single-Vehicle Accident?
This ultimately depends on the specific language in your auto insurance policy.
Most standard policies provide full coverage for anyone you harm in a collision, but coverage for a single-vehicle accident can be less straightforward. An attorney can investigate your policy documents, searching for coverage that could be useful.
Not all insurance policies are composed the same way, so keeping in mind that single-vehicle accident coverage typically varies, the most standard expenses that are covered in an auto accident policy include:
Vehicle damage
Medical expenses
Temporary replacement vehicle/towing costs
Lease/loan costs
A Hartford Single Vehicle Accident Law Firm Can Help You Maximize The Benefits Of Filing an Insurance Claim
Facing an accident is overwhelming, but when no other vehicles are involved in the impact, the whole recovery process can feel just as isolating as the crash. Working with an attorney can provide a single-vehicle accident claimant with the resources they need to protect their financial future.
Representation is a call away. During your initial consultation with The Bert McDowell Law Firm, you can voice your concerns about the upcoming legal process and ask any urgent questions.
Your first consultation is always free, and our firm promises never to charge upfront fees for auto accident claim representation. Schedule your free case review today when you call (203) 633-7449 or contact us online.
(203) 690-1030
(203) 690-1030
A single-vehicle accident is a crash that only involves one vehicle. Oftentimes, these accidents are caused by driver error but could be the result of a malfunction or outstanding vehicle issue.