Not every car accident involves two or more vehicles. If you are hurt in a car accident, you may already know that you can bring a claim against the at-fault driver for your damages. But what happens if you are involved in a single-vehicle accident? How will you pay for your medical bills, property damage, and other expenses?
After a single-vehicle accident, you may still have some options for securing compensation. Keep reading below to learn more about what to do after a single-vehicle crash in Las Vegas.
What Causes Most Single-Vehicle Accidents?
There are many things that may lead to a single-vehicle crash. In fact, many causes of these accidents have nothing to do with the vehicle’s driver. Some of the most common causes of single-vehicle wrecks are:
- Equipment malfunctions: An equipment malfunction is almost always completely outside the driver’s control. Tire blowouts, brake failures, and other mechanical defects can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash. This type of crash can lead to devastating injuries for the driver and any passengers in the vehicle.
- Poor weather conditions: Poor weather conditions cause many single-vehicle accidents each year. Wet or slippery roads make accidents much more likely, and high winds are also known to cause car accidents. Ice and snow also make it difficult to keep your vehicle safely on the road.
- Road defects: Potholes and poorly maintained roads are responsible for a number of single-vehicle crashes. Construction crews sometimes leave debris in the roadway, or they might not properly complete a repair. Either way, the road maintenance crew could be held responsible for your accident.
- Other vehicles: Just because a single-vehicle crash occurs does not mean that another vehicle was not involved. If another driver runs you off the road, for instance, they may cause a single-vehicle accident even though they did not strike your car.
- Guardrail defects: Guardrails and other safety features are in place to prevent vehicles from crossing lanes, going over embankments, and being involved in more severe accidents. If those safety devices fail or are defective, a small accident can turn into a devastating crash.
Depending on the cause of the crash, many different people or entities could be liable for your accident. Keep reading below to learn more about liability in single-vehicle accidents.
Who Is Liable for Single-Vehicle Crashes?
Many people wrongly assume that the driver in a single-vehicle crash is always to blame. That is absolutely not the case. There may be several other potential at-fault parties after a single-vehicle accident. This is one reason why it’s important to report a single-vehicle accident to create documentation you can use for your case (the quickest and best way is to call 911 so that the police arrive, but you can also file a report yourself within 10 days).
Potentially liable parties could include:
- Equipment manufacturers
- Road crews
- Other drivers
- Cyclists or pedestrians
Proving liability after a single-vehicle crash can be difficult, and it will require evidence to show who was responsible for the crash. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence, including photos, videos, witness testimony, and more to help you prove your claim.
Getting Compensation After a Single-Vehicle Accident
After your accident, you may be left wondering how you will pay for your property damage, medical bills, and other expenses. Additionally, you may have endured significant pain and suffering, and you deserve to be compensated for that as well. Thankfully, you have some options for recovering compensation.
First, if the at-fault party can be identified, you can file a claim with their insurance company or bring a personal injury lawsuit against them. These types of claims allow you to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
If the other party cannot be located, you still have some options. Your own insurance coverage may pay for your property damage, medical bills, and lost wages, depending on the details of your policy. If you have collision or comprehensive coverage on your vehicle, then your property damage will likely be covered.
Similarly, if you have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance or something similar (like MedPay), this may cover at least some of your medical expenses and lost wages. This type of insurance covers your injuries regardless of who is at fault for the accident, although it will not pay for your pain and suffering.
Set Up a Free Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been involved in a single-vehicle accident, know that you may still have legal options available for recovering compensation. The best thing to do after an accident is to hire a personal injury lawyer who can help you make the most of your claim. Reach out for a free consultation today to get started.
Contact Our Las Vegas Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, and need legal help contact our Las Vegas car accident attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV. 89104
(702) 222-9999
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV. 89145
(702) 297-6373
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV. 89123
(702) 997-4264
