When you think of a car accident, you may envision a collision between two cars at an intersection. While true in many cases, there are also cases where an accident only involves one vehicle. But how does this happen? 

Single-vehicle accidents are those in which a car or truck crashes into a stationary object, such as a tree, wall, building, streetlight, or median. Distracted driving, drunk or high driving, and aggressive driving can result in a single-vehicle accident, but many find themselves in this situation through no fault of their own. 

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), accidents with a single car and a fixed object account for 56 percent of all fatal crashes. The most common single-vehicle collisions involve hitting an object like a tree, streetlight, or a building. In many cases, drivers in single-vehicle accidents usually hold all the fault unless they can prove that their accident was a result of someone else’s negligence.  

How Do Single-Vehicle Accidents Happen? 

There are many reasons a sober and safe driver may end up in a single-vehicle accident. These include: 

• Animals on the Road – Swerving to avoid animals on the road can lead to single-vehicle accidents. It’s the most common type of accident in states with more natural geography. According to State Farm, the odds of an animal collision in California are 1 in 419. In the odd chance that you do get into an accident because you swerved to avoid hitting an animal, you will not be considered at fault. No one can say an animal knowingly went out into the road to make you crash. However, if you hit another vehicle because you were trying to avoid hitting an animal, then you can be held liable. It doesn’t sound fair, but drivers are expected to be as safe as possible on the road. That includes trying to be safe even in the middle of a surprise.  

• Phantom Drivers – Phantom drivers are considered hit-and-run drivers because they cause crashes without being a part of said crash. For example, if you’re driving and a car suddenly swerves into your lane, then the natural reaction would be to avoid that car. However, by avoiding that car, you end up hitting a wall or going into a ditch. Often these drivers are impaired or distracted while driving. These are some of the common behaviors you’ll find in phantom drivers:  

1. Running red lights and stop signs 
2. Swerving into other lanes 
3. Merging without using blinkers 
4. Unsafely passing drivers 
5. Brake checking/slamming on their brakes 
6. Throwing trash out the window 

• Bad Road Conditions – If you’re on the road and notice a hazardous item on the road or dangerous maintenance failures, you may have a case. While government claims can be tricky, having a personal injury lawyer in City of Industry can help. They know how to navigate the legal system and the barriers protecting government offices from taking responsibility. If you have a case, your lawyer will do all they can to make sure you get compensated.  

• Vehicle Malfunction – Many times, we can hear or see if something is wrong with a vehicle. Yet, there are those rare cases where we don’t find out something is wrong with our car until it is too late. With the rise of self-driving cars, this issue has become much more common. If you find yourself in an unexplainable accident, do not leave the scene without getting your car towed to a mechanic. 

What Do I Do After a Single Vehicle Accident? 

If you know what to do in a regular accident, you know what to do in a single vehicle accident. The first step is to seek medical attention right away. If possible, collect any evidence you can. This means collecting photos and preserving any footage you may have before the accident. Find witnesses and get their contact information to give to your insurance. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, this can mean taking photos of animals, obstructing trash or equipment, or even a reckless driver. If you’re able to do this at the scene, the police, the insurance company, and your personal injury lawyer will thank you. 

Alert Authorities  

When you get into an accident, it’s best to call the police and seek medical attention quickly. Do not assume that you do not have to report the accident simply because it only involves your vehicle. Although you aren’t exchanging insurance information at the scene, liability can still be in question. Additionally, see a doctor soon, even if you feel okay. Single-vehicle accidents against stationary objects like trees, walls, or buildings are serious and can even be fatal. If you damaged any public property in the crash, report it to the local government in charge of maintaining highways and roads. 

Find a Mechanic 

If you think your vehicle malfunctioned or suffered a defective part or system, do not drive away in it. Call a tow truck and have a mechanic look at it. Having a mechanic examine your car post-crash can add insight into the reason why the crash happened in the first place.  

Will My Insurance Cover Me?  

In most cases, yes. Your insurance is there to compensate you for any damage depending on the coverage you have. Your collision coverage may be able to fully cover car repairs or replacement. If you have optional personal injury protection (PIP) or MedPay, then you can use that money to pay for treatment and other fees related to the accident.  

If you’re found at fault, then your insurance rates may go up.  

What If I Have Passengers in a Car Accident?  

If you are the driver in a single-vehicle crash, the fault will usually lie with you unless proven otherwise. This means that you will not be able to receive full compensation for the accident, unless you have evidence that the crash was caused by negligence of another party. Your passengers, though, are a different story.  

California law allows injured passengers in a single-vehicle accident to file a personal injury case to recover economic and non-economic losses.  

Economic Damages  

Economic damages are tangible, calculable damages. These fall under three categories: 

• Medical expenses – This includes surgery, medical visits, mobility devices, medication, in-home care, physical therapy, and long-term care.  

• Lost income – If you lost time at work, you can be compensated for lost wages. This is proven by comparing paystubs from before and after the accident. 

• Property damage – If any property was damaged in an accident, appraising the value of said damages can also be compensated in a personal injury case.  

Non-Economic Damages 

Non-economic damage is hard to prove without extensive documentation. They cover emotional and mental damage. This can include depression, anxiety, and loss of consortium. This varies from case to case. To have a more nuanced look at your potential compensation, contact a personal injury lawyer in City of Industry to learn more.  

FAQ 

How Lethal Are Single-Vehicle Crashes? 

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), single-vehicle crashes with objects had a 53% fatality rate. Crashes with pedestrians resulted in a 55% fatality rate.  

Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney in a Single-Vehicle Crash? 

That depends. If your accident was a direct result of someone else’s negligence, having a personal injury attorney at your side may be a good idea. If you were a passenger, you may benefit from having an attorney as well.  

What if Weather Conditions Caused an Accident?  

Safe driving in inclement weather is part of your duty of care as a driver. In the rain, it’s recommended to drive slower than usual to avoid hydroplaning and to account for limited visibility. However, if it’s found that you were speeding or driving recklessly then you’d be held liable for any damage. However, if a flash flood occurs while you drive and you were not notified or the road was not prepared for flooding, you could have a case. 

Do Motorcycle Accidents Fall in this Category? 

Yes! According to NSC, single-vehicle accidents account for 36% of motorcycle accidents. They are usually found at fault for over braking, speeding, and/or losing control during turns.  

What If I’m in a Rideshare Vehicle?  

If you’re in a rideshare vehicle as a passenger, you are entitled to compensation for any injuries you obtain. However, rideshare vehicles come with their own set of challenges with insurance companies. Speak to a lawyer in City of Industry today for more information.  

Finding the Best Car Accident Lawyers in City of Industry  

Our team at Vaziri Law, LLP, is dedicated to serving our community. You don’t have to face the aftermath of an accident alone. Speaking to an attorney can give you the guidance you need to navigate the legal process with ease. Contact us today for your free consultation.