When most people think of car accidents, they imagine two or more vehicles colliding. However, many car accidents may only involve a single-vehicle collision. In a single-car crash, the sole vehicle collides with an object or veers off the road.
Being involved in a single-vehicle collision can be confusing, as you may not know who is responsible for paying for your damages or if you’re even eligible for compensation. Here is what you need to know about these unique car crashes:
Single-Vehicle Accidents Are Common
Single-vehicle accidents are fairly common. Even though they might seem rare to you, insurance companies are used to assessing single-vehicle crashes. They might try to convince you that you have no right to make a legal claim even when you do.
Single-Vehicle Accidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 53% of fatal crashes in 2022 in the United States were single-vehicle crashes. In Nevada, 56% of fatal crashes in 2022 were single-vehicle crashes.
When these crashes are not fatal, they tend to cause catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and broken bones. If no one else is in the vehicle, reporting the accident and receiving medical treatment may be delayed.
You Must Still Report a Single-Car Accident
Even if you didn’t hit another occupied vehicle, you must still report the accident to law enforcement. Nevada requires motorists to report any accident involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage in excess of $750.
If police are not called to the scene, motorists must complete an SR-1 form and submit it to the Nevada DMV. Leaving the scene of an accident in a single-car crash is a crime that can subject you to criminal consequences.
Single-Vehicle Accidents Can Happen for Many Reasons
Single-vehicle accidents can occur for many reasons, including:
- Driver impairment: You could be driven by a drunk driver who causes the accident.
- Negligent motorists: A one-vehicle collision can occur when other motorists drive dangerously, such as causing you to have to run off the roadway to avoid colliding with them.
- Weather: A single-car accident due to weather is common in Nevada during inclement weather. If an entity failed to clear snow or otherwise maintain the roadway, it may be responsible for the crash.
- Road defects: Problems with the roadway, such as potholes, debris, and slippery surfaces, can lead to crashes.
- Vehicle defect: Your vehicle could have had a defect that caused the accident, such as a failing accident avoidance technology or defective tires.
- Mechanical issues: Mechanics who perform negligent repairs on brakes or other components could be responsible for a single vehicle collision in some situations.
Regardless of the cause, determining liability in a single-vehicle accident often requires a thorough investigation, so it’s important to explore all potential contributing factors with the help of an experienced attorney.
Injured Passengers Have Rights
If another party caused the single-vehicle accident, including the driver of the vehicle you were a passenger in, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you suffered, including payment for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
An experienced lawyer can investigate your case to identify the party or parties responsible for your injuries and relentlessly pursue full and fair compensation on your behalf.
Call Battle Born Injury Lawyers Today to Learn More About Your Legal Rights for Pursuing Compensation
If you were injured in a single-vehicle accident in Las Vegas, you have the same rights to pursue compensation from the at-fault party as you would if you were involved in a typical car accident. Contact Battle Born Injury Lawyers to explore your legal options during a free case review.
