Single-Vehicle Accident Lawyers in Augusta
Most people are led to believe that when their vehicle is the only one involved in an accident, they are solely responsible for the damage. That isn’t always the case. A single-vehicle accident doesn’t necessarily mean that you were at fault, nor does it mean that you don’t have a legal case against another party. There are a variety of situations where you may be able to hold someone else accountable for your accident and recover compensation for your injuries, but you need a specialized single-vehicle accident lawyer to analyze your case.
At Chris Hudson Law Group, we have seen this type of situation before. When only one car is involved in an accident, the driver often wrongly assumes they will be found to be at fault, and they don’t look into pursuing legal action. This driver may be missing out on the valuable compensation they deserve. Some single-vehicle accidents can be attributed to the negligent actions of others or forces beyond a driver’s control. In these circumstances, a driver involved in a single-vehicle accident may still be able to recover damages.
If you’ve been involved in a single-vehicle crash, contact Chris Hudson Law Group to review your legal rights. You may have a claim against another party and could be entitled to compensation. Call (706) 863-6600 to schedule a consultation to discuss your potential case today.
Types of Single-Vehicle Accidents
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia found that, in 2018, there were 1,504 total fatalities attributed to car accidents on Georgia roads. A whopping 836 of those fatalities were involved in single-vehicle crashes. Single-Vehicle crashes are accidents involving only one vehicle. Common examples of single-car collisions include hitting a deer, sliding off the road after hitting the ice, and crashing into a fixed object like a light pole or fire hydrant. It is easy to assume that negligent actions on the driver’s part, such as texting or speeding, are to blame for a single-vehicle collision. Yet, that isn’t always the case.
There are a number of situations where a driver may be fully aware of their surroundings and still become tangled in a single-vehicle collision. Taking evasive actions to avoid another negligent driver is a common cause of single-vehicle accidents. Avoiding a driver who is carelessly pulling out or driving erratically on the road, or swerving to avoid dangerous road debris, can all cause a driver to be involved in a single-vehicle collision as well. These actions have nothing to do with the driver themselves being negligent, and yet they may feel like they are solely on the hook for the accident damages.
These are some of the most common situations where you may not be at fault for a single-vehicle collision:
- Vehicle defects or defective parts
- Poor road design or maintenance
- Road obstructions or debris
- Unmarked road hazards
- Unavoidable accidents
- Avoiding a car swerving into your lane
- Being run off the road
- Driver carelessly pulling out
- Driver failing to stop or yield
Consulting with an attorney following a single-vehicle collision is important. The legal team at Chris Hudson Law Group has the resources to be able to review the facts of your case and investigate the circumstances of your accident. We can help you determine who is at fault for your accident and use the legal process to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your medical expenses and damaged property.
Parties that May Be Held Liable for Single-Vehicle Accidents
Determining who may be held liable following a single-vehicle crash can be difficult, depending on the circumstances of the crash. If a crash is the result of a driver avoiding the dangerous or negligent actions of another driver on the road, the negligent driver could be held accountable for the accident. However, that driver may be hard to track down because they are unlikely to stop.
As an example, say you are driving down the interstate and notice someone texting and driving. They are driving erratically and suddenly move into your lane. You swerve to avoid being hit and, as a result, are run off the road and hit an object. Technically you were involved in a single-vehicle crash, but it wasn’t your fault; you were taking evasive actions to avoid a collision with another car being driven by a negligent driver. However, if they continue on their way and don’t stop, it can be difficult to hold them personally liable.
That’s why it is important to document as much as you can at the scene of the accident, get the authorities involved, and try to write down as much about the other car as you can remember. Getting an attorney on your side early means that you will have the help and resources you need to thoroughly investigate the accident and try to find the party responsible.
When a single-vehicle accident is the result of defective vehicle design or vehicle parts, the liable party could include a car manufacturer or a parts manufacturer. Going after a major car company or parts manufacturer can be complex and involves bringing a liability claim against the company that produces the defective equipment.
Again, preserving and collecting evidence is imperative in these types of cases. Large companies have teams of attorneys on their side, attempting to protect and deflect product liability cases. It is crucial that you have your own attorney protecting your legal rights and fighting on your behalf to get the compensation you deserve. A company’s negligence should never cost you your health and safety.
Finally, if a single-vehicle accident is the result of poorly maintained public roads, a government entity may be to blame. Holding any type of local government or government agency accountable for damages can be extremely difficult. You must have an experienced attorney working on your behalf in order to establish that the government entity is not entitled to immunity and that you are suing the correct agency.
In each and every circumstance outlined, the key to a strong case is securing an experienced single-vehicle accident attorney. At Chris Hudson Law Group, we have the knowledge and the resources to investigate and review all the facts surrounding your accident. We can advise you on who may be held liable and what your best course of action may be in recovering compensation for your injuries.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Cases
One of the biggest problems of single-vehicle crash cases is that drivers often wait too long to get legal representation on their side. Georgia state law gives those involved in personal injury cases, like car accidents, two years from the date of the accident to file a legal claim.
In single-vehicle accident cases, a driver may wait to see what their insurance will cover. Waiting on a settlement from an insurance company can eat up valuable time on the statute of limitations clock. When a driver realizes that the settlement is not what they were hoping for, or they realize the accident wasn’t their fault and someone else may be to blame, it is often too late to file a suit.
Failing to pursue a legal remedy within the two-year time frame can result in the case being dismissed entirely. This can leave you with no legal recourse to recover compensation from a liable party.
Consulting with an attorney early means you are giving yourself the necessary time to review all your legal options and move forward with the best option for your circumstances. An attorney can help you maximize your negotiations with an insurance company and also help you file a lawsuit on time if the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement.
Injuries That Can Result From Single-Vehicle Crashes
Single-vehicle crashes can be just as devastating, injury-wise, as multi-vehicle crashes. Colliding with a fixed or even immovable object means that your vehicle is taking the brunt of the damage. That means you can suffer from serious and even life-threatening injuries as the car crumples in on you.
Some of the more common injuries that can result from a single-vehicle crash include:
- Concussion
- Head, neck, and spine injuries
- Broken bones
- Broken ribs
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Leg injuries
These types of injuries can be serious and lead to expensive medical bills. If someone else is to blame for causing your accident, you shouldn’t be left in dire financial straits because of their negligence. A skilled attorney can lay out your legal options and help you recover the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and time missed from work.
Contact Chris Hudson Law Group For Help After A Single-Vehicle Accident
Stop holding yourself responsible for an accident you didn’t cause. At Chris Hudson Law Group in Augusta, GA, we understand that being involved in a single-vehicle crash doesn’t mean the accident was your fault. Talk to one of our compassionate and dedicated car accident attorneys to sort through the specifics of your case and help advise you on what your next move should be.
Contact Chris Hudson Law Group at (706) 863-6600 today to schedule your free consultation. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve.