Single-vehicle accidents are more common than many people realize. In Dallas, drivers often think these crashes are automatically the driver’s fault. However, that’s not always the case.
Various factors, such as poor road conditions, defective car parts, or even reckless driving by other vehicles, can play a role in these accidents. If you or someone you love has been involved in a single-vehicle accident, knowing that you might be entitled to compensation is essential.
Our Dallas car accident lawyer can help guide you through the process and fight for your rights.
This guide will break down what single-vehicle accidents are, their common causes, and how a single-vehicle accident attorney in Dallas, TX, can assist you in recovering compensation. We’ll also explain why seeking legal help after an accident is so important.
What Is a Single Vehicle Accident?
A single-vehicle accident occurs when only one car is involved in a crash. While it might seem straightforward, these accidents can be more complex than they appear.
Examples include running off the road, hitting a tree, or crashing into a guardrail. These accidents often happen because of bad weather, road hazards, or mechanical failures. Even though no other vehicles may be involved, single-vehicle accidents can still result in serious injuries and significant property damage.
In Dallas, single-vehicle accidents are not uncommon, and understanding the causes and circumstances behind them is crucial. Many drivers don’t realize they may be fully responsible for their crashes.
A Dallas single-vehicle accident attorney can help uncover the truth behind your accident and ensure you’re fairly compensated for your losses.
Common Causes of Single Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Here are eight of the most common causes:
- Distracted Driving: This includes texting, eating, or using a GPS while driving.
- Speeding – Driving too fast for road conditions, especially in bad weather.
- Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol or drug use is a major factor in many single-vehicle accidents.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, ice, debris, lack of proper signage, or other road defects can contribute to accidents.
- Mechanical Failures: Issues like tire blowouts or brake failures can cause a driver to lose control.
- Swerving to Avoid Animals or Objects: Sudden obstacles in the road can cause a driver to swerve and crash.
- Falling Asleep at the Wheel: Driver fatigue is a leading cause of single-vehicle accidents, especially on long trips.
These causes can result in significant damages and injuries, and not all are the driver’s fault. If any of these factors contributed to your accident, our top-rated single-vehicle accident lawyer in Dallas can help determine who may be liable.
Liable Parties in Single Vehicle Accidents
While many people believe that a single vehicle accident is always the driver’s fault, this is often not true. Several other parties may be responsible for the accident, including:
Government Entities
If the road you were driving on wasn’t properly maintained or there were no warning signs for dangerous conditions, the government could be held responsible. For example, if you hit a pothole that the city didn’t fix in time, they might be at fault for your accident.
Auto Manufacturers
If your car has a defect, like brakes that stop working or a tire that blows out unexpectedly, your vehicle’s manufacturer might be to blame. These issues can lead to serious accidents even if you are driving safely, and the company that made the car should be held responsible for its faulty products.
Other Drivers
Even if another car didn’t hit yours, reckless driving by someone else can cause you to swerve or lose control, leading to a crash. For example, if another driver cut you off or forced you off the road, they could be liable for causing your accident.
Property Owners
Sometimes, objects like signs, fences, or other hazards are placed too close to the road. The property owner could be responsible if you crash because of something on a property too close to the street. For example, if you swerved to avoid hitting something that shouldn’t have been near the road, the person who owns that property could be at fault.
Commercial Vehicle Operators
Large trucks and commercial vehicles have to be extra careful with their cargo. If their load isn’t secured properly and something falls off, it can create dangerous road conditions that lead to accidents. In these cases, the truck driver or the company they work for could be responsible for the crash.
Mechanics or Maintenance Providers
If your car was recently serviced and the mechanic didn’t do their job correctly, leading to a breakdown or accident, they might be responsible. For example, if they failed to fix your brakes properly and you crashed, the repair shop could be held accountable for your accident.
A Dallas single-vehicle accident lawyer can investigate your accident and identify other parties responsible for your injuries. Having an experienced attorney on your side is important to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Injuries Common in Single Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents can result in serious injuries, even if no other vehicle is involved. Some of the most common injuries reported in crashes include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Burns, cuts, and bruises
These injuries can have long-lasting effects, requiring medical treatment, rehabilitation, and, in some cases, lifelong care. A no-win, no-fee single-vehicle accident lawyer in Dallas can help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Benefits of Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Filing a personal injury claim after a single-vehicle accident is important because it helps you recover the money you need to cover medical bills and lost wages. Even if it feels like the accident was your fault, there may be other factors, like bad road conditions or a car malfunction, that contributed to the crash.
A personal injury claim lets you hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. By filing a claim, you can get compensation for several types of damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disability and long-term care costs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Filing a claim is not just about money; it’s about ensuring that those who were negligent are held responsible for their role in the accident. At Patterson Law Group, our best single-vehicle accident lawyer in Dallas can help you throughout this process, ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
How Our Dallas Single Vehicle Accident Lawyer Can Help You
When you work with our Dallas single-vehicle accident lawyer, you’ll get personalized legal support tailored to your case. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigating the Accident—We’ll examine the details of your case, examining road conditions, vehicle maintenance records, and any potential third-party involvement.
- Identifying Liable Parties—Even in single-vehicle accidents, other parties may be responsible for what happened. We’ll ensure that all liable parties are held accountable.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. We’ll negotiate with them to get you a fair settlement.
- Representing You in Court – If your case goes to trial, our Dallas single-vehicle accident attorney will represent you and fight for your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You may have questions after being involved in a single-vehicle accident, especially regarding your legal rights and options. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you better understand what to expect and how a Dallas single-vehicle accident lawyer can assist you.
Can I file a claim if I was the only vehicle involved in the accident?
Yes, especially if factors like poor road conditions or mechanical failure contributed to the accident.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover compensation if you were less than 51% at fault.
How long do I have to file a claim after a single-vehicle accident in Dallas?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the accident date.
What should I do immediately after a single-vehicle accident?
Seek medical attention, document the scene, gather evidence, and contact a Dallas single-vehicle accident attorney.
How is liability determined in a single-vehicle accident?
Road conditions, vehicle maintenance records, and potential third-party involvement are all considered when trying to determine liability.
Can I still file a claim if I was speeding during the accident?
Possibly. Your compensation may be reduced if speeding contributed to the accident, but you may still have a case.
Contact Our Dallas Single Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been in a single-vehicle accident, don’t assume you’re entirely at fault. You may still have legal options. At Patterson Law Group, we understand how challenging these cases can be and have the experience to help you pursue your claim.
Our no-win, no-fee single-vehicle accident lawyer in Dallas will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our top-rated single-vehicle accident lawyer in Dallas guide you through the legal process.
