When people think of car accidents, they usually envision two vehicles colliding with each other, but this is not always the case. It is possible for one car to crash due to outside factors. Just because other drivers were not involved does not mean you are out of luck when filing a claim. You may be able to seek compensation for the injuries and damages, especially if the crash was caused by someone or something else.
Causes of single-car crashes
Some of the most common reasons for a single car to crash are:
- Weather conditions
- Poor road conditions
- Car defects (such as faulty brakes)
- Swerving around an animal
- Swerving to avoid another car
Single-car accidents are often out of your control. Another party may hold fault in the accident, such as the city being liable for unrepaired roads or the car manufacturer is liable for problems with their vehicles. Even if no one is specifically at fault, such as rain causing you to lose control, you may be able to recover damages.
Filing a claim
The more information you gather after a crash, the better. As long as you seem unharmed and do not need immediate medical assistance, take photos of the site. Capture any noticeable damage to your car, as well as any objects you hit. If you can photograph the cause of the accident, do so.
You should know that injuries from a crash may not surface for a few hours or days. You should set up an appointment with a doctor after a car accident. Make sure you keep any medical record of the injuries you are suffering. Also, keep track of the dates you visited the doctor and which doctor you saw.
Before filing, always review your insurance policy. Understand exactly how you are covered, what you need to report, and any details about single-car accident coverage. Some insurers may require you to report all accidents, regardless of how minor they are or how they happened.
Finally, consider the benefits of a personal injury attorney. The claims process can be quite confusing. You do not want to end up missing out on the compensation you deserve or dealing with consequences you did not know could happen, like increased insurance premiums. It may greatly benefit you to ask for legal advice about your situation and whether any other party can be held responsible in the crash.