Most people assume that single-vehicle accidents are, by their very nature, the fault of the only driver involved, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, factors that are beyond our control can cause or contribute to dangerous single-vehicle crashes, and such factors should be addressed directly. If you’ve been injured in a single-vehicle accident that was precipitated by someone else’s (or another entity’s) negligence, it’s time to consult with an experienced California personal injury attorney.
Single-Vehicle Crashes Caused by the Negligence of Others
Some single-vehicle accidents are caused by the negligence of other parties, and in such an instance, obtaining compensation that covers your full range of damages is critical to your ability to reach your most complete recovery. While such accidents can take many different forms, there are certain categories of causes that commonly apply.
Road Obstructions
While every driver is responsible for driving safely in relation to the condition of the road at hand, there are certain obstacles and obstructions that can make doing so nearly impossible. Consider the following examples:
- If you are driving on a road with a serious driving hazard (such as uneven lanes) or that otherwise requires a specific safety warning in order to ensure safe passage (such as a reduction in speed) and no such warning is posted, the municipality responsible for the road may be liable for any damages you suffer as a result.
- If you are driving on a road in which another vehicle has dropped cargo or left other dangerous debris behind (including a part of the vehicle itself), the motorist behind the wheel of the unfit vehicle may be held liable for any ensuing accidents.
When you approach a sudden obstacle or obstruction in the road that is the result of someone else’s negligence, it makes traveling over that road safely far more difficult and can lead to a dangerous single-vehicle accident.
Faulty Vehicle Design or Manufacture
Sometimes, dangerous single-vehicle crashes are caused by a vehicle’s faulty design, the faulty manufacturing process of the vehicle, or the faulty design and/or manufacture of one of the vehicle’s parts. As far as a vehicle’s parts are concerned, it isn’t difficult to imagine how faulty tires, faulty brakes, or a faulty engine could end in a dangerous single-vehicle accident. Further, when it comes to a vehicle’s design, consider the fact that SUVs tend to roll over more frequently than other vehicles due to their very design and that those with roof-crush defects (another form of faulty design) lead to the deadliest rollovers.
You May Have Legal Recourse to Compensation
Some single-vehicle accidents are caused by the negligence of someone other than the motorists involved. If you’ve been injured in such an accident, a personal injury claim can help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled for the physical, financial, and emotional damages you’ve suffered. Whether the at-fault party is another motorist, a municipality (or another governmental entity), or a car or parts manufacturer, an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney can help.
