Everything You Need to Know About Single-Vehicle Accidents

When we think of car accidents, we often imagine a collision between two or more vehicles, but a significant number of accidents involve just one vehicle. 

These single-vehicle accidents may seem straightforward, but they can be just as serious and legally complex as multi-car crashes. Whether it’s a car that veers off the road, hits a tree, or rolls over, the consequences can be devastating. More importantly, single-vehicle accidents aren’t always the driver’s fault.

Just because another vehicle isn’t involved in an accident doesn’t mean someone else’s negligence couldn’t have caused it.

At Morgan & Morgan, we believe that all accident victims, no matter the circumstances, deserve justice. If you suffered injuries due to an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation.

What Is a Single-Vehicle Accident?

A single-vehicle accident is any crash where only one vehicle is involved. Common scenarios include:

• A driver runs off the road and hits a guardrail or tree
• A car rolls over due to loss of control
• A vehicle hits an animal crossing the road
• A car strikes debris or hazards on the roadway
• A driver swerves to avoid another car and crashes

While these incidents don’t involve another driver’s car directly, that doesn’t always mean the driver is at fault. External factors often play a major role in these accidents, and those factors may open the door to legal action.

Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents

There’s a common misconception that if only one vehicle is involved, the driver must have made a mistake. But that’s not always true. Here are some of the most frequent causes of single-vehicle crashes:

Hazardous Road Conditions

Poorly maintained roads are a major contributor to single-vehicle accidents. Potholes, uneven pavement, missing guardrails, lack of signage, and debris can all cause a driver to lose control.

Weather

Rain, ice, snow, fog, and high winds reduce traction and visibility, making it harder to stay in control of a vehicle, especially if the road isn’t properly treated or maintained during inclement weather.

Vehicle Defects

Sometimes, a vehicle malfunctions. Defective brakes, steering issues, tire blowouts, or electronic failures can cause accidents that have nothing to do with driver error.

Avoiding Obstacles

If a driver swerves to avoid hitting a jaywalking pedestrian, an animal, or another car that cuts them off, they may crash as a result. While they may not hit the other party, that party’s actions still caused the accident.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In a typical two-car accident, liability is about determining which driver was at fault. In a single-vehicle crash, the analysis becomes more nuanced. Several parties may be responsible depending on the circumstances.

Government Agencies or Municipalities

If poor road design or maintenance contributed to the crash, such as unmarked construction zones, dangerous curves, or missing signs, a government entity may be liable. However, suing a city or state involves strict timelines and procedural rules, so legal representation is critical.

Vehicle Manufacturers

If a defect in the vehicle caused or worsened the crash, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer. These cases often require expert testimony and technical evidence to prove fault.

Third Parties

Was another driver involved indirectly? For example, did someone swerve into your lane and then drive away, forcing you off the road? Even without physical contact, that “phantom driver” could be liable. In some cases, witnesses, dashcams, or traffic cameras can help prove what happened.

Property Owners

If you crashed after hitting an obstacle or hazard on private property, like a poorly placed fence or unmarked ditch, the property owner could be responsible under premises liability laws.

Common Injuries in Single-Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle crashes can lead to serious, life-altering injuries, especially when the vehicle rolls over or strikes a fixed object. Common injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries (concussions, TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries, which can result in paralysis
• Broken bones, especially in the arms, legs, or ribs
• Internal injuries, including organ damage or internal bleeding
• Cuts, bruises, and burns, especially if the airbag deploys or there’s a fire

Even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, some injuries don’t appear until hours or days later. Always seek medical attention and keep a record of your treatment.

Can I Still Recover Compensation?

Yes. Even if you were the only person involved in the crash, you may still be entitled to compensation. Depending on the cause and the laws in your state, you might be eligible to recover damages for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages due to missed work while recovering
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Emotional distress
• Long-term disability

In some cases, your own insurance may cover the damages, particularly if you carry collision coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.

And if someone else, like a government agency or manufacturer, is partially or fully at fault, you may be able to pursue a third-party lawsuit.

What to Do After a Single-Vehicle Accident

If you’re involved in a single-vehicle accident, it’s important to take the right steps immediately afterward. Here’s what to do:

1. Check for Injuries

Your safety comes first. Call 911 if you or anyone else is hurt.

2. Move to Safety

If possible, move your vehicle out of traffic to avoid further danger.

3. Document the Scene

Take photos of everything: your vehicle, the road conditions, any debris or hazards, weather conditions, and your injuries. If there's a potential third-party cause, document that too.

4. File a Police Report

Even in single-vehicle accidents, a police report provides important documentation. Don’t skip this step.

5. Get Medical Attention

Even if you think you're fine, get checked out. Medical records are key to any legal claim.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurer, but be careful with your words. Do not admit fault or speculate about the cause.

7. Contact Morgan & Morgan

Before agreeing to any settlement or accepting fault, talk to a personal injury attorney. You may be entitled to compensation beyond what your insurer offers.

Insurance Issues in Single-Vehicle Crashes

Dealing with insurance after a single-car accident can be complicated. Your ability to recover depends largely on your policy and your state’s laws. Here are some factors to consider:

Fault-Based vs. No-Fault States

In no-fault states, your personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical expenses regardless of who caused the accident. In fault-based states, you must prove that another party was negligent to recover certain damages.

Collision Coverage

This optional insurance helps pay for damage to your own vehicle, regardless of who was at fault. If you don’t have it, you may have to pay for repairs out of pocket, unless you prove another party’s liability.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)

This covers your vehicle damage if another (uninsured or hit-and-run) driver caused the crash but didn’t hit your car. It can be helpful in phantom driver cases.

How Morgan & Morgan Can Help

Proving fault in a single-vehicle accident isn’t easy. Insurance companies often deny claims, assuming the driver is to blame. At Morgan & Morgan, we know how to investigate the full picture.

Our legal team can analyze police reports, medical records, and accident photos, and work with experts in accident reconstruction and engineering. We will work diligently to identify all potentially liable parties, from manufacturers to municipalities, and will negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf. We can even take your case to trial if needed to ensure you get the fair and full compensation you need and deserve.

With over $25 billion recovered for our clients and a proven track record in complex accident claims, we have the resources and experience to fight for you.

Single-vehicle accidents might not involve another car, but that doesn’t mean they’re simple or your fault. Whether you were injured by poor road design, a defective vehicle, or someone else’s reckless behavior, you have legal options.

Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.