Single Vehicle Accident

A single vehicle accident occurs when one vehicle or car is involved in an accident. Examples of single car accidents are run-off-road collisions, collisions with animals, collisions with foreign objects in the road, and roll over accidents. The term single-vehicle accident is only used where the operator or the passengers of the operator are injured. Occasionally, there are instances where bystanders, such as bicyclists or pedestrians, are injured as well.

Some causes of single car accidents may include speeding, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a motor vehicle, poor road design, vehicle defect or failure, failure to pay attention to the road, improper lane change, being forced on the road or lane from another vehicle and operating a vehicle at a greater than reasonable speed for that road’s conditions. As you can see from the above examples, not all of the causes of single accidents are due to the fault or negligence of the motorist. In these cases, it is important to consult an experienced accident attorney to learn of your rights in each case.

For instance, on some occasions, an unknown motorist traveling in another vehicle may make a sudden lane change, sudden stop or other sudden action that forces an innocent driver to react quickly by taking immediate evasive action, such as braking or turning the steering wheel forcefully to avoid the other vehicle. In both instances, the innocent motorist can lose control of his/her vehicle and go off the roadway or hit another object such as a median or barrier. By the time the innocent motorist comes to after the wreck, the at-fault motorist has driven away from the scene of the crime without sustaining any property damage to his/her vehicle. In these situations, the innocent motorist should contact a reputable personal injury attorney at the earliest opportunity to review any applicable uninsured motorist coverage to determine if, when and how the motorist may recover compensation for property damage to the car, medical expenses and pain and suffering.

In other cases, the motorist may experience a defect in the handling or operation of his motor vehicle, which either causes or contributes to the single vehicle accident. Examples of car handling issues include center of gravity and weight, suspension problems, tires and wheels, unsprung weight, aerodynamic design, delivery of power to the brakes and wheels, steering, electronic stability control, static alignment of the wheels and strength of vehicle frame. If you believe that your collision occurred due to a vehicle defect, then contact a knowledgeable attorney immediately for a consultation.

In some situations, the environment combined with the road conditions or design lead to single vehicle accidents. These road conditions and defects in design include poor drainage, soft shoulders, narrow lanes, curve banking (outside edge of the road is lower in height than the middle of the roadway), sharp curves and improper or absent roadway markings/signage. In these situations, the negligent design or road defect can cause or contribute to a single vehicle accident. If you believe that your collision occurred due to negligent road design or defect, then contact a knowledgeable attorney immediately for a consultation and determine your rights before evidence is destroyed or lost.

Some single vehicle collisions are due to foreign objects or animals in the road. Occasionally, a vehicle or truck will be hauling a load that is unsecured or improperly maintaining, which can lead to objects falling off the car or truck and into the roadway of travel. In these situations, the innocent motorist may have little time to react and could take immediate evasive maneuvers that result in an accident or collision with the object. To make matters worse, this is another example where the-at fault motorist may not know that his/her load has fallen onto the roadway and continue driving away from the scene of the accident. Again, in these situations, the innocent motorist should contact a reputable personal injury attorney at the earliest opportunity to review any applicable uninsured motorist coverage to determine if, when and how the motorist may recover compensation for property damage to the car, medical expenses and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a single vehicle accident in the state of Georgia, then the Law Offices of Kevin C. Ford can help steer you through the legal maze; investigate the cause of the accident; and help you achieve a judicious result. It is important that you contact an experienced car collision attorney quickly to preserve evidence from the roadway, vehicles and witnesses before the evidence is lost or destroyed.

The Law Offices of Kevin C. Ford is currently accepting single vehicle accident cases throughout Georgia. Please contact us today for a no risk consultation to discuss your case in detail. Our office will cover the costs of pursuing your case and if there is no recovery, then there is no fee.