Las Vegas Single-Vehicle Accident Lawyers
Single-Vehicle Collisions in Nevada
Although car collisions often involve two or more vehicles, single-vehicle incidents are not at all uncommon. A single-vehicle collision refers to road traffic incident where there is only one vehicle involved, such as cases involving:
- Collisions with road debris
- Collisions with fallen rocks
- Run-off-road collisions
- Collisions with animals
Generally, the phrase “single-vehicle collision” is only used to refer to situations where the driver or passengers of the vehicle are the sole victims of injury. Crashes that involve bystanders – like collisions with pedestrians or bicyclists – do not usually fall under the single-vehicle category, though the phrase does technically apply.
Single-vehicle collisions also don’t consider incidents where another individual’s property is damaged, such as in cases involving parked vehicles or crashing into a building.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Incidents
Because single-vehicle crashes only involve one vehicle, the law will generally infer that the individual best positioned to avoid an incident is the driver. More often than not, single-vehicle crashes occur as a result of operator error or negligence, like driving faster than the posted speed limit, or driving while fatigued or under the influence.
However, there are a host of other environmental and roadway factors that may contribute to single-vehicle incidents, such as:
- Poor roadway drainage
- Inclement weather
- Insufficient curve banking
- Narrow lanes or shoulders
- Sharp curves
If a single-vehicle crash occurred due to an obstacle in the roadway, perhaps in an unexpected or concealed location, the driver may have grounds to take legal action against the individual or entity responsible for creating the dangerous condition.
Defective Products and Single-Vehicle Collisions
Single-vehicle incidents can also occur as a result of the acts or intentions of other parties. For example, a driver may suffer a single-vehicle collision as a result of manufacturing defects. Perhaps the brakes are defective, or poor alignment is preventing the car from operating properly.
In cases where manufacturing defect has caused a crash, most states allow victims to file product liability lawsuits, which can assist in the recovery of any damages you sustained. This includes damages to your vehicle and any costs associated with personal injury.
Can Single-Vehicle Crashes Be Avoided?
Although drivers can take certain precautions to help prevent an incident – like remaining vigilant and obeying traffic laws – it is not possible to avoid single-vehicle crashes entirely.
Sometimes, the negligence other people, motorists or cyclists can lead to a single-vehicle crash. For example, if a cyclist enters the roadway without looking and swerves into your lane, your first reaction will be to swerve and avoid the cyclist. If you, as a result, wind up hitting something other than the cyclist – like a phone pole or guardrail – the cyclist may be liable for the collision.
However, it’s important to note that liability largely comes down to the negligence laws established in your state. That’s why it is critical that you understand your state’s negligence laws before you move forward with filing a legal claim.
Is the Driver Liable for a Single-Vehicle Crash?
Because laws regarding single-vehicle incidents assume the driver has the greatest control to prevent a collision, liability does generally rest with the driver. However, as previously noted, there are situations where liability may be shifted to a third party if there is evidence to support that they were partially or wholly responsible for the conditions that led to the crash.
If a driver has been involved in an collision as a result of driving under the influence (DUI) and is found guilty, that will generally establish liability on behalf of the driver. That means the driver is responsible for the repair of any damage that came as a result of the crash. The driver may also face criminal charges, depending on the situation.
Attorney Representation in Single-Vehicle Crashes
If you or someone you know have been involved in a single-vehicle collision and are facing questions over liability or personal injury, it is in your best interest to reach out to a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Only an attorney specializing in single-vehicle incidents and personal injury can evaluate your case and advise what, if any, legal strategies are available.
That’s where the dedicated legal team at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen can help. Our firm practices exclusively in personal injury and liability matters, including cases involving single-vehicle collisions, and has the skills and expertise you need when facing these kinds of legal challenges. We can work closely with you to conduct an in-depth investigation into your personal injury claim and build a case that holds those liable for your situation responsible.
Our legal team understands that coping with personal injury is rarely easy. That’s why we are proud to serve as your legal advocate – we are here to guide and support you and your case every step of the way.
