How Third Parties Can Cause Single-Car Crashes
In the classic car accident scene, one vehicle crashes into another and either one or both parties are at fault. However, many traffic-related accidents involve only one vehicle. A single-car accid>ent can occur after a road departure, rollover, collision with a median or object, or a variety of other dangerous circumstances. Single-car accidents can be just as devastating as accidents involving multiple vehicles, and occupants of the car can sustain serious injuries.
Many people may assume that a driver who crashed independently did so because of a mistake. While this may be the case in some collisions, not every single-car accident is caused by the driver. The following examples demonstrate how third parties can cause single-car accidents.
Dangerous Drivers
Many single-car crashes happen because a driver is reacting to another driver’s dangerous behavior. This can include times when:
Another car tries to switch into the lane in which you are driving, and in response, you swerve out of the lane to avoid a collision, departing the roadway and possibly losing control.
- Another car cuts right in front of you, and to avoid a rear-end crash, you swerve out of the way and lose control.
- Another driver is distracted and departs his own lane, crossing into yours, and you must react suddenly to get out of their way.
- A drunk or otherwise negligent driver is driving the wrong way on a one-way road and you react to get out of their way.
The above are only some of the many examples of how another driver can cause you to crash. Often, this happens when you are swerving to avoid a collision with another car and end up crashing yourself.
In such a situation, the negligent driver that created the initial danger should be held liable for your injuries and accident-related losses, even if that driver did not experience a collision.\ The most difficult part about this type of case is that a third-party driver may not even realize that she caused a crash and, even if she is aware, she may continue driving away. There are unique legal issues in this type of “phantom vehicle” case, so you need a skilled lawyer on your side as soon as possible, especially one with experience in these types of cases.
Road Defects
Hazardous roadways can also be the culprit of single-car accidents. Some examples of road defects that could cause you to crash include:
- Dangerous turns with inadequate warnings or speed restrictions
- Potholes or large cracks that may cause you to lose control
- Uneven lanes that throw your vehicle off balance
- Objects in the roadway
- Obstacles that can trip your car and cause a rollover crash
Defective road cases can also be complex, as the claims are often made against a government or corporation. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you in every way possible after this type of crash.
If you have been in a single-car accident, please contact the law firm of Abels & Annes to determine whether you have a claim for compensation. For a free consultation with our
Chicago car accident lawyers, do not hesitate to call us at 312-924-7575 today.
