Jelly MDHV

Who May Be Responsible for Your Single Vehicle Accident

Most people assume that a car accident involving only one person points to driver fault, but that isn’t always the case. There are multiple scenarios where the driver would not be liable for a single-vehicle accident under Florida law.

You may be liable for your single-car accident if you were driving recklessly. Consider whether you did any of the following:

  • Driving too fast, especially in dangerous road conditions
  • Failing to obey traffic signals
  • Speeding

We serve the following areas around Florida. Contact us today at (561) 655-1990 for a free consultation.


However, many single-car accidents don’t occur due to driver negligence. If you aren’t at fault for your Florida single-car accident, who is?

These are some scenarios where others may be at fault for your accident:

  • A drunk driver veers into your lane and you swerve to avoid them, hitting a lamppost
  • You take evasive action when the car in front of you brakes unexpectedly on a clear roadway. You avoid their car but impact another object
  • Your vehicle is defective and a manufacturer issue causes the collision

In these scenarios, another party would be responsible for your accident.

To determine if your single vehicle accident in Florida may have been someone else’s fault, contact a lawyer at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath for a no-obligation consultation today.

Types of Single-Car Accidents

People don’t often think about single-car accidents when learning what to do if they encounter a collision. It’s important to be informed so you know what steps to take next.

Common types of single-car accidents in Florida are:

  • Hitting an animal and damaging your vehicle
  • Wet road conditions lead to your tires losing traction and you hitting someone’s property
  • A drunk or reckless driver forces you off the road and you crash into a barrier
  • You take evasive actions for another driver’s fault (i.e. cutting you off, drifting lanes) and hit a tree
  • Your brakes fail, forcing you off the road into a collision to stop the car

Single-car accidents can have impact points anywhere on your vehicle. However, they typically occur on the front end of the car. Since you are driving forward, you tend to impact things directly in front of you.

This type of crash only has one force of impact: the speed of the car. That makes it less deadly than a head-on collision with two vehicles, but a single car accident can still result in serious injuries.

Regardless of what caused your single vehicle accident in Florida, a lawyer will advise that you seek medical attention afterward to ensure you haven’t suffered any injuries. Speak with one of our expert personal injury lawyers as soon as possible.

Causes of Single-Car Accidents

In 2019, 53% of motor vehicle crash deaths were from single vehicle collisions. In Florida, 50% of car accident fatalities resulted from a single-car accident.

Knowing how dangerous these accidents are is vital. Every driver should be aware of the causes of single-car accidents in Florida so that they can attempt to avoid them in the future.

These are the nine most common causes of single-car accidents in the state:

Speeding

Speeding always increases the odds of collision on the road, as you have a shorter reaction period and slower braking time. Speeding is especially dangerous in poor weather conditions since you risk losing control of your vehicle.

Impaired Driving

Impaired drivers are a hazard to themselves and others. They can crash into objects due to their slow reaction time or they can force others off the road with their swerving and drifting.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving while eating, using a cellphone, or playing with the radio can increase your chances of any sort of collision. You are likely to drift off the road when you aren’t paying attention to where you’re going.

Mechanical Failure

Manufacturers are required to provide reliable parts. However, sometimes they don’t. If a part fails, it can have severe consequences, such as a fatal collision.

Swerving to Avoid Obstacles or Debris

Swerving to avoid things that may impact with your car can lead to collisions, especially on highways where trucks can lose their cargo. Flying debris or strew tires on a highway can lead to you needing to run your car off the road into a median.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy drivers have a tendency to drift between lanes, forcing other drivers to take evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision. However, avoiding a collision with another vehicle can still lead to a single-car collision.

Animals

Unexpected animal crossings can lead to severe single car collisions, even if the driver manages to avoid the animal. For example, a driver who serves to avoid missing a deer may end up colliding with a tree on the side of the highway.

Poor Weather

Icy roads, sun glare, high winds, and wet roads can cause single vehicle collisions. Drivers may slip off the road or veer between lanes due to lowered visibility or traction.

We’ll Protect Your Legal Rights

Other drivers and insurance companies will play on the myth that the driver in a single-car accident is the only one at fault. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we know that’s not always the case.

An expert Florida single-car accident lawyer is trained to protect your rights and help you prove what actually happened. We won’t let you be blamed for someone else’s mistake.

How Our Florida Single Vehicle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Our expert single vehicle accident lawyer knows how to win your case. They have the resources of a trial-tested car accident law group that has taken on big insurance companies without fear. We can help you gather evidence, determine fault, and prove your case in front of a jury.

We’re so confident that we can win your case, that we don’t accept payment until we win.

Call today to find out how we can help you recover damages for your single car accident.

Discover your legal options today.

1STEP 01
2STEP 02
  • Don't pay for someone else's negligence. Let us help.

Practice Areas
Personal Injury

Our experienced West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers have successfully managed a wide variety of complex cases. We are dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve.

Learn More

Car Accident

Our skilled attorneys handle car accident cases with the expertise needed to navigate the legal complexities and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

Learn More

Truck Accident

Truck accidents require specialized knowledge and resources. Our team is well-equipped to tackle these challenging cases and fight for your rights.

Learn More

Wrongful Death

Losing a loved one is devastating. Our compassionate lawyers are here to support you through this difficult time and pursue justice on your behalf.

Learn More

Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries. We are committed to advocating for motorcyclists and ensuring they receive fair compensation.

Learn More

Medical Malpractice

Medical errors can have life-altering consequences. Our attorneys have the expertise to hold healthcare providers accountable and seek justice for victims.

Learn More

Nursing Home Abuse

Protecting the rights of nursing home residents is a priority. Our dedicated lawyers work tirelessly to expose and rectify instances of abuse and neglect.

Learn More


Our Recent Settlements


Discover your legal options today.Don't pay for someone else's negligence. Let us help.

"*" indicates required fields

*
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Office Locations

COPYRIGHT © 2024 LYTAL, REITER, SMITH, IVEY & FRONRATH 
 PRIVACY POLICY

Important Notice: Safety is our top priority at Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath. You can access our services from home via phone, online chat, Facetime, or Zoom. Our aim is to provide justice while safeguarding everyone’s health.

Developed  and Optimized by