What is Considered a Single-Car Accident?

A single-car accident is when there is only damage to one vehicle, even if there is another car involved in the event that led up to the accident. For example, if you swerve to avoid an animal in the roadway, and hit a guardrail, it is a single-car accident, even if there are other cars around you. Similarly, if a vehicle pulls out in front of you and you swerve to avoid that vehicle, but end up hitting a telephone pole or building, it is considered a single-car accident.

a single car accident

Who is Liable in a Single-Car Accident? 

If you are the only one involved in the accident, such as avoiding an animal, then your insurance company will determine you are at-fault. However, if you were trying to avoid another vehicle driving irresponsibly, then it may be determined that the other driver is at fault. Whoever is responsible for setting the events into action is determined to be liable.

If you are found to be liable, the consequences may be a ticket, denied coverage for the claim, criminal charges, or the insurance company may pay out your claim. But, you should never assume that you are at-fault. If you’ve been involved in a single-car accident, it is important to know your rights. 

What are the Common Causes of Single Car Accidents?

Research conducted by the NHTSA determined that the most common causes of single-car accidents include:

  • Weather conditions such as rain, fog, and sleet
  • Conditions that impair visibility such as smoke or night-time
  • Distracted driving, especially when there are two or more people in the vehicle
  • Rural areas where animals are more likely to wander onto the roads
  • Driving impaired or under the influence
  • Speeding
  • Objects and debris flying on the roadway

The Most Dangerous Roads in Tampa

EverQuote compiled data from the NHTSA and found that Highway 4 in Tampa is the most dangerous in the United States. The community organization Plan Hillsborough’s Vision Zero program details Tampa’s most dangerous streets. The list includes:

  • Mango Road/CR579 (MLK Boulevard to US 92)
  • 78th Street (Causeway Boulevard to Palm River Road)
  • Gibsonton Drive (I-75 to Balm Riverview Road)
  • 15th Street (Fowler Avenue to Fletcher Avenue)
  • Bruce B Downs Boulevard (BBD) (Fowler Avenue to Bearss Avenue)
  • Sheldon Road (Hillsborough Avenue to Waters Avenue)
  • Lynn Turner Road (Gunn Highway to Ehrlich Road)
  • Fletcher Avenue (Armenia Avenue to Nebraska Avenue)

What are the Most Common Injuries from Single Car Accidents?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Florida ranks as one of the highest states for single-car accident fatalities.  As with many other types of crashes, many factors influence the types and severity of injuries suffered in a single-car collision. The most common injuries include:

What do I do After a Single-Car Accident?

The first step is to seek immediate medical attention, even if you believe you were not injured. The shock and trauma can desensitize you to potentially significant injuries. It may take hours, days, or even weeks for the symptoms of injuries to present themselves. Delaying medical attention could not only harm your well-being, but it can also cause hardships later on in the insurance claims process.

Above all else, never assume that you are not entitled to compensation after a single-car accident. We advise that you contact us as soon as possible. Darrigo and Diaz Law has an expert team of accident attorneys that can help reconstruct the event and get you the compensation you need to cover medical and repair expenses. We encourage you to immediately reach out to us by calling (813) 774-3341 for a confidential, free, and no-obligation phone consultation.

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