People commonly assume that a single-car accident is always the fault of the person behind the wheel. Although this is certainly true in many situations, it isn’t always the case. In fact, there are several situations in which the driver may not be to blame at all. If your single-car accident was the result of any of the following scenarios, contact car accident lawyers today to discuss your options.
#1 – The Roads Were in Poor Condition
Rain, sleet, snow, ice, and even wind can make driving difficult. If your single-car accident resulted from sliding off the road, hydroplaning, or perhaps even being blown off the road by a gust of wind, you may be able to escape liability for the accident. However, it’s important to remember that a very strong counterargument exists in this case. Could the accident have been avoided if you had driven more slowly or carefully? If the answer is yes, then you may be held liable for the accident. Conversely, if the road is flooded due to someone else’s negligence, and if that negligence results in your accident, you may not be held responsible at all. Experienced lawyers can help you build your defense in this case.
#2 – Another Driver was Negligent
Another scenario in which you may not be deemed at fault for your single-car accident occurs when you have an accident due to another driver’s negligence. For example, if you’re driving down the highway and another car comes over a hill on the wrong side of the road, you would likely swerve to avoid hitting that car. If this action results in an accident – meaning your vehicle strikes a tree or another object, you may not be held liable for that accident at all. Car accident lawyers can help you determine whether another driver’s negligence is a solid defense in your case.
#3 – The Car Experienced a Mechanical Failure
Mechanical failures can cause accidents in some cases, as well. One common example involves sudden problems with your brakes. If you’re unable to slow down or stop as you’re coming around a corner, there’s a possibility that your car may slide off the road and strike another object. In some cases, you may be able to escape liability with this defense, but it depends on one major factor: was the failure sudden and completely unpredictable, or was the failure caused by lack of proper car maintenance? The former may serve as a valid defense, but the latter will not.
#4 – The Driver was Attempting to Avoid an Obstacle
Finally, single car accidents may sometimes be the result of attempting to avoid an obstacle in the road, such as an animal, a pedestrian, or even a stalled vehicle. If it can be proven that you were unaware of the obstacle until it was too late to properly slow down (meaning the obstacle was just over a hill or around a blind turn), your lawyer can use this a defense to eliminate your liability in a single-car accident.
If you were involved in a single-car accident and you believe you were not at fault, contact the professionals at Lerners Lawyers. They are expert car accident lawyers who have helped hundreds of people in your exact situation – and they’ll help you collect the insurance payments and other damages to which you are entitled.