While the single-vehicle crash may have been a simple accident, it could also have been caused by driver error, a defective part, or a maintenance issue. If negligence was behind the crash, then it is possible for the passenger or both the driver and passenger to have a personal injury claim against the at-fault party.
Individuals who are hurt in single-vehicle crashes should speak with a San Francisco personal injury attorney to determine if they have a valid personal injury claim through which they can receive compensation for their injuries.
Passenger May File Claim Against the Driver
The most likely personal injury claim to arise from a single-vehicle accident is a passenger filing a personal injury claim against the driver or driver’s insurance policy. Common reasons why a driver may be liable to a passenger for injuries is if the driver was speeding, intoxicated at the time, driving too closely to another vehicle, or driving recklessly. If the passenger can demonstrate that the crash was caused by the driver’s negligence and that the passenger was less than half at fault for the crash, then he or she may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
When the Driver May Have a Personal Injury Claim
Many car accidents arise because of defective vehicle parts or improper maintenance. If a defect or maintenance issue caused the accident and not the driver’s actions behind the wheel, then the driver may have a valid personal injury claim against a third party, such as the vehicle manufacturer, part manufacturer, or maintenance provider. The driver will be required to prove the other party was negligent in his or her duties, which caused the crash and his or her injuries to recover compensation.
Investigating the Crash
The police will investigate single-vehicle crashes, but they will not usually look too deeply. They are mostly concerned with whether there is clear evidence that the driver or another element was at fault. They are unlikely to look close enough to see if there was a defect or maintenance issue. If you were hurt in a single-vehicle crash and you believe a defect or maintenance issue was the underlying problem, you should contact an experienced San Francisco personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you preserve crucial evidence, like the vehicle, and have objective third-parties investigate the cause of the crash.
Contact Brod Law Firm Today
If you were injured in a single-vehicle accident and you believe it was another person or business’s fault, contact Brod Law Firm as soon as possible at (800) 427-7020 to schedule a free consultation. During your initial meeting, you can explain your situation and learn whether it is possible to pursue a personal injury claim.
(Image courtesy of Daniel Peragine)