According to the National Safety Council, single vehicle accidents are more common than multi vehicle collisions. Not only that, but single vehicle accidents also cause more than half of all traffic fatalities. Each year, many single vehicle accidents in Mississippi cause life-altering consequences for victims. These accidents can also cause considerable confusion, especially for those who need compensation. Victims who have experienced single vehicle accidents may wish to discuss their legal options with experienced Mississippi injury lawyers. As a next step, consider a consultation with Lott Law – and call (228) 215-2787 to get started.
Common Examples of Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single vehicle accidents can occur in various ways. The pathway toward compensation often depends on the exact nature of the crash.
Crashes into Barriers, Trees, or Poles
Single vehicle crashes often involve impacts with trees, poles, and other barriers. One can usually find these objects on the side of roads, and they pose a serious threat whenever drivers lose control. An impact with a tree can easily be fatal, especially at high speeds. Trees are surprisingly sturdy and immovable thanks to their deep roots. Frontal collisions can completely demolish crumple zones, while side impacts may cause vehicles to wrap around tree trunks. Concrete barriers and poles also pose serious hazards for similar reasons. The Department of Transport states that trees are responsible for almost 20% of traffic fatalities when vehicles veer off roads.
Veering Off Cliffs, Overpasses, and Ledges
A vehicle may veer off a cliff, high shoulder, overpass, or ledge. This type of single vehicle accident subjects occupants to the forces of gravity before a violent impact with the ground. When a vehicle careens off a high cliff, the chances of survival are slim. Vehicles may also fly off overpasses before smashing into roadways down below. Even if occupants survive the initial impact, subsequent collisions with other vehicles are likely.
Rollovers
A rollover crash is a common type of single vehicle accident. As the name implies, this crash involves a vehicle rolling over after losing control. Sometimes, the vehicle rolls many times before coming to a halt. Occupants inside rolling vehicles are tossed around by dramatic physical forces, often suffering catastrophic injuries in the process. A rollover crash may also eject an occupant, throwing them onto the roadway at high speed.
Can I Pursue Compensation After a Single Vehicle Accident?
Drivers may be able to pursue compensation after a single vehicle accident in Mississippi. Even if a driver crashed without impacting another vehicle, they may not be to blame for the accident. Negligent drivers can easily cause car accidents without actually coming into contact with other vehicles. This can occur in various ways, and there are countless potential examples.
Single Vehicle Accidents Caused by “Near-Misses”
A single vehicle accident may occur after a “near-miss” caused by a negligent driver. For example, a drunk driver might veer out of their lane and into oncoming traffic. Another driver might swerve to avoid an impact before veering off the road and crashing into a tree. In this situation, the drunk driver caused the crash – even though they never impacted the other vehicle. These near-misses may be caused by many other types of negligence – including distraction, fatigue, street racing, and so on. Another common situation involves a negligent driver suddenly switching lanes without warning – cutting off another motorist and forcing them to swerve off the road. These situations can easily lead to auto accident lawsuits.
Single Vehicle Accidents Caused by Objects on the Road
Objects on the road can cause vehicles to lose control and crash. One example is a piece of furniture dropped by a moving van on the highway. If a driver approaches at high speed, they may swerve to avoid the object and crash. These hazards are especially dangerous at night, when drivers may only see the objects at the last second. Another example is an illegally parked car in the middle of the road. A motorist might drive around a corner before swerving to avoid a parked vehicle. This issue can be particularly dangerous if the parked vehicle does not activate its hazard lights. These situations may result in lawsuits against trucking companies who do not properly secure their loads, or negligent drivers who stop illegally in unsafe locations.
Single Vehicle Accidents Caused by Confusing Signage or Road Issues
Drivers may also crash due to confusing traffic signs, poor road maintenance, and similar issues. For example, a construction zone may feature signs that direct drivers into oncoming traffic. These drivers might need to suddenly swerve into concrete barriers to avoid head-on collisions with other vehicles. Some confusing signs may even guide vehicles off cliffs or onto unfinished bridges. In addition, potholes, cracks, and other issues may cause single vehicle crashes. Although these types of lawsuits are less common, they are possible. To discuss a potential lawsuit of this type, consider a consultation with Lott Law.
Is Mississippi a “No-Fault” State?
In some states, pursuing compensation for single vehicle accidents is easier because of their “no-fault” insurance systems. However, Mississippi is not a no-fault state. Instead, the Magnolia State follows a “tort” or “at-fault” system. This means that in order to pursue compensation, a driver must prove that someone else caused their crash. Victims may find it difficult to prove negligence, especially in the absence of a physical collision with another vehicle. This is why it may make sense to work with an experienced auto accident lawyer in Mississippi when suing for a single vehicle accident. These lawyers may be able to help victims collect the necessary evidence to prove negligence – even if they never came into contact with other drivers.
Learn More About Single Vehicle Accidents With Lott Law
Although many assume that it is impossible to seek compensation after a single vehicle accident, this may not be true. Various single vehicle crashes could be caused by negligent drivers – even if these drivers never come into contact with other cars. Victims should not simply assume that they have zero legal options after these incidents – especially when they are experiencing considerable economic and non-economic damages. To review the situation and determine whether compensation could be possible, consider a consultation with an experienced Mississippi auto accident lawyer. Victims may call (228) 215-2787 to schedule a consultation with Lott Law today.