What does single-car liability mean in Indiana? Individuals may use this term to refer to liability for collisions involving a single vehicle. While some people assume the driver involved in a single-vehicle accident must be liable for the wreck, exceptions occur.
A car accident lawyer in Indiana can help you learn more about single-car liability accidents and how they may impact your insurance. Find out more about these wrecks with our team at Vaughan & Vaughan.
Call or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
Do You Have to Pay the Costs for a Single-Car Accident?
We understand the concerns drivers feel after single-vehicle accidents. Many individuals fear that the insurance company will consider them automatically at fault. However, you may have a chance to seek damages from another party, even in single-car collisions.
Determining who covers the costs of a collision can involve looking at single-car liability. For example, your car accident lawyer may look into liability for single-vehicle accidents that involve:
- Swerving off the road to avoid an animal
- Losing control of a vehicle due to a defective part
- Getting into a collision with a pedestrian or bicyclist
Single-car accidents often include property belonging to other people or outside factors, but they only involve a single vehicle.
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When Are You Liable for a Single-Car Accident?
Drivers may have single-car liability for an accident if their actions directly result in a crash.
For example, drivers who operate their vehicle on a rainy day and drive too quickly for the conditions, causing their car to hydroplane and run into a tree, are generally liable for the damages.
Insurance companies look at driver errors and negligent behavior when handling single-car accidents in Indiana. You can learn more about this subject with an Indiana personal injury lawyer.
Are Drivers Always Liable for Single-Car Accidents?
Drivers do not always cause single-car accidents in Indiana. In fact, hiring a car accident lawyer may allow drivers to show that someone else caused the wreck. In this situation, the at-fault party may cover the driver’s losses.
Attorneys may assist if an accident occurs due to the following:
A Vehicle Defect in Indiana
Vehicle malfunctions can cause accidents. Faulty parts in a car’s braking system, for example, may prevent a driver from stopping in time to avoid an accident.
An Animal in the Road
Sometimes, animals wander out into the road without warning. Deer pose a significant risk to drivers, for example. A driver’s comprehensive insurance policy may cover the damage caused by an animal impact without putting liability on the driver.
Poor Road Conditions
Dangerous conditions on the road can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and crash. However, if the driver knew about the poor road conditions and drove anyway, the insurance company may hold them liable for the wreck.
Another Accident or Hazard on the Road
Sometimes drivers swerve to avoid objects or people on the road. For example, a driver may jerk the wheel to avoid a pedestrian who stepped into their path without warning. If the driver crashes their car in this situation, the pedestrian may be liable for the wreck.
A car accident lawyer in Indiana can discuss these factors and other issues impacting single-car liability.
What Happens If You Have Single-Car Liability?
Drivers considered at fault for a single-car accident can face several repercussions. Drivers may end up with a traffic ticket and points on their license after a collision. Additionally, the insurance company may refuse to cover losses in some of these cases.
Finally, depending on the circumstances around the accident, some drivers could face criminal charges in Indiana. For example, police officers may charge drivers with driving under the influence (DUI) if they drank alcohol before getting into an accident.
Does Insurance Cover Single-Car Accidents in Indiana?
Insurance companies may provide coverage for these wrecks depending on the liability associated with a single-car accident. Generally, insurance companies offer collision car insurance that covers even “preventable” damage.
Suppose a single-car accident occurs due to an unexpected or unavoidable circumstance. In that case, a driver’s comprehensive car insurance may apply and provide damages, even if no one else directly caused the wreck.
Finally, if another person or organization caused the single-car wreck, that individual or business may have to cover the driver’s losses. A lawyer can help you learn more about fault and liability for car accidents.
Can Lawyers Help with Deadly Single-Car Accidents?
Sometimes, single-car accidents result in a fatality. Families who lose loved ones in deadly wrecks can contact an Indiana wrongful death lawyer for assistance. Working with a lawyer gives families a chance to seek funds to cover their:
- Burial and funeral costs
- Lost guidance and inheritance
- Medical expenses for their loved one
Attorneys can focus on showing that another party caused the deadly accident, even if the collision only involved a single car. You can contact us today for help if you’re in this situation in Indiana.
When Should You Contact a Lawyer About Single-Car Liability?
You can contact a lawyer immediately after any car accident in Indiana, including single-car wrecks. Getting legal assistance immediately helps you understand your options and can provide more details about liability in your situation.
In addition to contacting an attorney, you may need to seek treatment for any injuries caused by the single-car accident. Sometimes, you may want to report the accident to the police, especially if it involves other parties, like pedestrians or bicyclists.
Speak to Us About Liability for Single-Car Accidents
What does single-car liability mean? This term may deal with the fault for accidents involving single vehicles in Indiana. Our team at Vaughan & Vaughan can assess your situation and look for the liable party to help with your claim.
Find out more by calling or filling out our online contact form.
