When you get injured in a single-vehicle accident, what are your options? You can file a claim for personal injury protection (PIP); but, if your injuries are severe, your medical expenses alone will far exceed the $10,000 minimum coverage limit. If you are like most people, you simply cannot afford to incur a mountain of bills while you miss time from work. You need to find out if other sources of compensation may be available.
Fortunately, it is a possibility.
Seeking Compensation After a Single-Vehicle Accident
In a single-vehicle accident, it is entirely possible that someone other than the driver of the wrecked vehicle is to blame. When we investigate single-vehicle accident cases, we look for evidence to support claims for compensation against:
1. Other Drivers
While your vehicle might have been the only one damaged, this does not necessarily mean that it was the only vehicle involved in the accident. Think back to what happened: Did another driver merge into your lane and force you onto a soft shoulder? Did you veer into the median to avoid a driver who ran a red light? If another driver caused you to wreck, his or her insurance company could be liable just the same as if you had been involved in a multi-vehicle collision.
2. Road and Highway Authorities (and Government Contractors)
Did you crash because of an issue with the road? Potholes are a persistent problem in northwest Florida, and issues ranging from inadequate signage to faulty road construction can all potentially justify compensation claims against government authorities and contractors.
3. Automakers and Part Manufacturers
If the road did not cause your accident, did your vehicle? Automakers, part manufacturers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regularly issue recalls over safety concerns, and vehicle defects can cause even the best drivers to lose control. Faulty brakes, defective tires, engine and transmission issues, and even exploding airbags have all been known to cause serious accidents.
4. Negligent Maintenance or Repair Shops
When was the last time you had your vehicle serviced? Was it recently in the shop for a collision repair? Automotive technicians make mistakes just like everyone else; and, if someone recently worked on your vehicle, you will want to find out if a faulty repair or maintenance job was a contributing factor in your accident. If so, the shop or dealership where you took for vehicle could be liable for your accident-related losses.
It is important to remember that these are just possibilities. Every case is unique, and the only way to find out if you have a claim is to hire an accident law firm to conduct an investigation. Ideally, this should be done as soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly, and if there was a problem with your vehicle you will want to make sure that you uncover it before your vehicle gets repaired.
Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer in Fort Walton, FL
If you were injured in a single-vehicle accident in Fort Walton, we encourage you to contact us for a free consultation. Our lawyers have decades of experience investigating and pursuing car accident claims throughout northwest Florida, and if someone else is at fault for your injuries we can help you recover the compensation you deserve. To talk to someone about investigating your accident, call us at (850) 682-2757 or request a consultation online today.