In Oklahoma, there are stretches of road where you may not see another car for miles. That is part of what makes being involved in an Oklahoma City single-car accident so frightening. Single-car crashes are inherently stressful – you are hurt, scared, and have only yourself to rely on. You might also later assume that you only have yourself to blame for the accident, but that is often not the case.
Several scenarios exist where another party may be responsible for your single-car accident. Another driver’s negligent actions may cause you to swerve and hit an object. A car manufacturer may be to blame if a defective car part caused your accident. Even a government agency may be to blame if a large pothole led to your crash.
At Abel Law Firm, our Oklahoma City car accident attorneys can help you determine who was at fault in your single-car accident and hold the responsible party accountable for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages if you can’t work.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a single-car crash, contact the office of Abel Law Firm today at (405) 239-7046. Let us review your case and all of your legal options.
Types of Single-Car Crashes
The definition of a single-car accident is straightforward: It is a motor vehicle accident where only one vehicle is involved and suffers damage. A single-vehicle accident could result in a rollover or a collision with a fixed object like a lamppost or fire hydrant. These types of accidents may be the result of a driver swerving to avoid hitting an animal or losing control of a vehicle because of poor weather conditions.
However, these accidents can also happen due to the negligent actions of others. These individuals may escape the direct consequences of their actions by avoiding a collision, but they can still be found and held accountable after the fact. Some of the most common scenarios where a single-vehicle accident could be someone else’s fault include:
- Defective vehicle parts
- Defective vehicle design
- Poor road design
- Poor road maintenance
- Road debris
- Unmarked road hazards
- Unavoidable accidents
- Evasive maneuvers to avoid a distracted or drunk driver
- Being run off the road
- Driver carelessly pulling out
- Driver failing to stop or yield
Common Single-Car Crash Injuries
According to the State of Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, 2018, there were 15,545 single-vehicle crashes on state roads. Sadly, 288 people died, and another 907 suffered incapacitating injuries. Single-car accidents are serious. These are some of the more common injuries that can occur as a result of a single-car crash:
- Head, neck, and spine injuries
- Concussion
- Fractured bones
- Broken or crushed ribs
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Leg and knee injuries
Injuries suffered in these types of crashes can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s life and their health, not to mention a long-lasting impact on their pocketbook. After being involved in a single-car crash, many people mistakenly feel like their medical bills are their responsibility when, in fact, they may be able to receive compensation for their injuries.
Speaking with a skilled attorney as soon as possible after your accident is the best way to sort out your legal rights and maximize the compensation you may receive, either from an insurance settlement or a lawsuit.
Liability in Single-Car Accidents
There are a variety of situations where the driver involved in a single-vehicle collision is not responsible for causing the accident. In many cases, the driver involved in the accident attempted to take evasive measures to avoid being involved in a more serious accident. This could mean they swerved to avoid being hit by a distracted or drunk driver or were run off the road by someone making an unsafe lane change.
When a driver’s negligent actions cause someone else to be hurt in an accident, the at-fault driver should be held accountable. An experienced personal injury attorney has the knowledge and resources to investigate the circumstances of your accident and hold the proper parties responsible.
Another common reason single-car crashes happen on Oklahoma roads is due to defective parts being installed in cars and trucks. Typically, these faulty parts trigger a recall, but not before people are hurt or killed. When a defective part, product, or vehicle design plays a part in a single-vehicle accident, the manufacturer of the car or part may bear some or all of the liability for the accident. Going up against a large corporate entity can be intimidating, but the attorneys with Abel Law Firm have experience tackling these complicated cases.
The team at Abel Law Firm has the experience to handle a wide range of single-vehicle accident claims, whether the responsible party is another negligent driver, a negligent auto parts manufacturer, or a negligent government agency that failed to maintain a public road. Being involved in a single-vehicle collision may make you feel like you’re on your own. The dedicated attorneys at Abel Law Firm want to assure you, you aren’t alone.
Contact Abel Law Firm If You’ve Been Injured in a Single-Vehicle Crash
At Abel Law Firm, we bring over 46 years of legal experience – we have the skillset, dedication, and resources needed to help you get the compensation you deserve following a serious accident. We will meticulously gather solid evidence and negotiate assertively with the insurance companies to see that you get a fair settlement. We will build a solid strategy for holding negligent drivers or auto manufacturers responsible for their irresponsible actions.
Contact the team at Abel Law Firm to review the circumstances of your single-vehicle accident. Call us at (405) 239-7046 to schedule your free initial consultation and find out what sets us apart in Oklahoma.
