Filing a Claim After a Single-Vehicle Accident
Any car accident can be a burden, bringing on financial expenses along with emotional and physical trauma. All of these things can impact your life. However, not all accidents involve multiple vehicles. Some accidents are considered single-vehicle accidents and are handled a little differently.
Common Single-Vehicle Accidents
When one vehicle is involved in an accident, it falls under the category of single-vehicle accidents. This can be due to a pure accident because of the weather or due to distracted driving.
Other reasons for a single-vehicle accident include:
Rolling a vehicle
Driving a vehicle off the road
Hitting an animal with a vehicle
Vehicle colliding with a tree
Vehicle hitting a pedestrian
A single-vehicle accident could also include a pedestrian or bicyclist. However, a vehicle hitting property such as a building or hitting a parked car doesn’t fall under the single-vehicle accident category.
Things to Remember When Being Involved in a Single-Vehicle Accident
Never flee the scene of an accident. Even if you do not think you are injured or there is no property damage. If you end up fleeing the scene, it is considered a misdemeanor. If you flee a single-vehicle accident where there are injuries or property damage, you are then faced with a criminal charge and it is considered a hit-and-run case.
If you are at fault for the accident, you need to deal with the consequences. If you are not at fault, you need to properly document EVERYTHING. Start by giving a detailed report to the responding officers. This is going to help when it comes to filing an insurance claim. The more thorough you are, the better your chances are of a successful claim.
Filing an Insurance Claim
The type of insurance coverage you have is going to be crucial when it comes to filing a claim for single-vehicle accidents. These types of accidents are covered under collision insurance, which will help with the cost of repairs if your vehicle is damaged.
The details of the accident are also going to be a major factor when it comes to filing an insurance claim.
The driver of the vehicle is NOT held responsible if:
Environmental factors (such as the weather) caused the accident
The accident was caused by sharp curves in the road
The accident was caused by defective car parts
Defects in the middle of the roadway caused the accident
Of course, it must be proven that the driver of the vehicle was not at fault in any way.
The driver of the vehicle IS held responsible when:
The accident was caused by operator error
Speeding caused the accident
Fatigue was the cause of the accident
The accident was caused by the driver’s negligence in any way
The use of substances caused the accident
When involved in a single-vehicle accident, no matter who is at fault, always speak with a car accident lawyer in Philadelphia to know what your options are.
Remember, after experiencing a single-vehicle accident, remain calm and on the scene. Always call for help and record everything as detailed as possible. If you are not at fault, file an insurance claim to help with car repairs and other expenses. For a better chance at a successful claim, remember to document everything, have your vehicle inspected, and report to the right parties, such as the police and your insurance company.
Our knowledgeable team at Edelstein Law Firm knows all about personal injury cases and car accidents, even single-vehicle accidents. We can help you deal with the insurance companies so that you get the compensation you deserve from your claim.