Single Vehicle Accident Lawyers Serving Monmouth County and all of NJ
Most car accidents involve two or more motor vehicles, with one vehicle to blame for causing the accident. When that happens, the driver who caused the accident may be subject to a civil lawsuit – particularly if an individual involved in the car crash suffers an injury. Sometimes, however, a car accident occurs and only one car is involved. That single vehicle may strike something on the side of the road, a guardrail, or another object. If this happens to you, do not make the mistake of thinking that you cannot seek compensation for damage to your car, medical expenses, or other related costs. Even if you were the only driver involved in the auto accident, you may still have legal recourse, and if you were a passenger in the vehicle, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver. An experienced attorney can help you explore your options and determine the best course of action.
Were you involved in a single-car accident in New Jersey? We can help. Regardless of the specifics of your accident, our experienced New Jersey car accident attorneys are here to assist you free of charge. If you have been injured, call (732) 303-7857 or click on the contact us tab for a no cost, no obligation evaluation of your case and find out if you may have grounds to pursue compensation.
What Causes Single-Vehicle Accidents?
The fact is that many single-vehicle accidents are caused by a driver losing control of the vehicle and skidding off the roadway. But driver error is not always to blame for single-vehicle crashes. Some single-car accidents are unavoidable because of road conditions, weather conditions, a defective auto product, faulty maintenance on the vehicle, or for some other reason. These are some of the main causes of single-vehicle accidents in New Jersey:
- Poor Road Conditions: Poor road conditions can make it hard for a motorist to maintain control of their vehicle and avoid a single-car accident. The dangerous conditions could be due to a road maintenance crew failing to fix a pothole, a road construction crew leaving debris behind, a downed tree limb left in the middle of the road after a storm, or excessive gravel on the pavement.
- Inclement Weather: The roads in New Jersey can be particularly treacherous during the winter months when snow and ice can make it difficult for drivers to control their vehicles. At other times of the year, it’s possible for rain, wind, and other inclement weather conditions associated with storms to make the roadways slicker and reduce driver visibility.
- Defective Auto Parts: Some car accidents are caused by defective auto parts that should not have been put in circulation. This kind of negligence by an auto manufacturer or distributor can lead to sudden tire blowouts, unexpected airbag deployments, or some other mishap. A single-vehicle accident caused by a defective product can have catastrophic consequences for the driver and any passengers in the car.
- Pedestrians: By definition, a single-vehicle accident involves just one motor vehicle. But there could still be multiple parties involved in a single-vehicle crash. When a pedestrian commits a jaywalking offense, for example, it might be difficult for a motorist to swerve out of the way in time. This can lead to a crash involving the pedestrian or a collision with a fixed object on the side of the road.
- Bicycles: Another example of a single-vehicle accident involving multiple parties is a crash into a bicyclist on the roadway. Even if the motorist is able to avoid the bicycle, the vehicle could crash into another object on or off the roadway.
- Animal in the Roadway: It is not uncommon for animals to dart across the road in certain parts of New Jersey, particularly deer. When this happens at night, it might be tough for the driver to spot the animal in time to avoid an accident.
- Lack of Proper Signage: Signs may be poorly positioned, damaged or otherwise difficult to read, inadequately lit, or missing entirely. This can cause a driver to fail to respond to changing directions, road conditions, or other essential information when operating a vehicle alone. Accidents caused by issues with signage can lead to devastasting injuries.
How to Handle a Single Car Accident Case in New Jersey
If you have been injured in a single-car accident in New Jersey, you should consult an experienced attorney about your specific situation. You may be entitled to compensation. It is imperative that you speak with a knowledgeable attorney who can examine the circumstances of your accident and help pursue the financial amount you are rightfully entitled to from insurance and any other responsible parties. Depending on the situation, there may other parties who can be held liable for your accident, including construction companies, government entities, pedestrians, or vehicle manufacturers.
Additionally, you should keep in mind that even if you were at fault for your single-vehicle accident, you may be able to file a claim with your insurance company for your medical bills. That is because New Jersey is a no-fault state for auto accidents. A passenger injured in a single-car accident should also be aware that they may be legally entitled to compensation for their injuries. A qualified NJ auto accident attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries and other damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage. Since your case may involve complex insurance issues, and time is of the essence when seeking compensation from the insurance company and meeting certain filing deadlines, it is important for you to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Does my Insurance Impact a Single Vehicle Accident Claim in NJ?
In New Jersey, most drivers have a limitation on their ability to file a lawsuit and recover for a personal injury suffered in a single-vehicle accident, a multiple-vehicle accident, or any other type of motor vehicle accident. Most drivers are subject to a statute called the “limitation on lawsuit” or “verbal threshold” statute. Additionally, in most instances, a passenger in a motor vehicle will be subject to this limitation on their ability to file a lawsuit if that passenger has an insurance policy with the limitation – whether the policy is with an insurance company in the state of New Jersey or in another state with an insurance company that does business in the state of New Jersey. Only a qualified New Jersey personal injury lawyer will be able to properly analyze your insurance policy, the specifics of your single-car accident, and other evidence to determine if the limitation on lawsuit or verbal threshold statute applies to your situation.
Obtaining Compensation for Your Injuries after a One-Car Accident in NJ
Single-car accidents have the potential to be deadly. In fact, statistics show that single-vehicle accidents are the deadliest type of accident on New Jersey roads. A particularly dangerous single-vehicle crash is a rollover accident, which often results in the driver and/or passenger being ejected from the car. In addition to posing safety risks to drivers and passengers, single-car accidents also threaten the lives of pedestrians and bicyclists. Many of these kinds of accidents result in severe physical injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord damage, and broken bones. The worst single-car accidents can prove fatal. Getting the financial compensation you deserve can assist you in a myriad of ways when trying to recover from severe injuries or the loss of a loved one.
Our New Jersey accident attorneys are prepared to speak with you about your single-vehicle accident claim 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We present individuals who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents in all New Jersey counties, including Monmouth County, Ocean County, Atlantic County, and Middlesex County. Call (732) 303-7857 for a free consultation.
