Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-Vehicle Accidents in West Virginia
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Overview
Most people think of a car accident as a collision involving two or more vehicles. But occasionally accidents involve just one driver.
If you’ve been involved in a single-vehicle accident, you may believe you have no legal options. That’s not necessarily true, and a Charleston car accident lawyer can explain your options and help you seek compensation if you’re eligible.
What Are Single-Vehicle Accidents?
Single-vehicle accidents are, as the name implies, where one vehicle strikes another object, rolls over, or veers off the road. It may or may not involve another individual unless a passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist is involved.
Animals, street signs, trees, light poles, hazardous road conditions, and other obstacles may lead to an
accident with just one vehicle. Damage can be considerable, and a driver injured in such an accident may need the assistance of a Charleston car accident lawyer. The Love Law Firm has helped thousands of people after all types of car accidents. We can answer all your questions and advise you on the best way to proceed.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents
Responsibility for a single-vehicle accident may fall on the driver or other parties.
These accidents are frequently caused by external factors such as:
• Adverse weather conditions
• Missing or lack of traffic signage (stop signs, traffic lights, road barriers, etc.)
• Road hazards and defects, such as potholes
• Debris or other objects in the road
• Hazardous roadside construction areas
• Animals crossing or walking around on roads
• Vehicle defects, failures, and/or defective auto parts
However, human error can also be to blame:
• Distracted driving, such as talking or texting, with passengers, children, or pets in the vehicle
• Driver drowsiness or fatigue
• Alcohol or drug use
• Speeding
The majority of fatal crashes in West Virginia from 2011 to 2015 involved single vehicles running off two-lane rural roads. These accidents were frequently from a combination of the factors mentioned above, along with rural road conditions and driver behavior.
Liability In Single-Vehicle Accidents
Your first thought may be that you, the driver, would be completely at fault. But that may not be the case. Many single-vehicle accidents result from another person’s negligence. A car accident lawyer’s first order of business is to determine how and why the accident happened to determine negligence and liability.
Another party’s negligence may be the true underlying cause of an accident. That’s why it’s important to speak with the Love Law Firm’s car accident lawyer to investigate your accident. Without knowing the true cause of the accident and the responsible party, you could lose thousands of dollars in needed compensation.
Your accident may not be caused by your negligence, but by:
• Municipality responsible for road conditions (state, city, etc.)
• Vehicle manufacturer
• Parts manufacturer
• Repair shop that improperly repaired or maintained your vehicle
• Construction companies responsible for improperly marked or performed road work
• Property owners, if objects from their property fell into the road and caused an accident
West Virginia’s laws are modified comparative negligence. This means that even if another party is found to be partly responsible, the driver’s compensation can be reduced by that percentage of fault from 100%, as long as their percentage of fault for the accident is less than 51%.
A complete investigation is needed to determine liability for an accident. This can involve an examination of the accident scene, review and analysis of police reports, and gathering testimonies from witnesses. The Love Law Firms’ experienced car accident lawyer can help identify any possible liable parties and build a strong compensation case.
How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Just like an accident with one or more other drivers, you should discuss your case with a Charleston car accident lawyer who can advise you of your rights and help you make the right decisions. West Virginia allows just two years to file your claim. That’s why it’s important to begin working with a Charleston car accident lawyer right away to avoid losing your right to obtain compensation.
The Love Law Firm’s car accident lawyer Chad Love can determine if you or another party is responsible for your accident. He will investigate the accident, handle the administrative work behind your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you obtain needed compensation. If it becomes necessary to take your claim to trial, Mr. Love is ready to represent you in court and battle the insurance companies.
Schedule a consultation with our car accident lawyer before talking with any insurance company to learn about your options. Even if you believe you were the only person responsible for your single-vehicle accident, there may be potential other negligent parties involved. Every car accident is different. Mr. Love will review your case and advise you on what you can do in your case.
THE LOVE LAW FIRM CAN HELP
Single-vehicle accidents aren’t the same as one with two or more drivers. Speak to the experienced car accident lawyer at The Love Law Firm to understand how to proceed. We can investigate your case, determine who might be liable for damages, and fight to get you the maximum amount of compensation we can.
Chad Love has been representing West Virginia accident victims for more than 23 years. Our contingency fee arrangements mean that you’ll only owe a fee when we win your case.
Phone:
(304) 344-5683
