If you have been injured in a single vehicle accident that was not your fault, our car accident attorneys can help you with your case to get maximum compensation for your injuries!

Every single person on the road should be able to get to their destination safely. Sadly, that doesn’t always happen. Irresponsible and negligent actors cause St. Louis car crashes all the time. When they do, you can hold them accountable for the behavior and make them pay for the damage they caused.

If you sustained injuries in a single-vehicle accident in St. Louis and want to pursue the money you’re owed, contact OnderLaw . If the accident wasn’t your fault, you might be entitled to financial compensation from the responsible party. We have experience holding people liable for their careless actions that lead to accidents and injuries.

When you hire us, we’ll fight hard to get you the maximum monetary settlement you deserve. We know recovering from a car accident is difficult. It’s overwhelming to be in pain, pay your medical bills, and miss work.

Our St. Louis single-vehicle accident lawyer will take care of all the legal aspects of your crash and work to resolve your case efficiently. To find out how we can help after your single-vehicle collision, call us today. We can schedule a free consultation when it works for you.

Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents

A lot of motor vehicle crashes involve two or more cars. Driver inattention or error often causes the collision. Sometimes only one vehicle crashes because of a hazardous construction site, damaged roadway, or another vehicle’s actions. When that happens, the driver and passengers could face physical harm. Below are some of the common causes of single-vehicle accidents.

Defective Vehicle Parts

Car manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the parts they make function correctly and don’t have defects. Unfortunately, there are times when parts leave the factory defective or damaged in a way that can cause the vehicle to malfunction.

Car parts that can become defective include:

  • Seatbelts
  • Airbags
  • Tires
  • Engine
  • Transmission
  • Brake systems
  • Lights
  • Steering system

Inadequate Lighting

Streetlights are essential so that drivers can see upcoming hazards, other vehicles, and pedestrians crossing the street. It’s crucial that there’s adequate lighting at night.

If you’re driving along a road with poor lighting, you may have a hard time noticing debris in the road or a vital traffic sign. Even if you take safety precautions, you could still be involved in a single-vehicle accident because you’re unable to see where you’re going.

Poor lighting prevents you from noticing things like:

  • Traffic signs
  • Cracked or uneven pavement
  • Sharp turns
  • Debris
  • Potholes
  • Line markings

Traffic Signal Malfunction

Stoplights and traffic signals are imperative to the safety of drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Defects, poor programming, and other factors can cause them to fail. When that happens, it prevents drivers from navigating roadways safely.

If you’re crossing an intersection, you might experience a single-vehicle crash while trying to avoid another car that’s also crossing. Government entities are usually responsible for programming traffic signals. With sufficient evidence proving fault, you might be able to collect compensation from them for the faulty signals.

Road Defects

Over time, roadways become damaged. They can succumb to normal wear and tear or develop defects from adverse weather conditions. When that happens, the state or local government must promptly repair it to prevent accidents.

Unfortunately, some road defects go unnoticed because of inadequate maintenance. Other times, the government entity ignores the damage in an attempt to save money. Defective roadways are dangerous and can cause severe injuries and fatalities.

Common examples include:

  • Blind curves
  • Faded line markings
  • Potholes
  • Missing road signs
  • Loose gravel
  • Missing or weak guardrails
  • Debris or hazards
  • Poor lighting

Improper Signage

Traffic signs are supposed to direct drivers and indicate the correct behavior on roadways. For example, one-way streets should be marked with appropriate signage, so people don’t travel in the wrong direction.

When signs go missing, or are confusing to read, it can cause a driver to panic and crash.

Common scenarios that put people at risk include:

  • Sign blocked by a tree branch or overgrown weeds
  • Lack of warning signs for an upcoming construction area
  • Illegible signs due to vandalism or damage
  • Fallen signs due to severe weather
  • Inadequate signage at a blind curve
  • Missing stop sign at an intersection

Determining Liability After a Single-Vehicle Accident

Sometimes people that get hurt in a single-vehicle car crash are the only person at fault. Distractions, such as texting, and reckless driving can result in an accident.

Other times, another party can be held liable for the injuries you sustained. If you discover that something like a road defect or faulty car part led to your collision, you could pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit against the negligent entity. If another vehicle caused your crash by swerving or other reckless driving, they might be held liable.

Car or Parts Manufacturer

If your vehicle contains a recalled or defective part that caused you to crash, you can file an insurance claim against the manufacturer. Manufacturers are responsible for building their products to match certain specifications and testing them for safety.

If they discover potential risks, they must include warning labels to notify their consumers of the dangers they could face. If any leave the factory with a defect that leads to a car accident, they might be financially responsible for resulting injuries.

Government Entity

Damaged roads, defective traffic signals, or missing signage often lead to single-vehicle accidents. Government entities are supposed to perform regular maintenance and repairs on city and state roadways to prevent injuries to motorists.

When they don’t fix defects or fail to replace malfunctioning traffic signals, they could suffer the consequences of an accident. Unfortunately, sovereign immunity protects state, county, and city entities from lawsuits unless a dangerous condition resulted in the victim’s injuries. Contact an attorney to find out more.

Third-Party

Sometimes single-vehicle accidents happen because of a third party, such as a construction company. There must be adequate warning signs, traffic cones, and barriers to signal to drivers that they should proceed with caution through a construction area.

Without sufficient warning, drivers can’t prepare for hazardous conditions and might lose control of their vehicles. Construction companies and other businesses that fail to follow safety precautions could be liable for any injuries that occur.

Another Driver

Even if your vehicle is the only one involved in an accident, it could be the result of another driver’s actions. If someone else drives recklessly or fails to pay attention to the road, you might swerve to avoid a collision and crash into a telephone pole or ditch.

Common errors drivers make that cause a single-vehicle accident include:

  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Speeding
  • Changing lanes without looking or using turn signals
  • Running a red light or stop sign
  • Driving impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Crossing the street where there isn’t a crosswalk (jaywalking)

What You Should Do After a Single-Vehicle Accident in St. Louis

The steps you take after a motor vehicle crash could affect whether you win a financial settlement or judgment from the at-fault party. To protect your rights to compensation in your legal case, take immediate action.

Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Call 911 to report the accident. Missouri law requires that you call law enforcement if a car crash leads to an injury, fatality, or over $500 in property damage. Wait for an emergency responder to arrive and perform an investigation. They’ll write a traffic crash report that details their findings.

Step 2: Take photos of the accident scene. If a pothole, poor lighting, damaged sign, or another defect caused the crash, photographic evidence could help your case.

Step 3: Speak to bystanders that saw what happened. Write down their names and phone numbers so that they can provide a witness statement if necessary.

Step 4: Go to the hospital so that a doctor can evaluate your injuries. If they refer you for imaging, surgery, or additional treatment with a specialty provider, follow their orders. Continue the treatment until you recover or until your doctor places you at maximum medical improvement (MMI).

Step 5: Keep documentation associated with the accident, such as copies of your medical records, insurance company letters, or anything else that proves someone else was responsible for your injuries.

Step 6: Contact a St. Louis single-vehicle accident attorney from OnderLaw . We can investigate the crash and obtain relevant evidence to prove the other party’s fault.

Contact Us for Single Car Accidents in St. Louis

At OnderLaw , our St. Louis personal injury attorneys understand the devastation of a car accident. It can upend your life and cause financial strain. We’re here to help.

We don’t want to add to your burden, which is why our St. Louis single-vehicle accident attorneys take cases on contingency. That means there are no upfront fees or costs. We can represent you in your case and won’t take any legal fees unless we recover financial compensation from the at-fault party. If we don’t win, you won’t have to pay us.

You shouldn’t suffer the consequences of someone else’s actions. Whether it was another driver or a government entity that caused your accident, you can count on us to seek the compensation you deserve. We’ll fight hard to ensure the responsible party pays you what they owe.

One of our St. Louis single car accident lawyers can meet with you for free to review the details of your case. We’ll advise you of your legal options and guide you through the process. Call OnderLaw  to schedule your free consultation.