Virginia Single-Car Accident Attorneys

When people think of car accidents, they often think of T-bone wrecks or multi-car pile-ups, but in reality, a significant percentage of today’s accidents involve only a single vehicle. In the United States, 53 percent of car accident fatalities in 2018 were the result of single-vehicle crashes. In Virginia, that figure was 57 percent. Each time a driver gets behind the wheel, they risk being hurt in an accident, and many different circumstances can lead otherwise safe drivers into single-car collisions.

Many drivers assume the nature of a single-vehicle accident means that they are automatically 100% at fault. While certain drivers in single-car collisions are fully liable for their own accidents, some can recover compensation from other parties that contributed to any conditions leading to the accident. Even drivers who are at fault may have options to pursue aside from handing control over to their insurance company or paying for damages out of pocket.

Understanding some of these legal distinctions is tricky, which is why the support of an experienced single-vehicle accident attorney is critical. Skilled legal counsel can ensure you know which recovery options are available to you. For more than 30 years, CHASENBOSCOLO has helped thousands of Virginia car accident victims protect their interests and rebuild their lives. If you or a loved one was involved in a single-vehicle collision, you might be feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about reaching out to an attorney. During our free initial consultation, we can help cover any questions you may have about your unique situation. When you’re ready for answers, chat with us live, send us an email, or give our 24/7 legal team a call at (703) 538-1138.

Do I Need a Single-Car Accident Lawyer?

In some cases, drivers are fully or partially responsible for their own wrecks. Motorists who drive while intoxicated, exceed posted speed limits, or are driving distracted and lose control of their vehicle can all be found liable for causing single-vehicle accidents. In other instances, those who are hurt in single-car accidents may not be liable at all.

A dangerous driver who unexpectedly swerves into your lane may force you to drive defensively and collide with a nearby object rather than the other vehicle. An unknown manufacturing or maintenance error in your car may have contributed to unsafe driving conditions. In some cases, inadequate road maintenance can be to blame. Drivers who bear only some or no-fault for their own single-vehicle collisions can sometimes recover compensation from other responsible parties. These people may choose to pursue claims against other at-fault individuals, car manufacturers, or even governments.

It’s always important to consult with a licensed attorney before you make any conclusions about the cause of the crash. Your lawyer will investigate the accident, gather relevant evidence, and will determine the cause of the crash and which party or parties might be at fault. If you were hurt in a single-vehicle crash through no fault of your own, you could be owed significant compensation. An experienced car accident attorney could help you get the justice and fair compensation that you deserve.

What Causes Single-Car Accidents?

Just as the name implies, a single-car accident occurs any time a vehicle collides with anything aside from another vehicle, including a person, animal, or object. All licensed drivers are expected to be in full, attentive control of their cars while on the road, but many situations can cause the driver to lose this control, including :

Flawed Vehicle Design or Defective Parts

Brake defects – Any flaw in a car’s braking system that prevents it from slowing reliably and safely when a driver needs it to stop.
Airbag malfunctions – On rare occasions, airbags have been known to deploy on their own without the impact of a crash.
Electrical fires – Defective wiring or bad batteries may cause car components to overheat and catch fire.
Power steering failures – Power steering systems make steering easier. When they fail, drivers may be unable to maneuver effectively.

Unsafe Road Conditions

Potholes – Many insurance providers consider potholes to be too prevalent and easily avoidable to hold others liable when drivers have pothole accidents.
Missing or malfunctioning traffic signage – Signs that are removed, covered by trees or bushes, or traffic lights that fail leave drivers without critical safety information.

Other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians

Unexpected stops – Motorists who halt suddenly for reasons that are not immediately obvious, forcing those behind them to veer off-road.
Sudden swerves – Cars that turn into other lanes without warning, pushing other drivers to react defensively to avoid a collision.
Inattentive pedestrians or cyclists – People walking or riding bikes and absentmindedly enter the path of a moving vehicle could cause the motorist to swerve off of the road and crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve been hurt in a single-vehicle crash in Virginia, you likely have many questions about your rights and legal options. To discuss the specifics of your case, call us at (703) 538-1138 and we’ll schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. In the meantime, we’ve provided the answers to the following frequently asked questions below:

Who might be responsible for my single-vehicle crash?

Depending on the circumstances, another party might be responsible for your single-vehicle crash. This could include:

The vehicle manufacturer – Not all defects are immediately apparent, and some could cause a problem years later. If a defective part or vehicle design caused your crash, you could be owed compensation from the manufacturer.
A government entity – Poor road design or neglect of routine maintenance could create hazardous road conditions beyond your control. In these cases, a government entity might be liable for your accident.
Other people on the road – Another motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian could cause you to crash if they are behaving recklessly or carelessly.

To determine the cause of your crash and identify the liable parties, be sure to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer right away.

What type of compensation might I be owed?

The type and amount of compensation you could recover after a single-vehicle car accident will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries. In general, compensation could include payment for:

Current and future medical bills
Lost wages
Loss of future earnings
Repairs or replacement of damaged property
Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma

Your attorney will be able to evaluate your situation and will help you understand what compensation you could be owed.

How much time do I have to file an injury lawsuit?

While most personal injury claims are settled out of court, it might be necessary to file a lawsuit to recover the full and fair compensation you’re entitled to. According to Virginia’s state statute § 8.01-243, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Because it takes time to investigate and build a convincing injury case, you will want to hire an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. This will ensure that all crucial evidence is secured before it is lost or destroyed, and negotiations for a settlement can take place right away. If no settlement can be reached, you’ll want to have time to file your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.

Why Choose CHASENBOSCOLO?

Since 1986, CHASENBOSCOLO has fought tirelessly for the rights of all kinds of car accident victims throughout Virginia, whether or not they’ve had the ability to pay. We understand that the effects of a collision can range from inconvenient to devastating, and financial concerns are often the most worrying. We believe that victims and loved ones should not have to choose between appropriate legal representation and economic ruin. That’s why CHASENBOSCOLO is proud to offer our clients a No Fee Guarantee®.

Under our No Fee Guarantee, you can rest assured that your interests will come first. Our experienced legal team provides all clients with a free, no-obligation initial consultation. We will review the details of your accident for you to determine whether you have a case so you don’t waste your time researching when you should be recovering. We do not charge up-front for any fees or legal expenses, and we do not want our clients to worry about paying us out-of-pocket. CHASENBOSCOLO only collects payment from settlements or verdicts that recover compensation for those we represent. If you’re not awarded money for your claim, we will never ask you to pay us attorney fees.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a single-vehicle accident, it’s essential that you act quickly. The dedicated Virginia car accident attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to speak with you. Fill out our email form, send us a live chat, or call us at (703) 538-1138 today.