Beaumont Single-Vehicle Accident Lawyers
If you got hurt in a single-car accident and don’t know how to determine liability, contact Portner Bond, PLLC immediately. Many factors could contribute to a single-vehicle collision. If your actions didn’t cause it, you might be entitled to financial compensation from the at-fault party.
Figuring out who’s to blame in this situation can be challenging. That’s why it’s crucial that you don’t wait long before hiring an attorney. We have the resources to track down the person or entity that’s responsible for your injuries and the resulting losses.
When you hire one of our Beaumont car accident lawyers, we’ll collect sufficient evidence to prove liability and recover the monetary award you need to cover your expenses. Paying for treatment can become overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to suffer because someone else was careless.
Single-vehicle accidents are more complex than other types of car accidents, but we have the skills needed to develop a strong case on your behalf. We have received honors from prestigious groups such as the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Super Lawyers, and many others in recognition of our dedication to our clients.
At Portner Bond, PLLC, we use efficient methods to get the job done so our clients can move forward with their lives. Schedule your free consultation by calling us today at (409) 838-4444.
What to Do After a Single-Vehicle Accident
If you get into a single-vehicle accident, there are certain steps you should follow to keep yourself safe and protect your right to compensation. Your injuries will likely affect your daily life and result in medical bills. You shouldn’t have to pay for the costs associated with an accident caused by someone else.
After your accident, following these steps will help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve:
Call law enforcement. You must report the crash and stay at the scene if there’s an injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage. An officer will arrive to perform an investigation and determine the cause.
Take pictures. While you’re waiting for the police, you could take photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, debris, skid marks, and any other evidence that seems relevant. Sometimes, an unrepaired pothole or missing road sign could cause a single-vehicle collision. Providing a picture of something like that could prove liability.
Speak to witnesses. If there are bystanders who saw what happened, ask them for their names and phone numbers. Sometimes witness statements can improve the chance of recovering compensation if they can confirm your version of events.
Seek treatment. Go to the doctor after leaving the accident scene. They might refer you for imaging or appointments with other medical providers. Follow their orders and continue treating your injuries until you recover.
Damage estimate. Take your vehicle to a repair shop for a damage estimate. They’ll determine how much it will cost to fix your car or replace it if it’s totaled. Keep a copy of the estimate to use as evidence during your case.
Maintain records. Collect documentation associated with your case. Medical records can provide a timeline of treatment and prove that the accident caused your injuries.
Hire a lawyer. Contact Portner Bond, PLLC and speak to one of our Beaumont single-vehicle accident attorneys. Injured victims who seek legal representation typically end up with higher compensation than those who don’t. That’s because law firms have experience most people lack when it comes to legal proceedings.
Why Do Single-Vehicle Accidents Happen?
When there’s only one vehicle in a crash, you might think it’s obvious that the driver is responsible. However, there are times when other factors can contribute to a single-car accident.
Road defects are one of the most common causes of single-vehicle accidents. When thousands of cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles travel along roadways every day, defects can develop. It’s up to government entities to perform routine maintenance and promptly repair the damage. If they don’t fix things like potholes, someone could lose control of their car when their tire hits it.
Common examples of road defects include:
- Potholes
- Loose gravel
- Blind curves
- Missing or confusing road signs
- Inadequate lighting
- Debris or hazards in the roadway
- Faded line markings
- Lack of a shoulder
- Missing or damaged guardrail
Traffic signs direct motorists safely to their destination. If they’re missing or become obstructed by another object, it’s difficult to determine how to proceed. When a sign is missing on a one-way street, someone might drive in the wrong direction and crash into another vehicle head-on. Sometimes, tree branches and shrubbery become overgrown and block significant warning signs notifying motorists of an upcoming sharp turn.
Scenarios that could increase the risk of a single-car crash include:
- Damaged or vandalized traffic signs
- Missing warning sign at a construction site
- Lack of stop sign at an intersection
- Obstructed signs
- A fallen sign from an accident or severe weather
- Confusing pictures or language on a sign
Recalled or defective car parts can cause the vehicle to malfunction or certain systems to fail, such as anti-lock brakes. Whether there’s a problem with the design or the part became damaged during manufacturing, it could put the driver in a dangerous situation. Parts that typically become defective or get recalled by the manufacturer include:
- Tires
- Seatbelts
- Engine
- Braking system
- Transmission
- Lights
- Steering
- Airbags
Malfunctioning traffic signals and lights can prevent motorists from navigating the roads safely. If a stoplight isn’t working at an intersection, multiple people might try to cross simultaneously and crash into each other. A pedestrian or bicyclist could get hit by a car if the crosswalk lights break or malfunction. Poor programming, defects, and other factors could contribute to lights and signals that fail. When the company responsible for maintenance and repairs doesn’t follow proper protocol, it puts everyone at risk of harm.
Poor lighting makes it difficult for anyone to notice someone crossing the street or spot a defect in the middle of the road. Adequate lighting can prevent accidents from occurring, especially at night. You need to know if you’re approaching an area with a reduced speed limit or construction. When there’s poor lighting, you could end up in a single-vehicle crash because you couldn’t see the following:
- Potholes
- Traffic and road signs
- A sharp curve in the road
- Uneven or cracked pavement
- Steep drop off
- Missing or narrow shoulder
- Debris
- Line markings
When your Beaumont single-vehicle accident lawyer from Portner Bond, PLLC begins working on your case, we’ll immediately investigate the potential causes above. We have the resources to find evidence that proves an individual or entity exhibited careless actions that led to someone’s injuries.
Determining the Liable Party From a Single-Car Accident
Many times, when someone’s involved in an accident alone, they’re the one to blame. Things like texting while driving and speeding can result in a crash with only one car. However, there are situations where another party is liable for causing the victim’s accident even if they didn’t get hurt or sustain vehicle damage. Portner Bond, PLLC will work diligently to determine who’s at fault and pursue compensation from them.
Another Driver: Even if you were the only person who got hurt, the accident could have happened because of another driver’s actions. Maybe you collided with a telephone pole because you were avoiding an oncoming vehicle that swerved into your lane. Since their actions directly caused the crash, you could hold them liable. The most common errors people make that result in a single-car accident include:
- Changing lanes or merging without looking for other cars
- Speeding
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
Pedestrian: Pedestrians have the right of way when they’re at a crosswalk and have a signal indicating they’re allowed to proceed. However, some people jaywalk or run across the street when they have a red light. Whether you hit them or crashed into something else when you swerved out of the way, they could be held responsible for disobeying the law.
Government entity: Road defects, malfunctioning traffic signals, and missing road signs are often the responsibility of government entities. They’re supposed to repair the damage, install adequate signage, and perform routine maintenance and inspections. If they fail to repair or replace hazards, they could suffer the consequences of their decisions if someone gets hurt.
Sovereign immunity prohibits victims from pursuing claims against the government, so you might not be eligible for compensation from the at-fault entity. However, under the Texas Tort Claims Act, you may file a claim for compensation if the government employee or agency was negligent or the injury was the result of a motor vehicle accident.
Manufacturer: If a part on your vehicle was defective, and that’s what led to your single-vehicle accident, you could file a claim or lawsuit against the manufacturer. It’s their duty to ensure the products they provide to consumers are safe and effective. They must follow the design specifications, perform safety tests, and utilize warning labels if there are potential risks.
Speak to a Dedicated Beaumont Single-Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Portner Bond, PLLC has a team of legal professionals that will fight hard for the justice you deserve. We’ll advocate for your rights and be the support system you need to get through this devastating experience. Someone is always available 24/7 to take your call if you have questions or want to discuss your case. We’re committed to providing excellent customer service our clients can trust.
If someone’s negligence caused your single-vehicle accident, call us at (409) 838-4444 right away, and we’ll advise you on your legal options.