We most often hear about car accidents that involve one or more other vehicles, but single-vehicle car accidents occur just as often. Just because they include a single car does not mean that they are always less severe than other types of vehicle accidents. For this reason, it is important to understand your insurance coverage, including whether or not your car insurance will cover a single-vehicle accident.
Read more: Tips to Avoid the Most Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle accidents can be caused by many of the same causes as traditional car accidents, including:
- Speeding
- Poor weather
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Driver inexperience
- Failure to follow city laws
- Mechanical problems
The only difference is that a single-vehicle car accident often involves a collision with an object, such as a tree or a building. A driver who is texting and driving may swerve out of their lane and run into a tree. A driver who is under the influence of alcohol may not see the building ahead and run into it.
Read more: Teen Driving Accidents and Parental Liability
Determining Fault In a Single Vehicle Accident
In most cases, the driver is at fault when a single-vehicle accident occurs. It is usually due to a driver’s mistake, even in cases of bad weather. There is usually not another party that can be blamed unless the accident was caused due to a defective auto part.
New Jersey is a no-fault accident state. This means that regardless of who is at fault, you will turn to your insurance company for coverage. Because New Jersey works this way, it is likely that they will cover your damages, regardless of how many vehicles are involved. However, there are exceptions. Even if they do cover the accident, you can also likely expect an increase in your insurance premium.
Your insurance policy is likely limited, meaning there is only a certain amount of compensation that you can collect. In severe accidents, it is not uncommon to exceed this amount. In a traditional car accident, you would go after the at-fault driver to collect this gap in coverage. But, if you were the only driver present, this is not an option.
Of course, everyone’s insurance is different so it is important to evaluate yours to determine your coverage.
Read more: Reporting Your Accident to Your Insurance Company
Steps to Take Following a Single Vehicle Car Accident
Many of the steps that you take following a single-vehicle car accident will be similar to the ones that you would take in any other car accident, which include:
- Assessing your wellbeing: The first and most important thing to do following an accident is to determine your safety and wellbeing. If you are injured, call 911.
- Report the accident: You should still report the car accident to the local police. You will likely need an official report to file a claim with your insurance.
- Notify your insurance company: You also want to notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.
- Consider discussing your case with a lawyer: You may need a lawyer, depending on the details of your case.
A lawyer may be valuable to your case if you believe another party is to blame. In some cases, a lawyer can be beneficial to evaluate your options following an accident.
Contact an Atlantic City Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard A. Stoloff represent clients injured because of a car accident in Galloway Township, Pleasantville, Ventnor City, Hammonton, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 601-2233 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 605 New Road, Linwood, NJ 08221, as well as an office in Philadelphia, PA.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.