Liability and Compensation in Single-Auto Accident Cases in Houston

Although many people drive in Houston, Texas, it can be quite dangerous since there are so many things that could lead to an accident. Vehicle accidents don’t always involve more than one vehicle, which can make the process of proving liability and getting compensation a little more complicated.

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, our Houston car accident lawyers have handled hundreds of vehicle accident cases in the Houston area. We can help you file your claim, determine fault, and get the compensation you need to recover.

Keep reading to find out more about the single-vehicle accident case procedure and how you can still claim compensation.

Determining Fault in Single-Auto Accidents

In many instances involving single-vehicle accidents, the driver of the vehicle will usually be found at fault. This is because there is no other vehicle involved, so the blame cannot be shifted to the other involved driver. However, there are some exceptions that could result in fault falling on another party or an aspect of the situation that you did not have control over.

Here are some examples of where you may not be found liable for the accident:

• Road conditions: There are some instances where road conditions may directly impact or cause a vehicle accident. In this situation, negligence may fall on a government entity or a different responsible party.
• Third-party liability: Although it is not common, it is possible that a third-party might be liable for the single vehicle accidents. For instance, a pedestrian may have run in front of your vehicle without warning or a bicyclist may have darted in front of you.
• Vehicle defects: Various vehicle defects can contribute to accidents, which could result in the manufacturer or distributor being found liable. This could include mechanical failures or defective vehicle parts.
• Emergency situation: There may also be situations where there was an emergency that caused you to get into an accident. For example, there may have been another vehicle accident on the road that you had to swerve to avoid, causing you to get into a single car accident.

In many single-vehicle accidents, it may be found to be a negligent motor vehicle accident, which is the fault of the driver. This type of accident is the direct result of careless conduct, which can put others on the road at risk. Situations that could result in a negligent motor vehicle accident include driving under the influence, speeding excessively, or texting and driving.

It’s also important to understand what contributory negligence in motor vehicle accidents could mean for your case. In Texas, the injured party in a single vehicle accident is not able to recover any damages if they are at all liable for the accident. Even if you are only 1% at fault for what caused the accident, you still would be unable to recover any compensation.

Getting Compensation in Single-Vehicle Accidents

Although it is not incredibly common for drivers in a single-vehicle accident to get compensation, there are some situations where you may be able to do this. For instance, if any of the scenarios mentioned above apply, liability may fall on a different party, opening up the opportunity for receiving a settlement.

If another party is found liable for the accident, you could qualify for non-economic and economic damages to cover things like medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, mental anguish, etc.

Insurance Coverage in Single-Vehicle Accidents in Houston

If you have been involved in a single-vehicle accident, you still may be able to rely on your insurance policy to help cover damages. For example, if the damage was considered to be preventable, collision car insurance coverage will usually help you cover damages. If the damage is deemed to have been unavoidable or unexpected, comprehensive car insurance coverage would apply.

To see if you can get coverage for the accident, you will need to contact your insurance company to let them know about the accident. You can choose to file your insurance claim over the phone, online, or through another avenue, but it is always best to take your time when doing this.

To ensure that you are treated fairly by your insurance provider and your claim is taken seriously, you need to hire a single-vehicle accident attorney to help with your claim. They will help you understand your coverage limits and how much your insurance company should cover when it comes to damages.

Filing Deadline For Single-Auto Vehicle Accidents

If you wish to file a single-vehicle accident suit in Houston, Texas, you have to adhere to the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This deadline is two years but it is always recommended that you file your lawsuit as soon as you can.

If liability falls on a government entity, you will also have to follow a second deadline under Texas law that requires you to submit a notice of claim within six months of the accident occurring.

Steps to Take After a Single-Auto Accident

If you were in a single-vehicle accident, you still need to protect yourself and your rights by following the correct steps after the accident has occurred. Here are the first things you should do directly after the accident:

• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
• Call 911.
• Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.
• Document evidence by taking photos and videos.
• Call roadside assistance if your vehicle is unsafe to drive.

Keep in mind that you should not leave the scene of the accident in most instances of single-auto accidents. There may have been property damage and if you leave the scene of the accident, this could be classified as a hit-and-run.

Hire an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at DeHoyos Accident Attorneys

At DeHoyos Accident Attorneys, our Houston car accident lawyers can help you every step of the way when you file your vehicle accident claim. We will help you collect evidence, address damages, and get the compensation you need to cover property damage and injuries.

Are you ready to pursue compensation after a single-auto vehicle accident? Call our Houston office today at 832-745-4878 to speak with one of our attorneys.