Single Vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents are more common than many realize and can occur for various reasons, including driver fatigue, adverse weather conditions, or sudden obstacles in the road. Although these crashes involve only one vehicle, they often lead to significant injuries for the driver and passengers. Many of these accidents happen when a car swerves to avoid hitting an object, loses control due to wet or icy roads or encounters unexpected hazards like uneven pavement or debris. Even though no other vehicles are involved, these accidents can have devastating consequences.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a single-vehicle accident in Prince George's County, having a knowledgeable legal team on your side is crucial. The Prince George's single-vehicle accident lawyers at Foran & Foran, P.A. will thoroughly investigate your crash's circumstances, including the possibility of external factors such as poorly maintained roads or other hazards contributing to the accident. Our team will work to identify all liable parties and help you seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other losses. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.

Single-vehicle accidents happen for various reasons, and they are not always the driver's fault. Common causes include distracted driving, adverse weather conditions, or poor road maintenance. Factors like slick pavement, road debris, or potholes can lead to a driver losing control of their vehicle and crashing into a fixed object or veering off the road.

According to the National Safety Council, single-vehicle crashes involving fixed objects, pedestrians, or non-collisions accounted for a significant portion of fatalities. These three crash types made up 54% of deaths and 56% of fatal crashes but accounted for less than 25% of injury crashes. In Maryland, drivers must navigate several potential hazards, from poorly maintained roads to unexpected obstacles, that can make single-vehicle accidents more common. Prince George's County experiences a significant number of these incidents, especially in areas with narrow lanes or high-speed zones.

Although some drivers may assume they are entirely at fault in single-vehicle crashes, that's not always the case. External factors like weather conditions or negligent road maintenance can play a major role.

While single-vehicle accidents typically involve only one car, the damages can be substantial. These crashes often result in significant property damage, such as damage to the vehicle or nearby structures like guardrails or telephone poles. In some cases, single-vehicle accidents lead to severe injuries, which may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

In these types of accidents, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses—immediate costs such as emergency care and surgeries, as well as long-term treatments like physical therapy;
• Lost wages—injured victims may miss work, and the lost income can have a significant impact on their financial stability;
• Vehicle repairs—fixing or replacing a damaged car can lead to unexpected expenses, especially if the accident caused significant damage to the vehicle; and
• Pain and suffering—victims of single-vehicle accidents may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain and emotional trauma they experience.

Document all expenses and losses following a single-vehicle accident, as this evidence can support a claim for compensation.

Determining fault in single-vehicle accidents can be challenging, as it requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the crash. Often, the driver is presumed to be at fault, but external factors may have contributed to the accident. In cases where road conditions played a role, liability might extend to government agencies or contractors responsible for maintaining safe roadways.

For example, a driver may lose control after hitting a pothole or attempting to avoid debris on the road. If the pothole had been reported to the local municipality and was not repaired, the local government could be held responsible for failing to maintain the roadway. According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, speeding was a factor in 95 fatal crashes, 2,224 injury crashes, and 5,386 property damage crashes in 2023. Prince George's County accounted for 17.5% of those speeding incidents, illustrating the dangers of unsafe roadways and hazardous driving behaviors in the area.

Single-vehicle accidents may seem straightforward, but determining the underlying cause—such as road hazards, defective vehicle parts, or another driver’s negligence—can be complex. And even then, you’ll still need to convince an insurance company to pay out on your claim. At Foran & Foran, P.A., our experienced Prince George's car accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your accident to uncover all contributing factors and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t assume you’re solely at fault—let our team evaluate your case and explore your legal options. Call 301-441-2022 today for a free consultation with a knowledgeable attorney. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and the surrounding areas.