A single-vehicle accident in Huntsville, Alabama, may involve a car running off the road, hitting a fixed object, rolling over, or otherwise losing control. Although only one vehicle may be directly involved, that does not necessarily mean the driver was solely responsible. Dangerous road conditions, defective vehicle components, or the actions of another motorist may have contributed to the car crash.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers brings more than 100 years of combined experience to personal injury cases and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured clients. Our Huntsville single-vehicle accident lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 256-781-9242 for a free consultation.
How Can Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers Help After a Single-Vehicle Accident in Huntsville, AL?
Single-vehicle crashes often require a different investigation from collisions involving two identified drivers. Skid marks, vehicle damage, weather conditions, witness accounts, and electronic vehicle data may help explain why you lost control.
At Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers, we examine those details and determine whether another person, company, or public entity may bear responsibility.
Our Huntsville car accident lawyers handle legal matters such as:
- Investigating the crash and gathering evidence
- Reviewing vehicle data and accident reports
- Identifying potentially responsible parties
- Calculating your damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Filing a lawsuit when necessary
We can handle your claim while you focus on your recovery. Contact our Huntsville personal injury lawyers today for a free case review.
What Causes Single-Vehicle Accidents?
Single-vehicle accidents occur for many reasons, and not all of them begin with careless driving. Some “roadway departure” crashes are connected to hazards outside the driver’s control, while others involve a combination of driver behavior, vehicle condition, and road design.
Possible causes include:
- Distracted driving
- Excessive speed
- Poorly marked curves
- Standing water or debris
- Defective tires
- Brake or steering failures
- Unsafe road construction
- Potholes or damaged pavement
- Objects falling from other vehicles
The cause matters because it determines where responsibility may lie. A car accident caused by a defective tire can involve different evidence and defendants than a crash caused by unsafe pavement or a vehicle that entered your lane.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Single-Vehicle Accidents?
A vehicle that leaves the road may strike a tree, utility pole, barrier, building, or other fixed object. Rollovers can expose occupants to repeated impacts, while sudden deceleration can cause substantial injuries even when the passenger compartment remains intact.
This could lead to a variety of injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken ribs
- Shoulder injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Leg fractures
- Facial injuries
- Seatbelt injuries
- Severe lacerations
- Nerve damage
The treatment required will depend on the force and direction of the crash. Surgery, rehabilitation, time away from work, and future medical care can all become part of the losses that must be documented before a claim is resolved.
What Happens If I Am Partly at Fault for a Single-Vehicle Accident in Alabama?
Alabama follows a contributory negligence rule. If you contributed to your accident through your own negligence, you may be barred from recovering compensation from another responsible party.
For example, a defendant might argue that speeding or distracted driving contributed to the crash, even if a road hazard or defective vehicle part also played a role. This makes determining the cause and gathering strong evidence especially important.
What to Do After a Single-Vehicle Accident
The moments after a single-vehicle crash can be confusing, especially when the cause is not immediately clear. Taking practical steps can protect your health while also preserving information that may later explain what caused your vehicle to crash.
When possible, take these steps:
- Call 911 and report the crash
- Seek medical care for your injuries
- Preserve photographs, video, and vehicle evidence
- Avoid repairing or disposing of important damaged parts too quickly
- Save medical bills and other accident-related records
- Call a lawyer to discuss
Evidence can disappear once a vehicle is repaired or a roadway condition changes. Keeping the car, damaged components, photographs, and records available can give investigators more to work with when determining why the accident occurred.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
A single-vehicle accident can take time to investigate, but the legal filing period continues while the cause is being determined. Alabama typically requires that personal injury lawsuits be filed within two years of the injury, although the applicable deadline can change based on circumstances.
The identity of a potential defendant can also affect what must be done before a lawsuit is filed. Our law firm can evaluate the facts, determine which deadline applies, and handle the necessary legal steps while the evidence is being developed.
Contact a Huntsville Single-Vehicle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
One vehicle at the scene does not necessarily mean only one person bears responsibility. If a road hazard, defective component, or another preventable problem contributed to the crash, you may have options for pursuing compensation.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers can review the accident, identify evidence that deserves closer attention, and explain what claims may be available. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with a Huntsville single-vehicle accident lawyer.