When there’s no other driver and an individual is involved in a single car accident, the assumption is often that the person behind the wheel is fully at fault for the accident. This is true in many cases but not all. There are some situations where the person behind the wheel isn’t at fault. Here’s a look at some of the common scenarios where the driver of a vehicle may not be considered at fault for a single car accident.
Road Conditions
Some single car accidents are a result of sliding off the road due to the condition of the road. Examples of weather situations that can make a road more slippery include sleet, rain, ice, snow and sometimes wind. It could happen that vehicle is blown off the road by a strong gust of wind. Hydroplaning can be a result of too much rain. These are a few instances where the driver may be considered not at fault for an accident.
It’s important to note that for every argument of innocence due to road conditions, there’s a counterargument. If poor road conditions are considered the reason for an accident, questions like whether it was possible for the driver to drive more slowly or carefully will come up. If it was determined that the driver should have been driving more carefully, then they could be held liable for the accident. Experienced lawyers will look at all situations and help a driver of a single car accident defend any case of non- liability.
Negligence of another Driver
If an accident occurs due to another driver’s negligence, the person in the single car accident may not be considered at fault. Let’s say a SUV suddenly comes into your driving lane and you swerve to avoid crashing into the car but, drive into a tree at the side of the road to avoid hitting the car that veered into your lane. You may not be held responsible for the accident.
Vehicle Mechanical Failure
An unexpected break down can be the cause of an accident. The most common type of unexpected break down involves problems with the brakes. If the brakes aren’t working properly and you slide off the road or strike another vehicle or object because you couldn’t stop, this may be grounds for a defense against liability. It will need to be proved that the vehicle mechanical failure was sudden and unpredictable and not because of poor car maintenance.
Driver Avoiding an Obstacle
If the driver of a single car accident got into the accident because they’re trying to avoid an obstacle like an animal or a person, then the driver may not be considered liable for the accident. If it can be proven that the driver wasn’t aware of the obstacle until it was too late to slow down, and could no way be aware of the accident (like it was just over a hill or around a corner), then the driver may not be considered liable for a single vehicle accident.
If you or someone you know was involved in a single vehicle accident and thinks they’re not a fault for the accident, it’s a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer in Cornwall for help.