In most situations, vehicle accidents that occur throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania involve more than one party. This could include multiple vehicles, vehicles versus pedestrians, vehicles versus bicycles, etc. However, there are also a significant percentage of accidents that involve only one vehicle. Many people who are injured in single-vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania automatically assume they will be at-fault for the crash. However, this is a common misconception. Here, we want to discuss the complex liability issues that arise with single-car crashes.
Common causes of Pennsylvania single-car crashes
According to data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, single-vehicle collisions accounted for nearly 55,000 total vehicle crashes across the Commonwealth during the latest reporting year. The DOT says that single-vehicle collisions made up nearly 44% of all crashes during the latest year of data we have available. In some cases, these incidents involve a single-vehicle striking a fixed object.
These crashes often result in severe injuries and even fatalities. Pennsylvania government statistics show that fatalities are much more likely to occur when a single-vehicle strikes a fixed object as opposed to crashes that occur between multiple vehicles.
However, there are times when a crash occurs where the vehicle does not strike any other objects at all but nonetheless causes injuries or fatalities for drivers or passengers.
Single-vehicle collisions deserve to be extensively investigated by attorneys for injury victims. While there are certainly times when the driver of a single-vehicle collision is responsible for the crash, it is not uncommon for there to be other liable parties in these situations. We can see this when we look at some of the common causes of single-vehicle collisions throughout Pennsylvania:
- Poorly constructed or poorly maintained roadways
- Hazardous roadway conditions
- Hazardous construction zones
- Poorly placed roadway signs
- Inadequately drained roads
- Defective vehicles
- Defective vehicle parts
Determining liability can be challenging
In the event that an investigation into a single-car crash determines that there is another liable party, the injury victim may be able to file a lawsuit in order to recover compensation for their injuries and other losses. However, determining liability in these cases can be difficult. It may be necessary to work with a skilled attorney that has the resources necessary to uncover the following:
- Any video surveillance of the incident
- Roadway maintenance records
- Photographs from the scene of the crash
- Statements from eyewitnesses
- Police or accident reports
It is not uncommon for state or municipal governments to hold liability in these incidents. In some cases, liability may fall to a construction company or a company responsible for roadway maintenance.
Time limit to file an injury claim after a single-car crash
It is crucial to file an insurance claim as soon as possible after a collision occurs. However, crash victims of Pennsylvania need to be aware that the personal injury statute of limitations in the Commonwealth is two years from the date the injury occurs. However, claims made against state or municipal government entities need to be filed sooner than that, so it is crucial that victims work with an attorney as soon as possible to help them through this process.
You should work with an attorney
If you or a loved one have been injured in a single-vehicle crash in Philadelphia, you may still be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses. It can be difficult to prove liability in these cases, but an experienced car accident attorney will be able to use their resources to help investigate the claim, determine liability, and secure compensation on your behalf.