Fort Worth Single-Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Your Guide to Navigating a Fort Worth Single-Vehicle Accident

Single-vehicle car accidents can be just as devastating as multi-vehicle collisions. If you or a loved one has been involved in a single-vehicle accident in Fort Worth, a Fort Worth single-vehicle accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the claim process.

In this article, we’ll discuss common causes of single-vehicle accidents, the types of injuries that can result, the insurance claim process, and how Varghese Summersett can assist you.

Types of Insurance Coverage for Bodily Injury in a Single Car Accident

A single-car accident can result in significant bodily injuries for the driver and passengers involved. There are several types of insurance coverage that can help cover the costs associated with these injuries. In this section, we’ll discuss the common types of insurance coverage that can provide compensation for bodily injuries sustained in a single-car accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is a type of no-fault insurance coverage that provides compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs for the policyholder, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. PIP coverage is mandatory in some states, while optional in others. The coverage typically applies to the policyholder, their passengers, and any pedestrians or cyclists involved in the accident.

Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage

Medical Payments coverage, often referred to as MedPay, is another type of no-fault insurance coverage that specifically covers medical expenses resulting from a car accident. MedPay is similar to PIP but typically has a more limited scope, covering only medical costs without addressing lost wages or other non-medical expenses. Like PIP, MedPay coverage applies to the policyholder, their passengers, and any pedestrians or cyclists involved in the accident.

Health Insurance

In the event of a single-car accident, your health insurance may cover medical expenses associated with your injuries. However, it’s important to note that health insurance coverage usually comes into play after your auto insurance benefits, such as PIP or MedPay, have been exhausted. Additionally, health insurance may not cover all accident-related expenses, such as lost wages, and may require copayments or deductibles.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Car Accidents in Texas?

Injuries can occur in a single-car accident due to various factors and circumstances. Understanding the common causes of injuries in such accidents can help in implementing preventative measures and ensuring safer driving practices. In this section, we’ll discuss some of the most common ways injuries can occur in a single-car accident.

Collision with Fixed Objects

One of the most common causes of injuries in single-car accidents is collisions with fixed objects, such as trees, guardrails, or utility poles. These accidents can occur due to factors like driver distraction, speeding, loss of vehicle control, or poor visibility. The impact of the collision can cause significant injuries to the driver and passengers, especially if the vehicle was traveling at a high speed.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents occur when a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof. These accidents are often caused by factors such as sharp turns at high speeds, uneven road surfaces, or collisions with curbs or other objects. Rollover accidents can result in severe injuries, as occupants may be thrown around inside the vehicle or even ejected from it.

Loss of Vehicle Control

Loss of vehicle control can lead to single-car accidents and subsequent injuries. This can occur due to various factors, including slippery road conditions, sudden tire blowouts, brake failure, or driver error. When a driver loses control of their vehicle, it can result in collisions with fixed objects, veering off the road, or even rolling over.

High-Speed Crashes

Accidents involving high speeds can result in severe injuries, even in single-car accidents. The force of the impact in a high-speed crash can cause serious damage to the vehicle and its occupants. Injuries sustained in high-speed accidents can be life-threatening or result in long-term disabilities. Driving at excessive speeds makes it more difficult for a driver to maintain control of the vehicle and react to unexpected situations, which can result in single-vehicle accidents.

Distracted driving

Texting, using a cell phone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in other activities that take a driver’s attention away from the road can lead to single-vehicle accidents.

Driving under the influence

Alcohol or drug impairment significantly impairs a driver’s ability to make decisions, react to situations, and control their vehicle, increasing the likelihood of single-vehicle accidents.

Hazardous road conditions

Poor road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or slippery surfaces due to rain, ice, or snow, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and lead to single-vehicle accidents.

Vehicle malfunctions

Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, steering issues, and other vehicle malfunctions can cause a driver to lose control and result in single-vehicle accidents.

Driver fatigue

Drowsy driving impairs a driver’s ability to concentrate, make decisions, and react to situations, increasing the risk of single-vehicle accidents.

Aggressive driving or road rage

Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or excessive lane changes, can lead to single-vehicle accidents.

Inexperience or lack of skill

Inexperienced or unskilled drivers may struggle to handle their vehicles in challenging situations or may make poor decisions, resulting in single-vehicle accidents.

What Are the Most Common Injuries From Single-Vehicle Accidents?

Injuries sustained in single-vehicle accidents can range from minor to severe and can vary widely depending on factors such as the vehicle speed, the nature of the crash, and whether occupants were wearing seatbelts. However, some of the most common injuries resulting from single-vehicle accidents in Texas include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): A sudden impact to the head or violent movement can cause traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage.

Spinal cord injuries: Single-vehicle accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.

Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden acceleration or deceleration during a crash can cause whiplash or other neck injuries, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Broken bones and fractures: The force of impact in a single-vehicle accident can break bones and cause fractures in various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones.

Internal injuries: The impact of a crash can cause damage to internal organs, blood vessels, or the diaphragm, leading to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.

Lacerations and contusions: Broken glass, debris, or contact with the vehicle’s interior can cause cuts, bruises, and other soft tissue injuries.

Burn injuries: If a vehicle catches fire or comes into contact with hot surfaces during a crash, occupants may suffer from burns ranging from mild to severe.

Psychological injuries: Single-vehicle accidents can cause emotional trauma and psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

It’s crucial for individuals involved in a single-vehicle accident in Texas to seek medical attention as soon as possible to address any injuries and begin the recovery process.

Insurance Claims and the Single-Vehicle Accident Claim Process

Navigating the insurance claim process after a single-vehicle accident can be complex.

Filing a claim: Texas drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. If you’re involved in a single-vehicle accident, you may need to file a claim with your own insurance company.

Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies may try to deny or minimize your claim. A Fort Worth single-vehicle accident lawyer can help you negotiate with insurance companies and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Legal Responsibilities in Single-Vehicle Accidents

In single-vehicle accidents, the driver and vehicle owner may have legal responsibilities.

Driver’s responsibility: The driver may be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the accident, especially if negligence or reckless driving was involved.

Vehicle owner’s responsibility: The owner of the vehicle may also be held responsible if they knowingly allowed an unsafe vehicle to be driven or allowed an unlicensed or impaired driver to operate the vehicle.

Proving Fault in Single-Vehicle Accidents

In order to receive compensation, you may need to prove fault in a single-vehicle accident.

Evidence collection: Collecting evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and police reports, can help establish fault in a single-vehicle accident.

Expert testimony: An expert, such as an accident reconstructionist, may be needed to help prove fault in some cases.

How a Fort Worth Single-Vehicle Accident Lawyer Can Help

Our Fort Worth single-vehicle accident lawyers at Varghese Summersett will assist you in the following ways:

Building a strong case: Your lawyer can help gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case for compensation.

Negotiating with insurance companies: Your lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Need Help with a Single-Vehicle Accident? Contact Varghese Summersett.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a single-vehicle accident in Fort Worth, the team at Varghese Summersett is here to help. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t hesitate to reach out for a consultation – call Varghese Summersett today at 817-207-4878 or contact us online.

FAQ: Single-Vehicle Accident Claims in Fort Worth