Single Car Accident Insurance Claims

The majority of car accidents involve at least two vehicles. However, there are times when only one car may be involved. These accidents, also called “single-car” accidents, occur for a variety of reasons and can be very difficult to prove on an insurance claim. You will need to take careful steps to document your single-car accident in order to receive compensation for damage to your car or for bodily injury. 

What Causes Single Car Accidents?

Single-car accidents can be caused by any number of reasons, but one of the leading causes is driver negligence. This can be in the form of distracted or intoxicated driving, poor decision-making, or lack of maintenance on the automobile. 

Because the root cause of single-car accidents tends to be some form of negligence, insurance companies almost always find the driver at fault. However, there are a few exceptions which may allow for partial or full damages: 

Phantom Car Accidents

If you swerve to miss another vehicle that is driving dangerously, you may be able to file a phantom car accident claim. These cases are also difficult to prove, so you will need to document everything very carefully. Take photographs of the damage and do your best to remember the make and model of the vehicle that caused your accident. File a police report as soon as possible. 

Road Hazards

If your accident was caused due to hazardous road conditions, such as debris, cracked asphalt, or unclear signage, you may be able to file a claim. Your state and local government are responsible for maintaining safe road conditions. This includes funding and orchestrating repairs and removing dangerous obstacles. If your crash was caused by something like this, you have the right to file a claim against the state and/or municipal government. 

Defective Car Parts

Vehicle manufacturers issue millions of recall notices every year due to the potential for defective parts. Sudden airbag deployment, brake issues, transmission failure, and other unexpected mechanical failures can cause serious single-car and multiple-car accidents. If your crash was caused due to a defect in your car, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer in a product liability lawsuit. 

Do I Need to File a Police Report for a Single Car Accident?

Colorado law requires that an individual file a police report for any accident resulting in injury or property damage. If you are uninjured and there is little or minimal damage to your vehicle, you do not need to file a police report. 

If you do need to file a police report, you can do so by calling 911 or filling out an online form. In Colorado, the form can be found on the Department of Motor Vehicles website. Be aware that claims submitted there will not be investigated and are kept for records only. 

If law enforcement have been called to the scene of an accident, they may elect not to file a report. This is at the officers’ discretion and is usually based on the extent of damage or injury. If an officer decides not to file a report and you disagree with that decision, tell them. They are obligated to make a report if you ask them to. 

How Do I Prove My Single Car Accident Claim?

Although single-car accidents are difficult to prove to insurance companies, you can make a claim if your crash involved one of the scenarios mentioned above. Take the following steps to help build your case:

Document Everything

• Note the location of your accident. Utilize mile markers or your phone’s GPS to get as precise a location as possible. 
• Take photos of the damage done to your car and of any injuries you might have sustained. 
• If the accident was caused by hazardous road conditions, photograph the area that is in disrepair or that was poorly marked.
• Take pictures of any other damage done to guardrails, road signs, etc. 
• Note the time of day and weather conditions

Talk to a Witness

If someone stopped to help you after your accident, be sure to get their contact information. Witness testimony can help to corroborate your story, especially if it involved another driver who fled the scene. 

Speak With an Attorney

If your single accident was caused by the negligence of another, you will want to consult with an experienced attorney. Again, these accidents can be difficult to prove, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve just compensation. An attorney will help you gather the information and evidence you need to make your case. 

Insurance Claim Attorney Colorado

If you have been involved in a single car accident in Colorado, contact David Roth with the Roth Group. As an experienced insurance and personal injury attorney, Dave has worked with hundreds of clients to obtain fair settlements from their insurance companies. Call or go online today to schedule a free consultation.