Can You Sue After a Single-Vehicle Accident?

Some people may assume that at least two cars are needed to be involved in a crash for someone to be legally entitled to financial compensation. That assumption is not always correct. While negligent driving is the most common cause of a compensable car accident, there are other ways that another's negligence can cause a single-car accident. Even if you lose control of your own car, someone else may still be at fault.

Other Drivers Could Still Be Negligent

First, another driver could still cause a single-car accident. For example, the other driver could cut you off, and you lose control of your car trying to avoid a collision. In your attempt to avoid the crash, you perform an evasive maneuver and lose control of your vehicle. In this scenario, the other driver caused your crash, even though there was no contact between your two vehicles. If you or a witness get their contact information, you could still file a lawsuit against them for their negligence.

Your Car or a Part Could Be Defective

Your car itself may be the reason for the accident. Unfortunately, carmakers do not always put pristine and perfect products out onto the market. There have been numerous examples of defective cars over the years that have injured drivers. They include:

• SUVs whose design increased the risk of a?rollover.?
• Ford’s recall of cars in 2001 using?Firestone tires?that had a high risk of failure
• In 1983, certain Audis were recalled because they had unintended acceleration that caused crashes.?

When a defective vehicle product causes your accident, you can file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. They can be held liable for your injuries as the cause of your crash. You must show that you were harmed by the defective product, which was caused by a design or manufacturing defect.?

For example, in one case, a jury found Ford responsible for a design defect that caused a 1998 Explorer to roll over, paralyzing the accident victim. He was awarded $52 million in compensatory damages and another $100 million in punitive damages.

Negligent Road Maintenance Could Be a Factor

Finally, the condition of the roads may cause or contribute to your accident. It is a fact of driving in New York that the roads may be in less than pristine condition. A county or state government usually has the legal responsibility to maintain the roads. While suing a governmental entity may be tricky, it is possible to obtain compensation for accidents and injuries caused by negligent road maintenance or design. Some issues that may allow victims to file a claim include:

• Potholes
• Poor road design
• Broken traffic lights
• Faded lane markings

The rules to sue government entities are somewhat different from the standard civil lawsuit. You usually have less time to file the case, and you must provide a specific type of “notice” of the potential lawsuit to the government before filing the lawsuit. This is why you need an experienced attorney who knows the rules.?

Contact a Long Island Car Accident Lawyer

Call the Law Offices of David M. Kaufman at?631-802-5120?to learn more about how you can receive financial compensation after a Long Island car accident. David is an experienced and responsive attorney who will take the time to answer all of your questions and explain all of your legal options.