Single vehicle car accidents are fairly common on Alberta’s roadways. A single vehicle car accident is one that causes damage to only one vehicle, even if another driver may have contributed to the accident.

Most single vehicle car accidents are caused by driver error. Even in cases where factors such as poor weather conditions or unexpected animals play a part in the accident, it is the responsibility of the driver to anticipate and avoid these types of hazards.

Most Common Causes Of Single Vehicle Car Accidents

SPEEDING

Speeding increases the chances that a driver will collide with something or someone. It also increases the risk of getting into a rollover crash.

Driving too fast for the road or weather conditions also increases the chances of an accident. Driving quickly in ice, fog, heavy rain or snow increases the chances of spinning out around a curve or hydroplaning.

It is also more difficult for a speeding driver to react to changing roadway conditions, such as an animal running into the road, than someone who is obeying the posted speed limit.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Alcohol or drug impaired driving is dangerous for everyone on the road. Driving under the influence worsens a driver’s reaction time, visual, cognitive and motor abilities, and judgment or risk assessment capacities.

Taking a new prescription drug can also be a concern as drivers often do not know how a drug will affect their driving abilities and this can result in a major accident.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

Distracted driving is defined as driving a vehicle while engaging in another activity such as texting, using a handheld device, grooming, eating and/or drinking.

It should be common knowledge by now that distracted driving is dangerous as it takes your eyes and your mind off the road. Distracted driving has severe consequences for the distracted driver, his/her passengers and anyone within his/her path.

Distracted drivers contribute to 20-30% of all motor vehicle collisions and distracted drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident than focused drivers.

Being distracted while driving can cause drivers to drift off the road, hit a parked car, a median or any adjacent property.

MECHANICAL FAILURE

If a vehicle does not perform as expected due to defective and dangerous auto parts, bad brakes or tire blowouts, a single motor vehicle accident may occur.

Modern vehicles rely on mechanical components and computerized systems to operate safely. If one or more of these mechanisms fail, there can be multiple parties that may be liable for the damages suffered as a result of an accident.

Regular car maintenance can help ensure your safety before heading out on the road and may help you to avoid an accident. Make it a habit to get regular tune-ups and oil changes and to have your tires, brakes, steering, transmission, engine and suspension checked on a regular basis.

INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS

New drivers are at a higher risk for single-vehicle accidents. Inexperienced drivers do not have the experience to safely handle hazards such as unexpected potholes, animals or wet asphalt. These new drivers may jerk the wheel or slam on their brakes in these types of circumstances, which can result in a single-vehicle accident.

Younger drivers are also more prone to speeding, using their cell phones and drinking and driving, which can exacerbate the risk of an accident.

WILDLIFE

In Alberta, rural single-vehicle accidents involving wildlife are not uncommon. Collisions with animals, such as moose, deer or fox, increase during the late fall due to mating season as wildlife is on the move in search of mates.

Animals are drawn to roads due to the abundance of roadside vegetation. They are attracted to road salt, they are looking for mates, and roads often cut through their migration routes.

SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS

Poor weather conditions are one of the leading causes of single-vehicle crashes. Although one could argue that factors such as weather are outside of the control of the driver, it is ultimately the responsibility of the driver to slow down and drive according to the weather and road conditions.

What Recourse Do You Have If You Are Not Responsible For A Single Vehicle Accident?

Single vehicle car accidents can be very dangerous and result in severe personal injuries. In certain circumstances, you may be able to hold another party at fault for your single-vehicle accident, such as another driver, a car manufacturer or mechanic or even a government agency.

If another driver’s negligence caused you to become involved in a single motor vehicle accident, he/she may be responsible for your injuries. If a tractor-trailer sheds a tire or cargo flies off of an open truck and causes a driver to run off the road, you may be able to hold the driver responsible for your injuries.

If a car accident was caused by a defective or malfunctioning vehicle that you were driving, the fault may lie with the manufacturer or the mechanic that recently worked on your vehicle.

You may also be able to hold a government agency liable for your accident if you are able to prove that the physical condition and structural design of the road or even a pothole caused you to veer off the road and become involved in an accident. The government may also be responsible for your accident if you can prove that a lack of signage did not adequately warn you of an upcoming road hazard or that the entity responsible for clearing ice and snow off of the roadways failed to do so during inclement weather conditions.

Contact Cuming & Gillespie LLP in Calgary If You Have Been Injured As A Result Of A Motor Vehicle Accident

If you have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the fault of a third party, it is critical that you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer regarding your situation as soon as possible so as not to jeopardize any opportunity to seek compensation.

When you hire Cuming & Gillespie LLP, you can be confident that you are getting the best and most effective representation for your personal injury claim. We have more than 20 years of experience successfully representing injured clients in serious personal injury claims.

Contact Cuming & Gillespie LLP online or at 403-571-0555. It is important that you call us promptly so we can help you understand your rights and the potential to recover compensation for your injuries.