What to Do When You’re in a Single-Vehicle Accident

When we think of a car accident, we usually picture a collision between two or more cars. But many serious accidents involve only one vehicle. You might hit a patch of black ice on a Tacoma bridge and slide into a guardrail, swerve to avoid a deer and hit a tree, or have a tire blowout that sends your car off the road.

In the aftermath of a single-vehicle accident, it’s easy to assume that you are automatically at fault. After all, there’s no one else to blame, right? While it’s true that driver error is often a factor, this assumption can be a critical mistake.

A single-vehicle crash is not always the driver’s fault. The accident could have been caused by factors outside of your control, such as a dangerous road condition, a mechanical failure in your car, or even the actions of another driver who never made contact with your vehicle. Investigating these possibilities is crucial to protecting your rights and accessing all available compensation.

Useful Information for You: In a Nutshell

• Don’t Assume You’re at Fault: A single-vehicle accident can be caused by many factors, including road defects, vehicle malfunctions, or a “phantom driver.”
• Follow Standard Accident Procedures: Your immediate steps are the same: ensure you are safe, call 911 to get an official report, and take extensive photos of the scene and your vehicle.
• Your Own Insurance is Key: Your claim will primarily be handled through your own insurance policy, specifically your Collision coverage for car repairs and your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for medical bills.
• Investigate Third-Party Liability: A thorough investigation may reveal that another party is at fault, such as a government entity for a poorly maintained road or a car manufacturer for a defective part.
• A “Phantom Vehicle” is a Real Claim: If you crashed while swerving to avoid another driver who then fled the scene, you may have an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) claim.

Your Immediate Steps After a Single-Vehicle Crash

Even though there isn’t another driver to exchange information with, your actions at the scene are still critical.

1. Get to Safety and Call 911: Your safety is the priority. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical assistance if you are injured. An official police report is vital for documenting the circumstances of the accident, the road conditions, and any potential contributing factors.
2. Document Everything: Use your smartphone to take photos of everything. This includes the damage to your car, the reason for your crash (e.g., a massive pothole, an icy patch, an animal on the road), and the surrounding area.
3. Identify Witnesses: If anyone else saw what happened—especially if you were run off the road by another driver—get their name and contact information.

How Does Insurance Work in a Single-Vehicle Accident?

Initially, you will be making a claim with your own insurance company.

• For Vehicle Repairs: Your Collision Coverage will pay for the repairs to your car, minus your deductible. If you do not have collision coverage, you may be responsible for the repair costs yourself unless you can prove a third party was at fault.
• For Injuries: Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage is your first line of defense and will pay for your initial medical bills and lost wages, regardless of fault.

Exploring Third-Party Liability: Was It Really Your Fault?

This is the most critical question. Before you accept that you are at fault, a thorough investigation should explore other potential causes.

• Government Liability: Was the road dangerously designed or poorly maintained? For example, did you hit a massive, unmarked pothole? Was there a known issue with flooding or ice accumulation that the city of Tacoma or WSDOT failed to address? These claims are difficult but possible.
• Product Liability (Vehicle Defect): Did a critical part on your car fail? A sudden tire blowout, brake failure, or steering malfunction could mean the vehicle or parts manufacturer is liable for the crash.
• The “Phantom Driver” (A UIM Claim): This is a very important scenario. Did another driver cut you off or swerve into your lane, forcing you to take evasive action that resulted in your crash? If that driver fled the scene, you may have a “phantom vehicle” claim under your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. To make a successful phantom vehicle claim in Washington, you typically need corroborating evidence, such as a witness or immediate physical evidence from the crash scene.

Never assume you are automatically at fault for a single-vehicle accident. The circumstances may be more complex than they appear. If you have been injured in a single-vehicle crash in the Tacoma area and you suspect a road hazard or vehicle defect may have been the cause, search the Car Accident Lawyer Directory Tacoma. Compare profiles and find a trusted local attorney who can conduct a thorough investigation and explore all potential sources of compensation.

References

• Washington State Legislature – RCW 4.92.090 – Tortious conduct of state—Liability for damages:The state law that allows government entities to be sued for negligence, which is the basis for a claim involving dangerous road conditions.

  https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.92.090

• Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 7, Chapter 7.72 – Washington product liability act:The official state law that governs claims against manufacturers for accidents caused by defective products, including automobiles.

  https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=7.72

• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) – Uninsured/Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage:Official guidance that explains UIM coverage, which is used in “phantom vehicle” claims.

  https://www.insurance.wa.gov/what-uninsuredunderinsured-motorist-uim-coverage-and-do-i-need-it