Who is to Blame in a Single Car Accident?

A single-vehicle accident is an accident in which only one motor vehicle is involved. If you are involved in such an accident, and you are wondering if you can be compensated, yet no one else was involved, you should contact an Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer to get the help you need. 

So what causes single-car accidents?

Well, the most common causes of single-car accidents include: 

Flying objects

Falling rocks or tree branches hitting your windshield while you are driving can hit you or block your vision temporarily, resulting in an accident.

Wild animals

Wild animals on the road can cause you to swerve and cause and hit a solid object or to skid off the road and roll several times. 

Manufacturing defect

A defective vehicle part e.g. failed brakes or poor steering due to a manufacturing defect can result in an accident. 

Potholes

Hitting a pothole at high speed can cause a serious accident. Swerving to avoid an unmarked pothole can also cause a single-vehicle accident. 

Slick road conditions

When the road conditions are slippery, e.g. there is ice over the road, it is easy for many vehicles to skid and cause an accident.

Who is to blame in a single-car accident?

Ontario has a no-fault insurance law. This means no one is to blame in case of an accident. However, in case of an accident, you should report to the police and your insurer. You should also try to gather evidence by taking as many photos as possible of your vehicle, the road, and your injuries. You should also take the contacts of as many willing witnesses as possible.

This will help you in case you have a claim against a government agency, the vehicle manufacturer, or some other entity. In case you believe you have a claim against anyone or any entity, you should contact an Ottawa personal injury lawyer to get advice on what to do. In case there is a case that needs to be built, you will get all the help you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Single-car accidents and insurance

If you are insured, and you have been involved in an accident, your insurer may be legally required to compensate you. All standard vehicle insurance policies in Ontario have SABS (Statutory Accident Benefits) – a mandatory no-fault vehicle insurance coverage. This coverage entitles you to accident benefits regardless of who is at fault.

The benefits may include reasonable and necessary treatment, wage replacement during recovery, in-home care, and therapy or counselling to mitigate the effects of your injury. 

Get the help you need from an Ottawa Personal Injury Lawyer

When you are involved in a single-vehicle accident, you will most probably need legal help to get all that is due to you from your insurance company. You may also need legal assistance in case you have a claim against a government agency or a third party. Contact Mcnally Gervan today to get the guidance you need