A woman in Spokane recently died when her vehicle struck a tree. Law enforcement later determined that the woman was driving when her vehicle left the road and struck a tree located near an intersection. Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Many motor vehicle accidents involve two or more vehicles, but this is not always the case. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2016, single vehicle accidents represented 55% of nationwide motor vehicle deaths. Each year, many drivers in Spokane and the surrounding area are injured in single vehicle accidents. Because these accidents only involve one driver, some accident victims assume that they are not able to obtain compensation for their injuries. In reality, some single vehicle accidents occur as the result of negligence by someone who was not the driver. In these situations, an accident victim is often able to obtain compensation from the responsible party.

How can Other Parties be Negligent?

There are many people who have a duty of care when it comes to safely operating motor vehicles. Negligence occurs when parties breach this requirement and harm others. Some of the ways in which the negligence of a party other than the driver can lead to a single vehicle accident include the following:

• Manufacturing and design defects. Any type of defect that occurs during the manufacturing process can cause an accident. Some of the most common examples of the defects include tires that blow out and brake pads that malfunction and endanger the lives of drivers.

• Another driver's negligence. Sometimes even though a single vehicle might be involved in a car accident, there is still a possibility that another driver might have caused it. These accidents can occur when a negligent drivers forces another driver off the road or into a stationary object.

• Negligently designed or maintained roads. It is possible for dangerous road conditions to cause accidents. In these situations, the federal or state government agency that is tasked with repairing or creating the road has failed to address conditions on the road.

Passenger Injuries in Single Vehicle Accidents

Some drivers who fail to exercise the duty of care to drive safely can end up harming passengers in the vehicle. Many of these accidents are caused because drivers fail to uphold the standard of care required by drivers. Some of the most common causes of these accidents include driving distracted or while impaired by alcohol or drugs. In situations in which a driver is responsible for the single vehicle accident, the passengers are often able to pursue compensation through insurance claims or lawsuits against the driver.

Speak with an Experienced Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one is injured in a single vehicle accident, an experienced attorney at West Law Office is prepared to help. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to handle your single vehicle accident case. Schedule an initial consultation today by contacting us online.

(image courtesy of Michael Coury)