A single-vehicle car accident is a crash that only involves one car. Single-vehicle accidents in St. Petersburg, FL, can be just as dangerous as multi-vehicle car accidents. It’s common for these types of accidents to result in catastrophic injuries or even death.
The St. Petersburg single-vehicle car accident lawyers at Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys recognize the dangers of single-vehicle car accidents. We know how single-vehicle accidents occur and can help people get compensation for their injuries. Our Attorneys have over 25 years of collective legal experience and millions of dollars recovered on behalf of accident injury victims in cases like St. Petersburg bus accidents, St. Petersburg taxi accidents, catastrophic injuries, brain injuries, and more.
Just because you got into a single-vehicle accident doesn’t mean it’s your fault. If you are ready to speak with a single-vehicle car accident lawyer, call our office at (727) 933-0015 to set up a free consultation.
How Our St. Petersburg Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Single-Vehicle Car Crash
Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys are highly-respected car accident lawyers in St. Petersburg, Florida. For over 25 years, when considering combined experience, we have recovered millions of dollars for our deserving clients. We have achieved a 10.0 Avvo rating from our clients and have even received an Avoo client’s choice award.
When you hire our car accident lawyers in St. Petersburg, FL to handle your case, we can:
- Provide candid legal advice
- Conduct an independent investigation into the cause of the accident
- Identify the party responsible
- File an insurance claim on your behalf
- Calculate your damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- File a personal injury lawsuit and go to trial when necessary
Our team is proud to stand up for injured people in St. Pete and to help them get the justice they deserve.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Car Accidents in Florida
There are many different causes of single-vehicle car accidents in Florida. Sometimes the driver is responsible for the accident, and other times the crash was out of their control.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Brake defects
- Power-steering failures
- Potholes and road defects
- Missing traffic signage
- Inattentive pedestrians or bicyclists
- Sudden stops causing you to swerve
- Speeding
- Avoiding a reckless driver
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Animals on the road
Single-vehicle accidents can happen in a split second. It’s possible that you aren’t quite sure what caused the crash, or, depending on your injuries, you may not remember. Our team can help you determine the exact cause of the crash and get your recourse.
Who Is Responsible for a Single-Vehicle Car Accident in St. Petersburg?
Many people assume that if you are in a single-vehicle car accident, it must have been your fault. It can be difficult to point the finger at someone else when there isn’t another driver. Fortunately, just because you are in a single-vehicle crash doesn’t mean you are automatically at fault.
Other responsible parties may include:
- A pedestrian
- A bicyclist
- The government (for a road defect or improper signage)
- The car manufacturer (for a car defect)
- Your auto body shop (for a bad repair)
It is important to consider everyone who may have contributed to the cause of the accident, even if it isn’t immediately obvious.
No-Fault Laws In Florida
Florida is a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. That means that you must first file your claim with your insurance company, even if you didn’t cause the accident. Your PIP insurance will cover up to $10,000 in damages. If another party is responsible for your accident and you’ve sustained a “serious injury,” as stated by Florida law, you may pursue a claim against that party for additional compensation.
What Should You Do After a Single-Vehicle Accident In St. Petersburg?
After you get into a single-vehicle accident, you should make sure that you take the following steps.
Seek Medical Treatment
You should either call an ambulance or immediately go to the doctor after the crash. This is important for your physical health and your legal case. You will ultimately need to provide evidence of your injuries to the insurance company or in court. If you get treatment right after the crash, it is easier to prove that your injuries are caused by the accident.
When you delay medical treatment, you risk your injuries becoming more severe. You also risk that the other side will attempt to minimize your injuries or argue that they were caused by something in the interim.
Document The Scene
If you are able to document the scene of the crash, you should do so. This can include taking photographs of your car, the crash site, and any other relevant information. Perhaps there is a pothole in the road or a mislabeled sign, for instance.
Once the police arrive on the scene, the officer will take statements from any witness who saw the crash, and will also document any relevant evidence. These records may become important when talking with the insurance company and proving fault later on.
Hire a Lawyer
After getting medical treatment, you should consider hiring a lawyer as soon as possible. A car accident attorney can help you calculate your damages and file an insurance claim.
They can also help you identify who caused the accident and file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf if you are eligible to do so. You’ll be thankful that you don’t have to deal with the legal logistics while recovering from the crash.
Can I Still Get Money If I’m Being Blamed for a Single-Vehicle Accident in St. Petersburg, Florida?
Yes, you can still recover money if you are blamed for a single-vehicle accident in Florida — but only if your share of blame is 50% or lower. Under the state’s modified comparative fault laws, you can get proportional damages unless you are over 50% responsible for your injuries.
For example, if you are 40% responsible for causing the accident and the government is 60% responsible, you can recover 60% of your total damages. However, if you are 51% responsible, you can’t recover damages.
Schedule a Free Consultation With One of Our St. Petersburg Auto Accident Lawyers
If you’re ready to talk about your single-vehicle accident in St. Petersburg, contact Lopez Accident Injury Attorneys for a free consultation. Our team is available to discuss your case and create a legal strategy to help you get the money you deserve.
