Being involved in any kind of car accident in Jacksonville, FL, can be incredibly traumatic and overwhelming. Knowing what steps to take after being involved in a single-vehicle accident is essential to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the fair compensation that you deserve.
For more information on how an experienced attorney at Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers can help with your case after being injured in a single-vehicle accident, contact us today at (904) 396-1100. We offer a free initial consultation, where you’ll have the opportunity to speak with one of our experienced Jacksonville single-vehicle accident lawyers about your case.
How Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Single-Vehicle Accident in Jacksonville
When you need legal counsel in Jacksonville, Florida, it is important to choose a law firm that is experienced and knowledgeable. You want a firm that provides the highest quality service and works tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for your case. Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers is the right choice. Here’s why:
- Our firm has been awarded Super Lawyers every year since 2009.
- With more than a decade of experience representing clients and over 60 years of combined experience in personal injury law, our firm has the knowledge and expertise that you need on your side.
- We have recovered tens of millions of dollars for our clients.
If you hire our firm, you’ll have legal assistance such as:
- An investigation into your accident to determine any liable parties and collect evidence
- Take care of any insurance claims related to the matter
- Negotiate a fair settlement agreement with the other side and file a lawsuit if they refuse to settle, if applicable
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and need an attorney, contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with one of our Jacksonville car accident lawyers.
How Common Are Single-Vehicle Accidents?
Single-vehicle accidents are among the most common types of road incidents, as the statistics show:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) projects that an estimated 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021. This is a 10.5% increase from the 38,824 fatalities in 2020.
- Nationwide, 55% of motor vehicle crash deaths in 2020 occurred in single-vehicle crashes.
- Florida had more than 1,700 single-vehicle crashes in 2020, which is a little more than 51% of all accidents in Florida.
While these accidents are not necessarily among the most serious, the data indicate that they occur with regularity across the country as well as in the State of Florida.
An Overview of Single Vehicle Accidents
A single-vehicle accident is defined as an incident involving only one motorized vehicle. This could include cars, trucks, motorcycles, or other types of vehicles. It’s important to understand how these accidents happen and what steps you may need to take to obtain compensation.
Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents in Jacksonville
Single-vehicle accidents can occur due to many different factors. Some common scenarios and causes include driver error (such as distracted driving, speeding, reckless lane change), mechanical failure (such as tires blowing out or brakes failing), drunk driving, adverse weather conditions (such as heavy rain or snow) in highway or intersection, dangerous road conditions (such as potholes or uneven pavement), and animals crossing roads suddenly.
Common Injuries in Single-Vehicle Accidents in Jacksonville, FL
Single-vehicle accidents are often serious and can lead to major injuries and costly medical bills. Here are some of the most common injuries caused by single-vehicle accidents:
Head and Neck Injuries
The head and neck area is one of the most vulnerable body parts during car accidents because it’s not always adequately protected by airbags or seat belts. Whiplash is a common injury sustained in single-vehicle accidents, as this type of motion can cause small tears in the ligaments and muscles surrounding the neck. Other head and neck injuries include concussions, back injuries, skull fractures, brain trauma, facial fractures, and spinal cord injuries.
Broken Bones
Broken bones are another common injury suffered by those involved in single-vehicle car accidents. If you experience blunt force trauma from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard with great force, then there’s a good chance that you may have broken bones somewhere on your body. Broken arms, wrists, legs, ribs, and more can all result from an accident like this.
Internal Injuries
Organs within our bodies are very sensitive to trauma; if they’re damaged during an accident, internal bleeding could occur, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Internal and soft injuries can manifest themselves without any external bruising or visible signs of harm, so if you feel pain anywhere inside your body after an accident, make sure you get checked out right away.
Who Is Liable in Jacksonville Single-Vehicle Accidents?
The first thing to keep in mind is that since Florida is a “no-fault” state when it comes to car insurance, your first option for compensation is usually through your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance provider. Florida law does allow you to pursue additional compensation from an at-fault party, but only if your injuries are serious enough as considered by statute.
If you’ve been in a single-vehicle accident, you may be wondering who is liable for your damages. After all, it can be difficult to pin the fault on anyone but yourself when you are the only one involved in an incident. But depending on the circumstances, there could be several parties responsible for your losses.
Other Drivers
In some cases of single-vehicle accidents, another driver may be held liable. For example, if they were driving aggressively, or recklessly and caused the accident by cutting off your car. Even if they were not directly involved in the crash, their dangerous driving might have contributed to your accident, and they could therefore be held liable for damages.
Poor Road Conditions – State or Local Governments
In other instances of single-vehicle accidents, the responsibility may fall on state or local governments for failing to maintain safe road conditions.
Poorly maintained roads can often lead to serious accidents due to potholes or missing guard rails that would otherwise prevent drivers from skidding off the road, rollover, or crashing into an object.
An experienced lawyer may be able to recover compensation from state and local governments for repair costs and other financial losses associated with damage done during the incident.
Car Manufacturers
Finally, car manufacturers may also be held liable in certain cases of single-vehicle accidents. For example, faulty brakes or steering systems can cause cars to lose control unexpectedly and lead to accidents that would otherwise have been avoidable had these components been properly designed and manufactured.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Jacksonville Single-Vehicle Accident Lawyers
If you were involved in a car accident and need help, Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our Jacksonville single-vehicle accident attorneys.
Other Common Types of Auto Accidents in Jacksonville
At Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers we handle all types of car accident claims in Jacksonville, including:
- Head-on Crashes
- Hit and run Crashes
- Left-Turn Accidents
- Multi-Vehicle Accidents
- Parking Lot Accidents
- Red and Yellow Light Collisions
- Uninsured Motorist Claims
- U-Turn Accidents
- And more.
