Accountability In Vehicle Crashes With Fixed Objects
Most commonly, we think of a car accident as a crash involving two vehicles on the roadway. However, in many cases, a crash involves one vehicle striking a stationary object. In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), across the U.S., a little more than half of all car crash-related deaths occurred in single vehicle accidents in 2016. In Alaska, the numbers were even higher, with 67 percent of all car crash deaths involving just a single vehicle.
Who Is Responsible for a Single Vehicle Accident?
Collisions with fixed objects typically occur when a single vehicle leaves the roadway and hits objects like utility poles, trees, or traffic barriers. Some causes of these accidents include:
- Intoxication
- Driver distraction
- Fatigue
- Speeding
- Inclement weather
- Aggressive driving tactics
These causes are typically the fault of the driver alone, and he would have to bear the consequences of his own actions. However, it is possible that someone else is responsible for a single vehicle accident. These situations could involve:
- Manufacturing defects. While car manufacturers are typically held to rigorous safety standards, defects can find their way into vehicles. Faulty brakes can prevent a vehicle from slowing or stopping, or defective tires can unexpectedly fail to keep a car steady on the road. Manufacturing companies can be held responsible for allowing unsafe products to enter the market and cause injury.
- Another driver. In some cases, the driver involved in the crash may have been responding to the unsafe choices of another driver. If your vehicle is run off the road or you are forced to make a sudden change of direction to avoid another car, that driver may bear the responsibility for the crash.
- Road conditions. Municipalities and, in some cases, private land owners have a responsibility to make sure that roadways are designed and maintained to encourage the safety of everyone. Roads that were poorly designed or that have fallen into serious disrepair could cause dangerous accidents.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a collision with a fixed object, you may not be liable for your own injuries. Anchorage attorney Ben Crittenden has helped other accident victims just like you by investigating their crash and determining the responsible parties. He can help you hold those parties accountable and obtain the compensation you need for a successful recovery. Call his office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, or request his free newsletter to find helpful information about personal injury claims in Alaska.
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