Louisville Single-Vehicle Car Accident Lawyers
A car crash is traumatic and stressful, even if your vehicle is the only one involved. There are many causes of single-vehicle accidents, and despite appearances, the driver’s not always at fault. That is why it is essential to hire a Louisville single-vehicle car accident lawyer who will fight on your behalf right away.
At Sampson Law Firm, we are with our clients every step of the way so they never feel alone during this difficult time. Call us at (502) 584-5050 or use our online form to schedule a consultation. We will answer all of your case-specific questions, provide legal guidance, and discuss next steps in your consultation.
Why Do You Need a Louisville Car Accident Lawyer?
First, there are many nuances in any legal battle, even in single-vehicle car crash cases. An auto crash case is rarely completely straightforward. An experienced attorney has the knowledge and resources to fight for compensation and win a favorable verdict on your behalf. For instance, they know all the ways to overcome the issues or red tape an insurance company will throw your way during the case.
Additionally, if you were injured in the crash, then you are most likely dealing with numerous doctor’s appointments and possibly physical therapy. In that scenario, a legal team can fight on your behalf while you focus on recovering quickly.
Lastly, the aftermath of any car crash can be a stressful time in your life. The medical bills are likely piling up, and the expenses to repair any property damage you sustained might seem overwhelming. While you may be tempted to accept the first, lowball settlement an insurance company offers you, a Louisville single-vehicle car crash attorney will leverage their experience to determine the full compensation your claim is worth. Your lawyer will work hard to secure the maximum compensation you need to cover your costs and losses.
Why Choose Sampson Law Firm?
At Sampson Law Firm, we are committed to protecting our community by providing top-quality legal representation to our clients. We view our clients not as just clients, but also as friends and neighbors. For over 20 years, we have worked hard to build up a reputation as a law firm that aggressively fights on our client’s behalf, even if it means going to trial. This tough standing is why Jeffrey T. Sampson is repeatedly listed as one of the “Most Prolific Trial Attorneys in Kentucky” by Kentucky Trial Court Review for over a decade.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Crashes
Approximately 70% of the single-vehicle crash fatalities are run-off-road (ROR) crashes in the U.S. There are many factors that cause a single-vehicle crash, both ROR and on-road crashes. Many are out of a driver’s control; the driver should not be held accountable in these scenarios. In contrast, they should be compensated for any damages or injuries sustained in the crash.
Below are several potential causes of single-vehicle crashes:
- Reckless driver
- Road and signage defects
- Flying objects and debris
- Mechanical malfunction
Reckless Driver
Even when you’re the only vehicle involved in a crash, oftentimes, a reckless driver is to blame for your accident. For example, if a careless driver swerved into your lane and ran you off the road, that driver would be liable for your injuries and losses.
Examples of reckless or careless driving that could lead to single-vehicle accidents include:
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
Road and Signage Defects
Sometimes, a defect in the road, such as a pothole or a missing guardrail, is the culprit in a single-vehicle accident. The thousands of motorists who drive on the Louisville roads cause wear and tear, and it’s up to local and state government agencies to maintain those roads so that they’re safe for all drivers. When they fail to do that, they may be held liable for your damages, or losses.
Missing or damaged signage is another common cause of single-vehicle accidents. When you’re driving, it’s important to know the speed limit or when a blind curve is coming up. If you couldn’t read a sign due to graffiti, for example, the government agency responsible for that signage may be responsible for your accident.
Pursuing compensation from a government agency can be challenging. There are specific procedures, regulations, and time limits that come into play. For example, in Kentucky, claims filed against the state must be filed within one year, and city time limits may be shorter. A skilled attorney will be able to help you navigate your injury claim filed against a government entity.
Flying Objects and Debris
How many times have you seen loose equipment or objects on a truck bed and wondered if they might fall off into the roadway? If something does fall off a truck bed, even if it doesn’t hit your vehicle, it’s possible you might have to swerve to avoid the debris, which could cause you to crash into an object or run off the road. Either way, you might be entitled to compensation. When debris or a blown tire from a truck or another vehicle causes your crash, you want a legal team on your side to stand up against the at-fault party, such as a big trucking company and its defense lawyers.
Mechanical Malfunction
Just last year, mechanical malfunctions caused approximately 13% of all auto accidents in the United States. There are five main types of mechanical malfunctions that typically cause crashes. Those are:
- Tire blowouts or worn tires
- Brake failure
- Steering and suspension issues
- Windshield wiper errors
- Engine failure
Any mechanical malfunction is frightening; losing control of the vehicle you are driving is terrifying. Whether your crash is due to faulty equipment or improper maintenance service, an experienced legal team has the know-how to fight against large car manufacturers, part makers, or even mechanic shops.
Single-Vehicle Collision Frequently Asked Questions
Many questions arise in a single-vehicle collision case. It is a confusing time, and you do not want to be blindsided at any time during the case. Below are some questions we commonly hear when dealing with this type of legal battle. Do not worry if your question is not listed. We are happy to answer any question you might have related to single-vehicle crashes. Just give us a call at (502) 584-5050.
What types of compensation will be covered if I win?
The compensation you can recover will vary depending on the circumstances of the crash, the severity of your injuries, and the specific expenses related to the crash. However, below are some common types of compensation that may be included in your settlement or verdict:
- Hospital and ambulance bills
- Doctor’s appointments
- Physical therapy
- X-rays and other necessary medical tests
- Lost wages at work
- Vehicular damages
- Rental car expenses
- Legal fees
- Pain and suffering
How much time will the case take to fight?
There is no set amount of time that a single-vehicle crash will take, and timing can take anywhere from a few weeks to years, depending on whether the case goes to trial. Insurance companies may also try to delay a case. But, at Sampson Law Firm we do our absolute best to fight each case in a timely matter to earn compensation as quickly as possible for our clients.
What types of information will the attorney need from me to fight the case?
It is imperative to have every piece of information and data available for your attorney during your case. This allows them to fight the case to its fullest extent, and have the potential for the most favorable outcome. While each accident is different, there are a few items that are needed in nearly every car accident case:
- Car insurance card
- Driver’s license
- Police report
- Proof of income (shows any missed time at work due to the crash)
- Medical records and expenses
- Vehicle damage estimates
- Proof of vehicle value
- Car title or car loan documents, if not paid off
These are only a few documents that might be requested. Your attorney will advise you on every piece of information you will need for the case, so you are not left wondering if you missed anything.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, the timeframe for filing a car accident claim is outlined in the Kentucky Revised Statutes section 304.39-230. According to this statute, injury victims are typically granted two years from the date of their accident to initiate a claim. However, it is crucial to remember that there may be circumstances where exceptions apply, either shortening or lengthening this deadline. To understand the specific details and nuances of your case, it is highly recommended that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible. By seeking legal advice promptly, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your rights and explore the options available to you. Rest assured, our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations, allowing you to discuss your case without any financial risk. Consequently, we encourage you to contact our firm today to ensure you stay within the time constraints mandated by Kentucky law.
Call The Sampson Law Firm Today
If you were in a single-vehicle car crash, then do not wait to seek help. Do not let medical bills pile up even more, or live without a car when you cannot afford to pay for the damages. Do not let insurance companies bully you into settling.
An experienced and compassionate attorney at Sampson Law Firm can answer all of your questions and provide legal advice through every step of the case. We are here for you and will fight aggressively on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. Get started today by calling us at (502) 584-5050, or completing our contact form.