Not every car crash involves two vehicles. Some only involve one. These are called single-vehicle accidents. They can be just as serious as multi-vehicle crashes. Injuries can be severe. Victims may not know who is at fault or how to get help.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers helps injured drivers figure out what happened and who may be responsible. You might think you’re at fault just because you were the only one in the crash. That’s not always true. Poor road design, vehicle defects, or another driver’s actions may have caused it. We know how to investigate these situations and help you file a strong personal injury claim.
If you've been in a single-vehicle crash in Queens, you may still be entitled to compensation. Our legal team is ready to guide you every step of the way. We fight to protect your rights and seek fair results.
Table of Contents
Davidoff Law Personal
Injury Lawyers
Consultation With Us Today!
What Is a Single Vehicle Accident?
A single-vehicle accident happens when only one car is involved in the crash. That means no other drivers crash into you. But that doesn’t mean no one else was involved. You may have swerved to avoid a hazard. You may have hit a pothole, wall, or utility pole. These accidents often happen fast and without warning.
They can occur due to bad weather, poor road conditions, or defective car parts. Sometimes, another driver's actions force you off the road, even if they don’t hit you. In some cases, property owners or government agencies may be at fault.
Many people think they’re to blame for these crashes. But that’s not always true. That’s why it’s important to have a Queens car accident lawyer review your case. You might be able to file a personal injury claim and get fair compensation for your losses.
Injuries Can Be Severe or Fatal Despite No Other Driver Involved
Even though only one car is involved, injuries in these crashes can be very serious. Some drivers hit trees, poles, or barriers at full speed. Others flip their cars, trying to avoid hitting something or someone. These impacts can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal injuries, and even a traumatic brain injury.
Sometimes, drivers are ejected from the vehicle. That often leads to life-threatening injuries. Even seat-belted drivers can suffer internal injuries or fractures. Motor vehicle accidents like these often lead to long hospital stays and high medical bills.
If a passenger dies in the crash, the family may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death claim. That’s why speaking to a car accident attorney is so important. A lawyer can help determine if someone else contributed to the crash, even if they weren’t directly involved.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents in Queens
Many single-vehicle accidents happen because of factors outside the driver's control. These crashes may seem simple at first, but the cause isn’t always obvious. Understanding what led to your accident can help determine if someone else may be legally responsible.
Some of the most common causes of single-car crashes in Queens are:
Dangerous Road Conditions
Poor road conditions cause many car accidents in Queens. Potholes, uneven pavement, missing guardrails, and debris on the road can all lead to serious crashes. When a driver hits a deep pothole, they can lose control of the vehicle instantly. Missing or faded lane markings also increase risk, especially at night or during heavy rain.
In some cases, poor road design or lack of signs can contribute to a serious car accident. If the city or state knew about the danger and didn’t fix it, they may be liable. A Queens car accident lawyer can help determine if a government agency or municipality may be held responsible.
Defective Vehicle Parts or Mechanical Failure
When a car part fails without warning, a crash can happen in seconds. Common examples include brake failure, tire blowouts, stuck accelerators, or steering issues. Even a loose hood latch or malfunctioning lights can cause a motor vehicle accident.
Sometimes, the defect comes from the manufacturer. In other cases, a repair shop may have done faulty work. Either way, defective parts are a major threat to safety. If your crash happened due to mechanical failure, you may have a claim against the auto manufacturer or mechanic. A car accident attorney can help investigate and preserve evidence.
Poor Weather and Visibility
Queens drivers often face fog, rain, snow, and ice. These weather conditions make it harder to see and even harder to stop. Slippery roads can cause vehicles to slide into poles, ditches, or other fixed objects. At night, poor street lighting can make obstacles harder to spot in time.
Even if no other driver is involved, poor weather may not be the only reason the crash occurred. If the road lacked proper drainage, signs, or lighting, that may point to government fault. Car accident lawyers know how to investigate these details to help victims recover compensation.
Swerving to Avoid a Pedestrian, Animal, or Another Car
Sometimes, a driver swerves to avoid hitting something in the road. That could be a pedestrian, a reckless driver, or even an animal. In doing so, the driver might hit a wall, tree, or another object. These split-second decisions can lead to injury or death, even when the driver is trying to prevent harm.
If another car’s actions forced you to swerve, even if they didn’t hit you, that driver might still be responsible. That’s where a seasoned accident lawyer comes in. With the right investigation, you may be able to prove another party caused the crash indirectly.
Distracted or Fatigued Driving
Driving while tired or distracted is a major cause of auto accidents in Queens. Even glancing at a phone for a second can lead to disaster. Some drivers fall asleep at the wheel, especially late at night or after long shifts. In these cases, they may drift off the road or slam into a barrier without hitting another car.
Although these accidents may seem like the driver's fault, there are times when outside factors contribute. Was the driver working long hours for a delivery app? Was the road poorly lit or marked? In certain personal injury cases, employers or third parties may share blame. A Queens car accident attorney can help you explore your legal options.
Who May Be Liable in a Single Vehicle Accident?
Even if no other car was involved in the crash, that doesn’t always mean you’re to blame. Sometimes, other people or entities contribute to the accident. Identifying who may be legally responsible is key to recovering damages.
Several parties that may be held liable depending on how the crash happened include:
Government or Municipal Agencies
When poor road conditions lead to a crash, a government agency may be responsible. That includes city, state, or other municipal departments. If a road has large potholes, missing signs, poor drainage, or faded markings, these are signs of negligence. These conditions create real danger for drivers, especially at night or during bad weather.
In New York, filing a claim against a public agency involves strict deadlines and special rules. You'll usually need to file a “notice of claim” within 90 days. This makes it critical to speak with a Queens car accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can help preserve your rights and build your personal injury case.
Auto Manufacturers or Mechanics
If your crash was caused by a mechanical failure, the fault may lie with the car maker or a repair shop. Vehicles should be built and maintained to meet safety standards. Defective brakes, steering issues, faulty tires, or electrical problems can all lead to a sudden accident.
Auto manufacturers can be held liable if a design or production flaw caused the crash. Mechanics and repair shops may also be responsible if they use the wrong part or fail to complete repairs properly. A skilled car accident attorney can help identify the cause and determine whether the defect played a role in your crash.
Private Property Owners
Single-vehicle crashes often happen in parking lots, private roads, or near business entrances. If the accident occurred on private land, the property owner may be liable. Examples include poor lighting, dangerous layouts, lack of warning signs, or unmarked drop-offs.
Under New York law, property owners must keep their premises reasonably safe. If they failed to repair a known hazard or did not warn visitors about a danger, they can be sued. Your accident lawyer will review the accident scene and property conditions to see if the owner was negligent.
Other Drivers (Even If They Didn’t Crash)
It’s possible for another driver to cause your accident without ever touching your vehicle. For example, a speeding driver may cut you off or swerve into your lane, forcing you off the road. You crash while they drive away without realizing -- or without caring.
These are known as “phantom vehicle” cases. If there were witnesses, dash cam footage, or traffic cameras, you may still have a valid car accident claim. A Queens personal injury attorney can help collect evidence and file a claim even if the other driver fled or never physically hit your vehicle.
Compensation Available in Single Vehicle Accident Claims
If you were hurt in a single-vehicle crash, you may still have the right to recover damages. Even without another driver involved, you could be entitled to financial compensation. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the losses you suffered, and who was at fault.
Medical Expenses (ER Visits, Surgery, Physical Therapy)
Medical bills can pile up quickly after a crash. You may need emergency room treatment, hospital care, X-rays, surgery, or ongoing physical therapy. These costs add up, even if you have health insurance. You should not have to pay out of pocket for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
New York law allows accident victims to pursue compensation for medical expenses linked to the crash. That includes everything from ambulance rides to rehabilitation. A Queens car accident lawyer can gather medical records and fight to recover these costs. If future care is required, they can also estimate future medical expenses to include in your claim.
Lost Wages and Reduced Future Earning Capacity
Missing work after an accident can be stressful. A broken bone, back injury, or serious injuries may leave you out of work for weeks or months. In severe cases, you may never return to the same job or earning level.
Compensation can include lost wages and loss of future income. This includes income you missed during recovery and any long-term reduction in your ability to work. A skilled personal injury attorney will work with financial experts to calculate the full economic consequences of the crash. That way, you can pursue full damages in your personal injury claim.
Pain and Suffering
Not all losses are financial. Injuries often come with intense physical pain and long recovery periods. You may deal with chronic discomfort, limited mobility, or permanent damage. These experiences affect your quality of life.
Pain and suffering damages are meant to compensate you for what you’ve endured. This includes physical pain, inconvenience, and disruption to your daily activities. A car accident lawyer can help show how your life has changed and push for fair compensation. The more severe and long-lasting the injury, the more these damages may be worth.
Emotional Distress
Emotional trauma is often overlooked but very real. A crash can leave lasting effects on your mental health. You may experience anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, or post-traumatic stress. These feelings can be just as painful as a physical injury.
If you’ve suffered emotional harm due to the crash, your personal injury case should include these damages. A Queens personal injury lawyer can help document the psychological effects of the crash using therapy records, expert evaluations, and your testimony. You deserve compensation for the emotional side of recovery, too.
Property Damage (Vehicle, Personal Items)
Crashes often result in damage to your car and belongings. Whether it’s a totaled vehicle or just repairs, property damage is part of most claims. You may also lose valuable items inside the car, like electronics, clothing, or work equipment.
You can recover the cost to repair or replace your car and any damaged personal property. This is separate from your injury claim. A car accident attorney will review receipts, repair estimates, and insurance reports to make sure you’re fully reimbursed. Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your losses.
Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers Today!
FAQs
Can I file a car accident lawsuit if no one else was involved in the crash?
Yes, you can. Even in single-car crashes, someone else may still be responsible. For example, a city might be liable for a poorly maintained road. A mechanic could be at fault for faulty repairs. If your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a valid car accident lawsuit. An experienced car accident attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal options.
What are some common car accident injuries from single-vehicle crashes?
Some common car accident injuries include whiplash, back injuries, broken bones, and concussions. In more serious crashes, victims may suffer severe injuries like spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries. These types of injuries can lead to long-term pain, costly treatment, and time away from work.
Do I need an attorney for a car accident case if I was the only one in the vehicle?
Yes, having a lawyer is still important. A competent car accident lawyer can help find out if someone else shares legal responsibility. They will gather evidence, handle your insurance claim, and protect your rights. Don’t assume you’re out of options just because no one else crashed into you.
What if the accident was caused by a drunk driver who forced me off the road?
If your crash happened because of someone else’s reckless behavior, such as in drunk driving accidents, you may be able to file a claim against them. Even if their vehicle didn’t hit you directly, their actions could still be the cause of your accident. A Queens auto accident lawyer can help build your case and pursue compensation.
Why should I hire a local attorney for my case?
Local lawyers understand the courts and laws in your area. New York car accident lawyers know how local judges handle cases and are familiar with city agencies. Hiring someone with local experience improves your chances of getting fair results. A car accident case can be complex, especially when serious injuries are involved, so having the right lawyer matters.
Contact Our Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you were hurt in a single-vehicle crash, you don’t have to handle the legal process alone. You may still have a right to compensation, even if no other car was directly involved. An experienced attorney can uncover the true cause, whether it was poor road conditions, a vehicle defect, or someone else’s reckless behavior.
At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we take these cases seriously. Our personal injury law firm has helped accident victims across Queens and Manhattan fight for the compensation they deserve. We know how to investigate single-car accidents and hold the right parties accountable.
We offer a free consultation, so there’s no risk in reaching out. Let us review your situation and explain your options. Call us today or contact us online to get started. We’re here to help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
