In a single-car accident in Fort Myers, possible liable parties include the driver, a vehicle or parts manufacturer, a mechanic, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, a municipality responsible for road maintenance, or another person or entity.
If you were not at fault for your single-car accident, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation from the liable party. A Fort Myers car accident lawyer can help you identify the responsible party and represent you and your best interests throughout the legal process.
Who Is At Fault in a Car Accident Involving a Single Vehicle in Fort Myers?
You may be able to hold the following parties accountable for a single-car crash in Fort Myers:
- The driver: A negligent driver can be liable for an auto accident because of distracted or aggressive driving, intoxication, speeding, failure to follow traffic laws, tailgating, driver fatigue, or failure to yield.
- A manufacturer: A vehicle or parts manufacturer can be liable for an accident if a mechanical defect caused the accident.
- A mechanic: Single-car accident liability may lie with a mechanic who made faulty or inadequate repairs to the vehicle.
- A pedestrian or bicyclist: If a pedestrian or bicyclist causes you to swerve because they were in a place they weren’t supposed to be, they may be liable for the accident.
- A government municipality: If poor road conditions cause a motor vehicle accident, you can aim to hold a government entity liable for failing to maintain safe roads.
If you were hurt in a single-car crash, a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer can investigate to establish the facts of your car accident claim and identify the at-fault party. Your attorney will gather evidence of single-car crash negligence and your damages, negotiate with the liable party’s insurance company, and file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf if necessary.
Will Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Insurance Cover Your Damages?
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, you must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to register a vehicle in Florida. PIP generally covers 80 percent of your medical expenses up to $10,000, even if you are at fault for an accident.
If you suffered severe injuries (such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury) and your damages exceed your PIP coverage, you can file a claim with the liable party’s insurance provider. Types of economic and non-economic damages you may be able to claim include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Household services
- Home modifications
- Transportation services
- Child care costs
- Property damage
- Emotional trauma
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
What Types of Road Maintenance Issues Can Cause a Single-Car Accident in Fort Myers?
Unsafe road conditions can contribute to or cause a car accident. Government municipalities that fail to resolve known road maintenance issues may be liable for your injuries and damages. Common road maintenance issues include:
- Potholes
- Broken guardrails
- Debris
- Poor lighting
- Pavement defects
- Faded lane markings
- Road erosion
- Traffic signal malfunctions
- Drainage problems
If poor road conditions caused your crash, you generally only have six months from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit against a government municipality. You must state your intention to do so in writing, per Florida Statutes § 768.28(6)(a)(1).
How Can Product Liability Affect a Fort Myers Single-Car Crash
If your vehicle or a part on your vehicle is defective and causes the accident, a Fort Myers dangerous product lawyer can help you file a product liability lawsuit to hold the manufacturer liable for your injuries and financial damages. Common examples of vehicle or part defects that may cause a single-car accident include:
- Design flaws
- Production process errors
- Steering system defects
- Lack of proper safety features
- Faulty airbags or brakes
Contact Us to Learn More About Single-Car Accident Liability in Fort Myers
One or multiple parties could be liable for a single-car accident in Fort Myers. A Fort Myers car accident attorney from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can help you identify the liable party and fight to recover fair compensation so you can get justice and protect your future.Never settle for less compensation than you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys are here to serve you, and our client testimonials are available for review at your convenience to learn more about what we can do for you. Contact us for a free consultation today.
