Almost half of vehicle accident fatalities occur in single vehicle accidents, according to IIHS. In fact, 58% of fatalities involving pickups happen in a single vehicle accident. Many people may think of a vehicle accident involving multiple cars or trucks but single vehicle collisions can cause devastating injuries and even death. Single vehicle accidents can affect more than the vehicle driver – passengers in the vehicle and pedestrians can also suffer injuries in an accident.

After a single-vehicle accident in New York, many injured victims question how they will pay for their medical bills and recoup losses like missed income. If no one else is to blame for the accident, how can you file a claim? 

The good news is that because New York is a no-fault car insurance state, even if the single vehicle accident was your fault, you are likely eligible to file a claim. If you believe another party is responsible for the accident, it may be possible to file a claim against a 3rd party to recover compensation outside of the NY no-fault system.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a single vehicle accident in New York, the vehicle accident attorneys of Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, can help. We offer free consultations to review your case and suggest options.

Types for Single Vehicle Collisions

Single vehicle collisions in New York are common. Examples include:

• Fixed Object Accident – In this type of single vehicle accident, a driver hits a stationary object such as a pole, concrete barrier or tree
  
• Non-Fixed Object Accident – This type of crash involves temporary objects in the roadway such as debris, tree limbs, or large objects falling off a truck and landing in the roadway.
  
• Accidents Involving an Animal – These types of accidents are exactly as they sound. When a driver hits an animal – often a deer – the driver and passengers may suffer serious injuries.
  
• Single Vehicle Pedestrian Accidents – While multi-vehicle accidents could cause a ricochet effect that results in a passenger being struck, many times pedestrian accidents only involve one vehicle. Drivers owe a special duty of care to pedestrians and thus, many times a driver may be found to be at-fault in a pedestrian accident.
  
• Single Vehicle Bicycle Accidents – Like pedestrian accidents, a single vehicle may hit a bicycle rider causing serious injury. Similarly, drivers may be liable if their actions are considered negligent driving.

In all of these types of single vehicle accidents, serious injury can occur. And, New York’s no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) insurance would apply to recover.

New York No-Fault Insurance 

New York, and 11 other states including New Jersey, have no-fault car insurance laws. In New York State, whether you’re in New York City or Syracuse, your primary insurer in the event of an accident is your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance -- regardless of who was at-fault in the accident. If you’re injured in an accident, the amount of compensation you may be eligible for and your ability to file a claim outside of the no-fault system depends on the type of PIP insurance you have.

NY PIP insurance covers medical bills, such as:  

• Hospital costs and fees
• Surgery and doctor bills
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
• Prescriptions
• Pain management services
  

You may also be able to recover compensation for a portion of your income lost due missed time while you were recovering from your injuries.

Liability in a Single Vehicle Accident in New York

In some cases, a third party may bear some liability for the accident. If this can be proven, you may be able to file a claim against the third party to recover compensation not available through PIP. Examples of other liable parties include:

• Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers. If your accident was caused by a malfunction or defective part of your vehicle, it may be possible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer.
  
• Municipal or State Governments. Poor signage, potholes and roadway conditions could be a preventable hazard. In these cases, it may be possible to file a claim against the entity responsible for maintaining the roadway.
  
• Phantom Drivers. If you were in an accident caused by another driver who fled the scene or did not stop, you may be able to pursue compensation through Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage, if you have it.
  

Regardless of the cause, it can be challenging to navigate the complex world of car accident claims after a NY single vehicle accident. It’s in your best interest to discuss your case with a New York car accident lawyer who can advise you of your options and pursue maximum compensation for your claim.

Contact the Law Office of Brandon J. Broderick for Help

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t go it alone. An experienced NY car accident lawyer can advocate for your best interest and pursue fair compensation for your damages. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, you can count on us to work tirelessly for your quality of life. With our long track record of success, we’ve helped people just like you move forward after sustaining an injury that was caused by another’s negligence. Contact us now for a free legal review.

Locations and offices across New York City and throughout New York State.