Single-Car Accidents

An auto accident can happen for many reasons. Weather conditions, road surfaces, and mechanical issues can cause or contribute to a traffic accident.

Some states use a no-fault insurance system. Under this system, the insurance company will not use fault to determine whether you receive benefits for your traffic injury. 

In states that use a fault-based insurance system, optional med pay coverage will pay a portion of your medical bills for your auto injury, even if you caused an accident.

Here is some basic information about fault for single-car accidents and your options for auto accident compensation in the aftermath.

Single Motor Vehicle Accident

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) collects crash statistics from every state. These statistics show the causes of every reported auto accident in the country, including single-car accidents.

According to the NHTSA, 16.8% of reported crashes involve only one vehicle. But the NHTSA also acknowledges that this number might underestimate single-car accidents. Drivers often fail to report single-vehicle crashes unless they result in an injury. Drivers do this to avoid insurance rate hikes.

A blue Nissan hatchback car driving on a road in front of a fast food restaurant with a blurred background, including a red brick building and parked vehicles.

Common Causes of Single-Car Accidents

A single-car crash can happen for a lot of reasons — and it’s not always the driver’s fault. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Tire or brake failure

  • Steering system problems

  • Poor road design or missing signage

  • Slick or icy roads

  • Fog, rain, or snow

  • Glare or visual obstructions

  • Animals in the road

  • Negligent vehicle repairs or defects

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about 94% of crashes are linked to driver error, but thousands of single-car accidents every year are actually caused by outside factors like bad weather, road hazards, or mechanical failures.

A woman with long brown hair in a black blazer and white blouse crossing her arms, standing against a plain white background, smiling confidently.

Get Help From a Connecticut Car Accident Lawyer

Being in a single-car accident doesn’t automatically mean you’re on the hook. You may still be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

At AutoLawyerCT.com, we connect Connecticut drivers, passengers, and pedestrians with experienced personal injury attorneys who know how to handle these cases.

👉 Don’t fight the insurance companies alone. Complete our quick consultation form or call us today for a free case review with a local Connecticut accident lawyer.

Types of Single-Car Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents generally fall into three categories:

  • Collisions with fixed objects – Trees, poles, guardrails, ditches, or even buildings.

  • Collisions with moving or movable objects – Pedestrians, bicyclists, animals, parked cars, or even trains.

  • Non-collision accidents – Rollovers or crashes caused by swerving to avoid a hazard.

These accidents can lead to serious injuries — and more than half of U.S. traffic fatalities involve single-car crashes.

A white car parked in a lot, partially obscured by dirt and small plants in the foreground, with other cars and streetlights in the background.

What To Do After a Single-Car Accident in Connecticut

If you’ve been in a single-vehicle crash, here are the key steps to protect yourself and your case:

  1. Call 911 – Always report the accident and get medical help.

  2. Document everything – Take photos of the scene, your vehicle, road conditions, and any visible injuries.

  3. Don’t admit fault – Even if you think it’s your mistake, other factors may have played a role.

  4. See a doctor – Some injuries take hours or days to appear.

  5. Contact a Connecticut accident lawyer – The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your case may be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Single-Car Accidents in Connecticut

❓ Can I still get compensation if I was the only driver in the accident?
Yes. Even in a single-car accident, you may have options. If poor road conditions, defective auto parts, or another party’s negligence caused your crash, a Connecticut car accident lawyer can help you pursue compensation.

❓ Will my insurance cover me after a single-vehicle accident?
It depends on your policy. Med Pay (medical payments) coverage may help with medical bills no matter who was at fault. However, if you were under the influence or caused the crash intentionally, your insurer may deny coverage. A lawyer can review your policy and explain your options.

❓ What if a passenger in my car was injured?
Passengers may be able to file a claim through your liability insurance — but if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence (like a defective part or road hazard), your passengers may have claims against other parties too.

❓ How do I prove the accident wasn’t my fault?
Evidence is key. Photos of the scene, police reports, weather conditions, and even expert testimony (like accident reconstruction) can show that something outside of your control caused the crash. A Connecticut personal injury attorney can help gather and present this evidence.

❓ Do I need a lawyer for a single-car accident?
If injuries are minor, you may handle the claim directly with insurance. But if you suffered serious injuries, lost wages, or face disputes with your insurer, having an experienced Connecticut accident lawyer can make all the difference in protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.

👉 Still have questions? Fill out our quick form for a free case review with a Connecticut car accident lawyer.