Unilateral accident: what are your personal injury rights?

Liane FoeLawyer

What is a unilateral accident?

A single-vehicle accident is a traffic incident involving only one vehicle. Consider situations where you lose control of your vehicle and collide with an object, such as a tree or guardrail. Although no other road users are involved, the damage can be significant, both material and physical.

Causes of single-vehicle accidents

Unilateral accidents can have several causes:

• Bad weather conditions: Rain, snow or sleet can make the road slippery, leading to skidding hazards.
• Fatigue: Falling asleep at the wheel reduces your responsiveness.
• Distraction: Use of cell phones or other distractions while driving.
• Poor road conditions: Holes in the road or inadequate road markings can contribute to accidents.

Compensation in single-vehicle accidents

In a single-vehicle accident, there is no other party who can be held liable. Still, there are ways to get compensation for your damages:

1. Indemnity Insurance for Occupants (SVI): This insurance covers both tangible and intangible damages to driver and passengers, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
2. Occupant Accident Insurance (OVI): This pays a fixed amount in the event of permanent disability or death, but does not cover all actual expenses.
3. All-risk insurance: If you have all-risk insurance, damage to your own vehicle will be reimbursed, even at your own fault.

Liability of the road authority

In some cases, the road manager is liable for the accident, for example in cases of poor maintenance or dangerous situations without adequate warning. If you can prove that the accident was caused by a defect in the road, you can hold the road operator liable for the damages suffered

Why seek legal help?

Claiming compensation after a single-vehicle accident can be complex. A personal injury lawyer can help you with:

• Reviewing your insurance policies and coverages.
• Establishing liability, for example of the road manager.
• Filing a claim and negotiating with insurers.

Although a unilateral accident has no other parties involved, it does not mean that you are not entitled to compensation. By taking the proper steps and possibly seeking legal help, you can be compensated for the damages you have suffered. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your options and protect your rights.

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