Car accidents are frightening scenarios no matter what occurred, and they don’t become any less scary if only a single car is involved.
Perhaps surprisingly, over 53% of motor vehicle crashes leading to death in 2018, only involved a single car.
That’s scary stuff.
Drivers involved in single-car accidents (that don’t result in a fatality), don’t always feel responsible for the collision. Conversely, insurance companies usually consider these incidents to be the fault of the driver.
That’s why it’s essential to have auto insurance that covers you in the unfortunate event you experience a single-car accident.
Let’s take a look at this in more detail…
Who Is at Fault in a Single-Vehicle Accident? Is It the Driver?
Most single-vehicle car accidents are attributed to some kind of driver mistake. Even when the weather or passing animals factor into the equation, the law still determines that the driver should have anticipated and avoided the hazard.
Common causes for single-car accidents involve distracted driving, speeding, driving drowsy and drunk driving. All of these factors should be avoided at all costs and can present considerable risks for you and other drivers on the road.
Drivers can avoid single-car accidents by following best practices. Always have your phone shut off when driving, avoid distractions and drive only when you are sober and awake.
What Should You Do After a Single-Car Accident?
If yours is the only vehicle involved in a crash, you should carefully assess your passengers and your own wellbeing. Move out the way of traffic if you can. Leave the car to walk to a safer location, and turn on the hazard lights.
You should call the police in any scenario, even for a single-car crash.
The police will be able to make an official record of what happened. Before the police arrive on the scene, take pictures of the road, the car, any damages, and any nearby obstacles that factored into the accident.
Jot down the speed you were going and any road conditions that might have affected your driving.
You should seek medical attention after you have been in a collision, even if you feel fine. Many injuries don’t show immediate symptoms but could become dangerous in time. Always let yourself be checked over just in case.
Will Your Auto Insurance Cover Single-Car Accidents?
Whether single-vehicle crashes are covered under your auto insurance depends on the insurance policies you have taken out. Do you have collision insurance?
This optional insurance policy covers the cost of replacing or repairing a car if you have been involved in an accident. That’s right – this includes single-car accidents too!
Collision insurance can cover you if your car runs into potholes, rolls over icy roads, or hits a tree or fence. You need separate insurance to cover injuries sustained in such a crash.
Personal Insurance Protection (PIP) coverage can pay for medical treatment for any injuries you might have sustained.
It’s also worth considering that any passenger hurt in a single-car accident can file a claim against the driver’s insurance policy. It is true even if the driver is a family member.
Remember that single-car accidents are almost always considered the fault of the driver. So filing a claim with your insurance will make your premium go up.
Can Comprehensive Auto Insurance Cover a Single-Car Accident?
Comprehensive insurance can be a useful policy to have in the case of a single-vehicle crash. If, for example, you were to collide with an animal, comprehensive insurance would cover the damage to your car.
Hitting an adult deer at a weight of 200 pounds can cause your car to sustain a lot of damage. Average claims for such accidents come in at around $4,000.
If instead you swerve to avoid it and hit a tree or obstacle, collision insurance covers the damages.
Should You File a Claim?
If you’re involved in an accident involving multiple cars, it is almost always a good idea to file a claim. However, it isn’t so cut and dry when it comes to accidents involving only your car.
When you file a claim, you will have to pay a deductible. If the damage is only minor, it might cost less to get the vehicle repaired without filing a complaint.
You should also factor in that after a claim, your premium will likely go up. As a result, you might face longterm increased costs.
Assess the severity of the damage and the costs associated carefully before you decide to file an insurance claim for a single-car accident.
Ensure Your Auto Insurance Covers Common Car Accidents
Remember, the best way to prepare for a single-car accident is to avoid them altogether. Always be vigilant and cautious when you drive to assure your own safety and that of others.
Avoid distractions and don’t drive when you’re intoxicated or tired. Don’t speed on the road, and apply extra caution in areas where the road or weather conditions are likely to affect your driving.
But, despite these precautions, single-car accidents are more common than you might think. So, always choose auto insurance that covers you against crashes of this nature. Trust us; it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
If you have any questions about this topic, get in touch with Amistad Insurance Services today. We’re always happy to help with any questions or queries you have and look forward to providing you with a consultation. Speak soon!