What to Do in the Event of a Single-Vehicle Collision

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a nonprofit focused on accident reduction, single-car accidents accounted for 53 percent of nationwide auto-accident fatalities in 2019. 1 The Automobile Club of Southern California reported that single-vehicle accidents accounted for 11% of all insurance claims submitted in 2021, with an average payout of $8,200. According to the insurance, the large claims amount is likely due to the high speeds commonly experienced engaged in single-vehicle collisions. While no one wants to be in a single-vehicle accident, it's important to understand what a single-vehicle accident looks like and why it can happen. It's also a good idea to know the stages involved in dealing with a single-vehicle collision, as well as the best measures to lessen your chances of being involved in one.

What Exactly Is a Single-Vehicle Collision

A single-vehicle collision is one in which only one automobile, truck, or other vehicle is involved. It could be caused by a vehicle:

slamming into something in the road
Getting stuck in a ditch or a snowbank
Avoiding a collision with a car, an animal, a person, or an object
Having a collision with a pedestrian, cyclist, or animal
An animal, such as a deer, strikesstrikesstriking you.
On an ice road, sliding
crashing into a building, a tree, a utility pole, a guardrail, or a mailbox
Getting out of control or losing traction

When and where do single-vehicle collisions occur

According to studies conducted by the United States Department of Transportation, deadly single-car run-offs are more likely to occur:

Curvy roads in the countryside
On routes where the speed limit is greater and there are fewer lanes
When the weather is awful and it's late at night
When there are two or more people in a car
When men or younger drivers (ages 15 to 24) are in the driver's seat,
If the driver is inebriated or under the influence of drugs,
If the motorist is drowsy, fast, distracted, or trying to escape a collision,

According to a study, reckless driving, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol are more common variables in single-car accidents involving drivers under the age of 24.

After a Single-Car Crash, What Should You Do

If you've been in a single-car accident, don't flee. It could be considered a hit-and-run if you drive away from an accident that results in physical injury or property damage. In most places, this might result in harsh consequences such as prison time, hefty fines, and the loss of your driver's license. Instead, follow the steps below.

Stop and offer assistance

If you're on the road, pull over, and once you're off the road, be sure you're not putting others in danger. Make sure your danger lights are turned on. Provide assistance to anyone who is hurt, but don't move them. If emergency assistance is required, dial 911 or the non-emergency police line, and then remain at the location until officers arrive. Any injured parties, such as pedestrians, and any witnesses should be given your contact and insurance information. At the scene, do not claim responsibility or discuss the accident.

Examine Any Damage

If you've accidentally hit or damaged someone else's property, try to locate the owner or someone who can report the damage. Leave a note with your contact information and insurance information if necessary. If you have a pet, don't forsake it. If feasible, try to get it out of the way, then either stay with the animal or look for its owner. If you hit a large wild animal, such as a deer, avoid approaching or touching it since a scared animal could injure itself or you further. Stay in your vehicle and dial 911.

Take down notes and photographs of the situation

Write down all you remember about the accident and take photos of the scene from a safe location while the event is still fresh in your mind. When you report the collision to the police and your insurance provider, this information will come in handy.

Report the Mishap

Each state has its own set of guidelines about how and where an accident should be reported. If an accident causes more than $1,000 in property damage, causes human harm or death, or necessitates the use of a tow truck, you may be obligated to report it. Within a certain time window, you may be obligated to report the collision to your state's department of motor vehicles (DMV) and/or state or local police. If you're unsure if you need to report a single-vehicle accident, talk to a lawyer to be sure you're following state laws and your insurance policy. The location of the accident, car damage, time of day, a diagram of the occurrence, road conditions, weather, safety equipment utilized, witnesses and individuals involved, and other details are often requested on an accident-reporting form.

After a single-car accident, can you file an insurance claim

A single-vehicle accident might result in damage to your automobile, property damage to others, and medical expenses expenses for you or others. Based on your coverages, your insurance company's approach, state law, and who is at fault, your insurance company's policy will ultimately decide if and not any damage or medical bills are paid Consider the following scenario Even if a second vehicle isn't involved, your collision coverage may help pay for auto damage caused by your driving. Depending on the insurance, being hit or being hit by an animal may fall under your comprehensive or collision coverage. If you swerve to avoid hitting an animal but instead hit an item, collision coverage may kick in. If you crash into a ditch, your personal injury protection may cover your injuries. If you don't have collision or comprehensive insurance and the single-car accident is your fault, your insurer is unlikely to cover the price of any damage. Some insurers may make a distinction between "preventable" and "unavoidable" single-car accidents. According to Progressive, collision insurance often covers avoidable crashes, whereas comprehensive insurance covers unavoidable or unanticipated scenarios. In a one-car accident, other parties may also be at fault. If a single-car accident was caused by a manufacturing safety defect, such as broken steering components, a stuck accelerator, or inoperable windshield wipers, an auto manufacturer could be held liable. Property owners may be held liable for an accident if their lack of maintenance resultsresulted in a dangerous environment. If you hit a deer or were driving responsibly and the road conditions were terrible, you may not be held liable. You might not be at fault if you acted to avoid another accident, such as swerving to avoid a car who changed lanes without looking. Your insurance company will determine who is to blame for the accident. If your collision only necessitates minor repairs that do not exceed your deductible, you may choose to pay for an at-fault claim yourself so that the incident does not affect your driving record.

How to Avoid Single-Vehicle Collisions

Accidents happen, but there are things you can may do to decrease their severity and prevent them:

If you're at fault in a single-vehicle collision, consider purchasing coverage that will help pay for automobile damage, medical bills, and other expenses.
When driving, stay attentive and focused on the road. Distractions such as using a cellphone, eating and drinking, or changing radio stations should be avoided.
Always follow the speed limit and wear your seatbelt.
When driving in snow, sleet, hail, ice, fog, or even rain, as well as at night, be extra cautious.
Slow down and keep an eye out for wildlife in densely forested areas, especially from September to December (mating and hunting seasons). Turn on your high beams at night and keep an eye out for reflected eyes. If you encounter a deer, blow your horn to get its attention and get it away from the road.
Keep an eye out for pedestrians and bicycles, especially at crossroads and in areas where pedestrians have the right of way.
Take fast action on any notices of auto or tire manufacturer's safety problems you receive. The message will usually include instructions on how to resolve the issue and who to contact.
Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website to look up your car's 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if it's been subject to a safety recall in the last 15 years. Repair any immediate issues.

Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I stay away from single-vehicle collisions Stay attentive, observant, and focused on the road and road conditions to help prevent single-vehicle accidents. Always buckle up and avoid habits like speeding, texting, or driving while inebriated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Is it true that a single-vehicle accident will raise my premium Your annual auto insurance rates may or may not increase as a result of a single-vehicle accident. Your insurer will most likely look at the one-car collision in light of your driving record, whether you were at fault, your state's insurance requirements, any past claims and payouts, and policy add-ons like accident forgiveness.

What if I'm judged to be at fault in a single-vehicle collision

Your liability insurance will cover other people's injury and property damage claims if you're found at fault in a single-vehicle accident. Your liability insurance, on the other hand, does not cover your injuries, property damage, or car damage claims. Instead, damage may be covered by one or more of the following: Collision coverage: If the damage could have been avoided If the harm could not have been avoided, comprehensive insurance is the way to go. If your glass claim just necessitates repair rather than replacement, you may be able to avoid paying your comprehensive deductible. Personal Injury Protection (PIP): If you or your passengers are hurt, PIP will cover you. If you don't have these coverages and are judged to be at fault in a single-car collision, you will almost certainly have to pay out of pocket. When should I report a single-vehicle accident and when should I not Whether you should report a single-vehicle collision to state authorities depends on your state's rules. If somebody was wounded or died, or if more than a certain amount of property was damaged, you're usually compelled to report the accident.