
You've been involved in a one car accident and now you're dealing with the aftermath, including navigating your insurance claim. This can be a daunting and overwhelming process, but understanding your rights is key to getting the compensation you deserve.
You have the right to file a claim with your insurance company, even if you were partially at fault for the accident. In fact, many policies require you to report the accident and cooperate with the claims process.
The insurance company must provide you with a claim number and a contact person to work with. This is usually within 24 to 48 hours of reporting the accident.
Understanding Insurance Coverage
Having the right insurance coverage can make a huge difference in the aftermath of a car accident.
In the event of an accident, your insurance company will typically cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle, up to the policy's limit.
Most standard auto insurance policies include liability coverage, which protects you financially in case you're involved in an accident and found to be at fault.

Liability coverage can help pay for damages to other people's vehicles or property, as well as medical expenses for injuries sustained in the accident.
It's essential to review your policy to understand the specific coverage limits and what's included in your policy.
In the example of the single-car accident, the policyholder's insurance company covered the cost of repairs to the damaged vehicle, totaling $10,000.
Causes and Prevention
Driver negligence is the leading cause of single-car accidents, often resulting from breaking traffic rules such as driving under the influence, distracted driving, or speeding.
If you're prone to speeding, consider the consequences: a single-car accident can have devastating effects on your life and finances.
Driver negligence is often the primary cause, but other factors may contribute to the collision, including pedestrians crossing illegally or another driver forcing you to crash.
In some cases, poor street lighting or bad roadway designs may also play a role.

If you're a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, always be aware of your surroundings and follow traffic laws to minimize the risk of a single-car accident.
Some common factors that may lead to a single-car accident include:
- Pedestrians crossing illegally
- Another driver forcing you to crash
- Bicyclists violating traffic laws
- Lack of traffic signage
- Incorrect signs
- Poor street lighting
- Bad roadway designs
- Poorly maintained roads
- Mechanical failure caused by a negligent vehicle manufacturer or mechanic
- Obstacles in the road
Being aware of these factors can help you take steps to prevent a single-car accident.
Filing a Claim
To file a one-car accident insurance claim, you'll want to start by documenting the accident as thoroughly as possible. Keep a record of the date, time, location, and a detailed description of what happened.
Having a copy of your insurance company's claim service card with your agent's name and phone number, and your policy identification number, can also come in handy. This information is usually stored in your glove compartment.
Notify your insurance company or agent as soon as possible after the accident, even if you're far from home. Review with your agent how to proceed and what forms or documents will be needed to support your claim.
To increase your chances of success, be sure to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes getting your vehicle inspected, reporting the accident to the local authorities, and collecting information from witnesses.
Tips for Filing

Filing a claim can be a daunting task, but with the right information and preparation, you can navigate the process with ease.
First, make sure you have all the necessary documents and information readily available. This includes your insurance company's claim service card, your policy identification number, and a copy of your agent's contact information.
It's also essential to review your insurance company's preferred filing procedures, which may be outlined in a pamphlet or on their website. Store a copy of this information in your glove compartment as a reminder of the required documentation.
In the event of an accident, don't discuss the specifics with other drivers, witnesses, or passengers. This can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smoother claim-filing process.
To document the accident, make notes describing the scene, the vehicles involved, and the circumstances leading up to the crash. Take photographs or draw diagrams if possible, and be sure to note the exact location of the collision.

Finally, notify your insurance company or agent as soon as possible after the accident, even if you're far from home or someone else was at fault. This will help ensure that the claim is processed efficiently and effectively.
Here are some key steps to follow when filing a claim:
- Notify the police immediately and obtain a copy of the accident report.
- Get the other driver's name, address, phone numbers, and insurance information.
- Obtain the names and addresses of all passengers and witnesses.
- Don't discuss the specifics of the accident with others.
- Document the accident scene and circumstances.
- Notify your insurance company or agent promptly.
If You Must Be Totaled
If you must be totaled, the insurance company will consider your vehicle a total loss if the cost of repair is equal to or exceeds 75 percent of the preaccident actual cash value (ACV).
The ACV represents the local market value of your vehicle, which is determined by the insurance company.
The insurance company is responsible for paying out the ACV if your vehicle is declared a total loss.
This means you won't have to worry about paying for a repair that's more than three-quarters of your vehicle's value.
The insurance company will handle the process of determining the ACV and paying out the claim.
If Injured

If you're injured, Medical Payments coverage can provide assistance for your doctor and hospital bills, regardless of fault. This type of coverage can help alleviate some of the financial burden associated with medical expenses.
Bodily injury claims can include doctor and hospital bills, laboratory fees, lost wages, and pain and suffering that are a direct result of the accident. These expenses can add up quickly.
The General Statutes of North Carolina don't establish guidelines for determining or calculating pain and suffering, so if you and the insurance company can't agree on the value of your claim, you may want to seek legal advice.
Single-Vehicle Accident Response
After a single-vehicle accident, it's crucial to stay calm and gather as much information as possible.
Notify the local police department immediately so they can prepare an official report and assist with any remaining danger. This will help with the insurance claim process and ensure your safety.
Remove yourself from the potential of more harm and try to make the scene as safe as possible.
Single-Vehicle Accident Response

If you've been involved in a single-vehicle accident, it's essential to stay calm and gather as much information as possible on what happened. This will help you and your insurance company determine who was responsible for the accident.
The local police department should be notified immediately so they can prepare an official report to enter into their records and assist with any remaining danger. This report will be crucial in determining fault and recovering compensation.
You should remove yourself from the potential of more harm and try to make the scene as safe as possible. This may involve moving to a safe location and turning off the engine.
To recover compensation, you'll need to have substantial evidence that a third party was responsible for your accident. This can be challenging, especially if the police and insurance companies are quick to blame the driver.
If you're struggling to gather evidence or deal with your insurance company, consider contacting a single-vehicle accident attorney. They can help you navigate the process and get the compensation you deserve.
Here are some key steps to take after a single-vehicle accident:
- Notify the police department immediately
- Remove yourself from the potential of more harm
- Try to gather as much information as possible on what happened
- Consider contacting a single-vehicle accident attorney
Accident Checklist

If you're involved in a single-vehicle accident, it's essential to take the right steps to ensure your safety and protect your rights. Stop your car in a safe place as soon as possible.
Move your car to a safe location if necessary, to prevent further damage and avoid blocking traffic. This will also make it easier for emergency services to reach you.
If there are injuries or a hit and run accident, call the police immediately. They will help you document the incident and provide guidance on the next steps.
When exchanging information with the other driver, make sure to get their name, address, phone number, license plate number, driver's license number, and insurance information. This will be crucial in case of a dispute or claim.
To document the accident, also get the names of any witnesses, as well as their address and telephone number. This can be helpful in case of a dispute or if you need to prove the accident occurred.

Don't agree to forget about the accident, even if it seems minor. You may have hidden damages or unknown injuries that become apparent later, or a lawsuit may be filed against you.
If you have any questions or concerns with the claims process, call your agent for assistance. They can help you with forms and documents required to proceed with your claim.
If Repairable
If your car can be repaired, the insurance company is responsible for the costs to repair your vehicle. They may recommend a repair shop, but you have the right to select the repair shop of your choice.
The insurance company will pay the amount determined by them to be payable under the policy, regardless of which repair shop you use. No insurance company can require the use of after-market parts unless they are equal to the original part in terms of fit, quality, performance, and warranty.
Any modifications made necessary because of the use of after-market parts will be included in the estimates. You and the insurance company will each pay your chosen appraiser and bear the expenses of the appraisal and umpire equally, if you disagree with the amount of the loss.
Determining Fault and Liability

In North Carolina, the insurance adjuster investigating the accident will attempt to determine who is negligent or at-fault.
A driver's contribution to an accident can bar them from collecting damages, as the state's Contributory Negligence Law prohibits collecting on a liability claim if you're partially at fault.
If there's a disagreement over negligence, it may ultimately have to be resolved in a court of law.
Determining Fault in a Company
In North Carolina, the insurance adjuster will attempt to determine who is negligent or at-fault after an accident.
If a company is found to be partially at fault, they may not be able to collect on a liability claim.
The insurance adjuster will investigate the accident to determine fault.
Any disagreement over negligence may ultimately have to be resolved in a court of law.
If a company is determined to be at fault, they may be liable for damages.
Liable Parties for a Crash
Another driver may be responsible for a single-car accident, even if no other vehicles crashed, if they merged into your lane without the right-of-way, causing you to swerve and crash to avoid them.

Government entities can be liable for accidents caused by road defects, lack of maintenance, faded lane markings, or other issues related to road infrastructure.
Pedestrians and cyclists can also be considered partially or wholly responsible for a single-car crash if their actions, such as crossing roads illegally or breaking traffic rules, contributed to the accident.
Vehicle manufacturers may be liable if the accident resulted from a defective car part or mechanical error caused by the manufacturer.
Construction companies can be liable for single-car accidents caused by road obstacles, such as hazardous debris left on the road.
A mechanic may be liable if the accident resulted from faulty repair or maintenance work performed by the mechanic.
Here are some examples of liable parties:
- Another driver: merges into your lane without the right-of-way
- Government entity: road defects, lack of maintenance, or faded lane markings
- Pedestrians: crossing roads illegally
- Cyclists: breaking traffic rules
- Vehicle manufacturer: defective car part or mechanical error
- Construction company: road obstacles, such as hazardous debris
- Mechanic: faulty repair or maintenance work
What If We Disagree?
If we disagree on the amount to be paid by my collision or other than collision (Comprehensive) coverage, I can elect to use the appraisal provision of my policy.

The appraisal provision states that my insurance company and I will each choose a competent appraiser.
These two appraisers will then select an umpire who will help us resolve our disagreement.
The appraisers will state separately the Actual Cash Value (ACV) and the amount of loss.
If they don't agree, they will submit their differences to the umpire.
A decision by any two of us - the appraisers or the umpire - will be binding.
My insurance company and I will pay our chosen appraiser and bear the expenses of the appraisal and umpire.
Insurance Claim Process
Filing a one-car accident insurance claim can be a straightforward process if you're prepared. You'll need to document the accident, get your vehicle inspected, and report it to the local authorities.
The type of insurance coverage you have will determine how difficult the process is. With collision insurance, single-car accidents are covered, but you'll need to provide proof of the accident's cause to file a successful claim.
To increase your chances of success, gather as much evidence as possible, including photos, witness statements, and police reports. The more information you have, the better.
If you're held accountable for the accident, it's likely due to an operator error, negligence of traffic laws, speeding, fatigue, or substance use while driving. However, if you can prove that a third party influenced the accident, you may be able to shift the liability.
Here are some situations where the driver may be held accountable:
- The driver makes an operator error
- Negligence of traffic laws
- Speeding
- The driver is fatigued
- The use of substances while driving
On the other hand, if you can prove that a third party influenced the accident, you may be able to shift the liability. This could include environmental factors, narrow roads, sharp curves, defective car parts, or defects in a roadway.
To shift the liability, you'll need to prove that a duty was assigned and either missed or ignored by another party, resulting in an injury to the driver.
Seeking Professional Help
If you've been involved in a single-vehicle accident, seeking professional help is crucial to get the compensation you deserve. This can be a complex process, especially when dealing with insurance companies.
You can contact a single-vehicle accident attorney, like those at WKW in Indiana, who have experience in auto accidents and injuries. They can help you navigate the process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
The insurance company may deny your claim, but this depends on the policy. An insurance policy is a contract, and the terms of that contract will determine the outcome.
Seek Single-Vehicle Accident Attorney
If you've been involved in a single-vehicle accident, it's essential to seek professional help to navigate the complex process of dealing with insurance companies and potential injuries. Even if no injuries are present, major repairs or expenses still need to be covered.
Single-car accidents can have significant financial and emotional impacts, making it crucial to get the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Wilson Kehoe Winingham have experience in auto accidents and injuries, and can help you through this challenging time.

An insurance policy is a contract, and the terms of that contract can affect whether your claim is denied or approved. The short answer to whether an insurance company can deny your claim is that it depends on the policy.
If your insurance company denies your claim, you may need to seek additional help to resolve the issue. In some cases, a settlement conference may be necessary to resolve the dispute.
Here are some key points to consider when seeking a single-vehicle accident attorney:
- Understand the terms of your insurance policy to determine if your claim is valid.
- Be prepared to provide evidence to support your claim, such as photos or witness statements.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek additional help if you're unsure about the process.
Kentucky Attorney Services
If you're involved in a single-car accident in Kentucky, you may automatically be blamed for the crash.
Recovering compensation can be incredibly challenging, especially if you're not prepared to provide sufficient evidence indicating a third party was liable.
Enlisting the help of a car accident attorney can greatly increase your likelihood of success.
You can get expert legal help by contacting Rhoads & Rhoads Attorneys at Law, who have a great deal of experience handling single-car accidents.
They will work tirelessly to get you fair compensation.
To get a free case evaluation, you can call their office at 888-709-9329, or contact them online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does insurance work when it's not your fault?
When an accident isn't your fault, the other driver's liability insurance typically covers damage to your vehicle, property, and medical expenses up to their policy's limit
Can insurance drop you for one accident?
Yes, an insurance company can drop you after a single accident, especially if it's severe or costly. However, the likelihood of this happening depends on various factors, including your policy and driving history.
Does car insurance cover single-vehicle accidents?
In California, car insurance does not cover single-vehicle accidents, as it only includes third-party liability coverage. If you're involved in a single-vehicle accident, you'll need to file a police report to document the incident.
Sources
- https://www.mccoyandsparks.com/blog/can-i-file-a-single-car-accident-insurance-claim/
- https://oci.georgia.gov/insurance-resources/auto/auto-claim-tips
- https://www.wkw.com/auto-accidents/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-single-vehicle-accidents/
- https://www.ncdoi.gov/consumers/auto-and-vehicle-insurance/after-accident
- https://www.rhoadsandrhoads.com/blog/can-i-file-a-single-crash-car-accident-insurance-claim/
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