The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reported more than 22,465 deaths (around 52% of the total motor vehicle fatalities) linked to single-vehicle accidents in the United States in 2021. These types of accidents are more common than you think, and they can take a physical, mental, and financial toll on the drivers or passengers, especially if the crash happened due to another's negligence.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys have extensive experience helping injured car accident victims in Ohio by protecting their rights and fighting for the compensation they deserve. They've recovered more than $1 billion for their clients while holding the responsible parties accountable.
Those who have suffered injuries in a single-vehicle accident due to someone else's fault in Toledo, Ohio, should reach out to the experienced Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to discuss their case and learn more about their legal options. They can also help with chain reaction car accidents in Ohio.
Recent Single-car Accidents in Ohio
There have been many single-vehicle crashes in the past that have resulted in injuries and fatalities. The following are three of the most recent incidents in Ohio where the drivers died before receiving medical treatment:
Flipped SUV on SR-309 Leaves the Driver Dead
On October 1, 2023, a deadly single-vehicle crash happened on SR-309. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers, an east-bound Chevrolet Silverado crossed onto the left side of the road, hitting a driveway embankment. It caused the SUV to flip and hit a bridge abutment.
The crash reports suggested that the driver, Jason Baker, was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, resulting in life-threatening injuries.
When the police arrived at the accident scene, they immediately transported the injured driver to Marion General Hospital, where he died.
Truck Driver Breathes His Last in a Fatal Single-vehicle Crash
On October 16, 2023, a 65-year-old resident of Adams County was heading westbound on Wheat Ridge Road in his truck when suddenly his vehicle crossed over to the left side of the road. The car hit a utility pole before coming to a halt.
When Ohio State Highway Patrol arrived at the crash scene, the officers found the truck driver in critical condition. Within a few minutes, Adams County EMS arrived and pronounced the driver dead.
The Police Department did not reveal the cause of the single-vehicle accident. As of now, the crash remains under investigation.
Driver Crashes into Light Post in a Single-vehicle Collision
On September 30, 2023, a vehicle with two passengers heading southbound on Parkside Boulevard crashed into a light post. According to the Toledo Police Department, the single-vehicle accident killed the driver while the passenger sustained minor injuries.
After the crash happened, the police did not file any charges. Authorities cleared out the crash remains before conducting an investigation into the deadly incident.
Common Causes of a Single-vehicle Crash
A single-vehicle crash can happen anywhere at any time. According to the IIHS, the following are the most common causes of these types of accidents:
Speeding
Drunk driving
Distracted driving
Mechanical failure
Harsh weather
Poor road conditions
Inexperienced drivers
Flying objects
Who Is Responsible for a Single-vehicle Crash in Ohio?
Most single-vehicle accidents in the United States, including Ohio, occur due to the driver's negligence. The driver may be intoxicated, which could impair their driving skills, or they may not have their eyes on the road, resulting in a crash.
In such situations, drivers may be unable to recover compensation. The Police Department may also pursue criminal charges depending on the facts surrounding the single-vehicle crash.
Sometimes, the driver may not be at fault for the incident. A faulty component due to a negligent car manufacturer or repair shop owner could cause the vehicle to lose control, resulting in a tragic accident. When that happens, injured victims may be able to pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the company responsible for the damages.
Another individual could also be responsible for the single-vehicle crash. When a negligent driver drives off to the left side of the road into oncoming traffic, the other vehicle may swerve to avoid the collision, resulting in a one-car accident. This could lead to liability, for which the injured party could bring a civil claim or lawsuit to recover the damages incurred.
In some cases, a government agency may be liable for the damages caused in a single-vehicle crash. The government is responsible for ensuring that the roads are in good condition and there are warning signs near construction work. Failure to take such measures is an act of negligence, which could give rise to liability. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also help with situations like hitting a parked car in Ohio.
When to Report a Car Crash in Ohio
Drivers must adhere to the state's reporting requirements after getting into an accident. Whether it is a single-vehicle crash or a multiple-car collision, the law requires all drivers to report the incident if it meets any one of the following conditions:
The crash resulted in injuries or death; or
The accident caused more than $1,000 in property damages.
It's important to note that if the drivers fail to adhere to the state's crash reporting requirements, it could lead to a misdemeanor charge.
What Does a Crash Report Include?
When a party reports a single-vehicle crash in Ohio, the police will prepare a report, which may include the following details:
The location where the crash happened
Weather and road conditions at the accident scene
The date and time the crash happened
Name of the driver and passengers
Contact details of the driver
License plate number
Insurance information of the driver
Can Injured Victims Recover Compensation After a Single-vehicle Crash in Ohio?
Under the personal injury law in Ohio, injured victims may be able to recover compensation after their single-vehicle accident if the crash happened due to another's negligence.
Whether it is the fault of the other drivers, a government agency, or a negligent car manufacturer, affected parties may be able to pursue personal injury claims or lawsuits to obtain compensatory damages.
However, pursuing compensation can be challenging, especially in single-vehicle accidents, as injured victims need to provide concrete proof of the other party's negligence.
An experienced car accident attorney in Toledo OH at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can allocate the resources to investigate the crash remains, gather evidence (including the police report), and build a strong case, increasing the injured victim's chances of recovering compensation.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Can Help with the Investigation and Claims Process!
Those who have suffered injuries in a single-vehicle crash in Toledo, Ohio, due to another's negligence should call to schedule a free consultation with the skilled Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, as they can help them get justice and compensation the victims deserve.