Single-vehicle accidents often get dismissed as the driver’s own fault. But just because only one car was involved doesn’t automatically mean the driver bears sole responsibility—or that there’s no one to hold accountable for your injuries. The reality is that many solo crashes result from road defects, mechanical failures, or the actions of other drivers who left the scene. In Texas, determining liability in single-vehicle accidents requires careful investigation to uncover whether factors beyond the driver’s control contributed to the crash. Speak with an experience car accident lawyer in McAllen.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Crashes in Texas
You might assume that if you’re the only vehicle involved in a crash, you must have done something wrong. However, single-vehicle accidents can and do happen for reasons that have nothing to do with driver error. These include:
- Mechanical Defects: Faulty brakes, steering malfunctions, defective airbags, and other issues can cause you to lose control of your vehicle without warning. When a manufacturer produces a vehicle with dangerous defects or a dangerous design, their actions can lead to your crash.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, missing guardrails, inadequate signage, and debris left on the roadway create serious hazards for drivers. Government agencies are required to clear these hazards within a reasonable timeframe.
- Rain, Snow, Ice, and Fog: Severe weather conditions reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing your risk of skidding or hydroplaning. While the weather itself isn’t someone’s fault, inadequate warnings, poor drainage systems, or failure to treat icy roads can make adverse weather even more dangerous.
- Dangerous Road Design: Poorly designed curves, confusing intersections, insufficient lighting, and roads built without proper safety features put drivers at risk every day.
When Someone Else Is Liable for Your Single-Car Accident
Even though your vehicle was the only one involved in the crash, multiple parties could potentially share responsibility for what happened to you:
- Vehicle manufacturers can be liable if a defective part caused your accident.
- Government entities—whether city, county, or state—may bear responsibility when poor road maintenance or dangerous design contributed to your crash.
- Private property owners can be held accountable if hazards on their land spill onto the roadway.
- Contractors who performed substandard road work or left debris behind may also face liability.
Investigating Hidden Causes of Single-Car Crashes
A McAllen personal injury lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine what really caused your single-vehicle crash. They will examine the accident scene for road defects, poor signage, or hazardous conditions. They’ll also review your vehicle’s maintenance records and arrange for mechanical inspections to identify any defects or failures.
To strengthen your case, your attorney will consult with accident reconstruction experts who can recreate the crash and pinpoint contributing factors, as well as engineers to evaluate road design and maintenance standards. This comprehensive approach helps uncover hidden causes and identifies all parties who should be held accountable for your injuries.
Find Out If You Have a Single-Vehicle Accident Claim
When a car accident only involves your vehicle, proving that another party bears responsibility becomes more challenging—but it’s far from impossible. Road defects, vehicle malfunctions, or hazardous conditions created by negligent property owners can all contribute to single-vehicle crashes.
De La Garza Law Firm investigates every angle of your accident to identify liable parties and build a case that reflects the true cause of your collision. Contact us at (956) 586-5617 to discuss your accident with an attorney who can help uncover the real story behind what happened.
