Single-Vehicle Accident in Miami
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS SINCE 1983
Miami car accident attorneys at Bernstein & Maryanoff Injury Attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to get you maximum compensation for your car accident injuries.
You may be wondering, “What is a single-vehicle accident?” Single-vehicle accidents occur when only one vehicle is involved in an auto collision. It’s important to recognize that single-vehicle accidents do not involve any other cars, cyclists, pedestrians, or animals.
As with any other city in Florida, or throughout the nation, single-vehicle accidents can happen to anyone, and for a variety of reasons, regardless of what type of car you drive or your driving experience. Still, that doesn’t mean the injuries victims in single-vehicle accidents sustain are any less serious than those in multi-vehicle collisions.
A single-vehicle accident can happen when a vehicle collides with a tree, post, signage, or any other stationary object on or near the roadway. This can occur due to drunk driving, distracted driving, bad weather, or when a driver loses control of a vehicle by other means. It can also occur when a vehicle rolls over or runs off the road, too.
If you’ve been injured in a single-vehicle accident, you have legal options. Contact Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, to schedule your free case evaluation with a single-vehicle accident attorney.
Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle car accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. In Florida, recent state reporting details that in 2022, single-vehicle car accidents accounted for as much as 40 % of all fatal car crashes in Florida. Common reasons for these accidents include impaired driving, distracted driving, and speeding. Let’s take a closer look at some of the leading factors in single-vehicle car accidents.
Driver Error
Driver error involves the driver making a decision or operating the vehicle in a way that compromises safety.
Some examples include:
- Distracted driving like texting, eating, or fidgeting with the radio or other controls
- Speeding or driving too fast for roadway conditions
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fatigued driving
- Road rage
Road Conditions
Sometimes roadway conditions like poor weather can create a situation where a vehicle skids, slides, and collides with a guardrail or other stationary object. Other hazards can include poorly maintained roadways with potholes and uneven surfaces, or a lack of proper signage or warnings for drivers about obstructions.
Vehicle Defects
In other cases, issues with your vehicle can result in a single-vehicle collision. These issues are generally out of your control and include, but are not limited to:
- Tire blowouts that cause you to lose control
- A brake failure that makes it impossible to stop before striking an object
- Steering malfunctions that make it difficult to control the direction
- Other mechanical issues
Animal Crossings
If an animal jumps in front of your vehicle, causing you to swerve to avoid hitting it, a single-vehicle car accident can occur if you lose control, hit a tree, or veer off the roadway in a manner that causes injury or vehicle damage.
Why Choose Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, for Your Single-Vehicle Accident Case in Miami?
Single-vehicle car accidents can be complex, especially when you’re dealing with insurance companies. Because there is no clear defendant involved, you’ll need an experienced single-vehicle accident lawyer who can determine whether negligent parties exist. These might include a city or township that failed to properly maintain the roadways, a vehicle manufacturer, or a third party who negligently repaired your vehicle.
Our law firm has experience handling a variety of personal injury cases involving single-vehicle car accidents in Miami and the surrounding area.
While working with our team, you’ll feel supported throughout the entire process, from answering questions and managing expectations to helping you stay on top of deadlines.
You don’t have to take our word for it. You can hear from past clients who have successfully recovered compensation after single-vehicle car accidents. See what past clients have to say.
Types of Insurance Coverage for a Single-Vehicle Accident
Florida is one of a handful of states that follow no-fault insurance laws. Unlike states that follow at-fault insurance laws, drivers typically turn to their own insurance coverage first, whether they’re pursuing a single-vehicle accident insurance claim, or if another party was involved.
Here’s how it works. All drivers in Florida are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) with a $10,000 minimum coverage requirement. Regardless of who caused an accident, all drivers must turn to their PIP insurance first to cover medical bills and lost wages, among other losses. PIP does not cover vehicle damage or pain and suffering.
Property damage liability (PDL) is also mandatory in Florida, with a minimum $10,000 coverage. This coverage pays for damage you cause to another person’s property, for example, if you crash into someone’s fence or building.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is optional and applies if there is an at-fault party who is not directly involved in the accident or lacks adequate insurance.
While these insurance policies are required, if your accident was the result of another individual’s or entity’s negligence, you can pursue legal action to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering that insurance does not fully cover. Seeking compensatory damages from negligent parties can help make you financially whole.
The Challenges of Single-Vehicle Accident Insurance Claims
Despite being required to carry PIP and other coverage in Florida, you can still encounter issues when seeking compensation after a single-vehicle car accident. Insurance companies might try to minimize your claim, pay you less than you deserve, or make it difficult to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help with Your Claim
When you work with a car accident attorney like the experienced professionals at Bernstein & Maryanoff, you’ll have a legal team by your side that you can count on fully.
Here’s how our attorneys can help:
- Investigating your accident: Our attorneys will investigate thoroughly to determine potential causes and responsible parties. In many single-vehicle cases, negligent parties are only identified once victims speak with an attorney experienced in similar cases.
- Gathering and preserving evidence: It’s not just enough to identify a negligent party. Your case must support the claims, too. Our investigators and paralegals collect critical evidence such as police reports, witness statements, accident scene photos, and expert opinions to determine negligence in a car accident case.
- Dealing with insurance companies: Most car accident lawsuits end in a settlement. Communicating with insurers can be confusing and deadline driven. Our attorneys handle all details so you can focus on healing.
- Negotiating a fair settlement: Lowball offers and delays are common. We negotiate diligently to protect your rights and secure compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses.
- Representing you in court: Although most cases settle, our attorneys are ready to represent you if yours goes to trial. We have experience navigating the court system and will provide the representation you need.
Get a Free Consultation with Our Miami Single-Vehicle Accident Lawyers
You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a single-vehicle car accident alone. At Bernstein & Maryanoff, Injury Attorneys, our attorneys help you understand your legal rights and options, even if you decide not to move forward with a case.
Contact our team to schedule your free case evaluation and learn about the strength of your case, potential negligence, and next steps. With decades of experience representing car accident victims in Miami, we understand the local court system and what it takes to secure a fair settlement.
Don’t wait. Call us at 1-800-429-4529 for a free consultation with a Miami car accident lawyer, or visit us online to complete your free case evaluation form. We don’t take a fee until we win your case.
Get your free case evaluation today.
FAQ
If I Was the Only One Involved, Can I Still File an Insurance Claim?
Yes. Even if no one else was involved in your accident, you can still file a claim with your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy to receive coverage for medical bills and lost wages.
The Police Report Says I Was at Fault. Can I Still Pursue a Claim?
Yes, Florida follows comparative negligence laws, meaning you can still seek compensation from negligent parties who were mostly at fault.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover After a Single-Vehicle Accident?
You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and even pain and suffering, especially if another party’s negligence played a role. Your attorney can help identify all potential damages you may be entitled to.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim After a Single-Vehicle Accident in Florida?
Generally, Florida personal injury laws allow you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. However, the sooner you get started, the better your chances of gathering strong evidence and having a strong claim.
Should I Talk to the Insurance Adjuster After My Accident?
It’s best to speak with an attorney before giving a statement. Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to represent their company, which means offering minimal coverage. An attorney can protect your rights and provide you with options that are in your best interest.
What if My Single-Vehicle Accident Was Caused by a Defective Car Part?
If a faulty part led to your accident, you may have a product liability case and can pursue a claim against the vehicle manufacturer or a third party, like a mechanic who worked on your car. An experienced attorney can help you explore all of your options.
Sources:
Fla. Stat. § 324.022. (2025).
Personal Injury Protection. (2025).
Traffic Crash Report. (2022).
