Last month, a single vehicle accident in Lamar County claimed the lives of two high school students, shocking the small school district and community.  A third teen was also injured in the accident.  The car carrying three teens during homecoming week was traveling on Purvis-Oloh road when it suddenly left the roadway and struck a tree.  One victim was pronounced dead on arrival, another died in route to the local hospital, and the third survived but required emergency surgery.

In the course of just a few months in Mississippi, several single vehicle accidents occurred.  In Amite County, a woman was killed in June when her vehicle ran off the right side of the road and collided with a culvert, ejecting her from the vehicle.  One month later, in Covington County, a person was killed when a vehicle left the roadway, overturned, and ejected the passenger.

These are just a few of the many single vehicle accidents that have occurred across the state of Mississippi in the span of just a few months.  Single vehicle accidents account for over half of all accidents across the country, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).  Mississippi falls in line with this national trend and is home to hundreds of single vehicle accidents each year.

What Causes Single Vehicle Accidents?

Single vehicle accidents can arise from a variety of circumstances.  The following is a look at some of the most common reasons why single vehicle accidents occur:

1. Speed:  Speed causes more run-off road crashes than any other single factor.  Speed can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles when traveling around bends or when confronted with obstacles.
2. Distracted driving:  Texting, talking on the phone or to passengers, grooming, eating, drinking, and the like can all cause drivers to lose focus of the road and run off it, causing their vehicles to collide with obstacles or oncoming cars.
3. Impact with an object in the road:  Single vehicle accidents often occur when a vehicle comes into contact with an object that has fallen off another vehicle.  These accidents also often occur when a car collides with the median.
4. Poor road conditions:  Road and weather conditions can contribute to single vehicle accidents.  Poor weather conditions can include snow, rain, ice, and fog.  Poor road conditions can include unlit roads, bendy roads, roads that are poorly maintained, and more.
5. Impaired driving:  Countless single vehicle accidents result from driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  Impaired driving causes drivers to become drowsy, react slowly to oncoming obstacles, and behave erratically.
6. Mechanical failures or defects: Defects within a vehicle’s braking system, tires, or steering system can result in serious single vehicle accidents.

Single vehicle accidents are often divided into two categories: run-off road collisions and on-road accidents.  Anyone injured in either sort of single vehicle crash should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect their legal rights.

Barrett Law PLLC: Exemplary Mississippi Automobile Accident Attorneys  

Single vehicle accidents, such as the recent accidents across Mississippi, can be catastrophic.  While these accidents are sometimes the result of driver negligence, the negligence of other drivers, product defects, or even the negligence of property owners can all play a role in these accidents.  The Mississippi Automobile Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC have assisted countless victims of single vehicle crashes and their families across the state.  We will evaluate the accident to uncover all potential avenues for recovery.  The attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC will then seek a full recovery, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation.