Most people think of car accidents as collisions between two or more vehicles. But single vehicle car accidents are just as common and just as dangerous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 40,000 people die in traffic accidents every year in the United States. A significant number of those fatalities involve only one vehicle. Right here in Louisiana, research reveals that single vehicle accidents account for more fatalities than multiple vehicle accidents. Our car accident lawyer in Houma knows that Louisiana also consistently ranks as one of the worst states in the nation for traffic fatalities, with a fatal crash rate well above the national average. Many of these accidents happen on roads in and around Houma, and passengers injured in these crashes often do not know that they may have a right to compensation for a single vehicle car accident.
Here at the Patrick Yancey Law Firm, we understand how confusing it can be to suffer injuries in a single vehicle accident, especially when you were not the one driving. Patrick Yancey and our dedicated legal team have a strong record of protecting the rights of accident victims throughout Houma, Terrebonne Parish, and the rest of Louisiana. Whether you were a passenger in a friend’s car, riding with a coworker, or using a ridesharing service, our experienced Houma car accident lawyer can explain your legal options during a free consultation. Call us today to schedule your free and no-obligation case evaluation.
A single vehicle car accident is any traffic accident that involves only one motor vehicle. Unlike multi-vehicle collisions where two or more cars crash into each other, these accidents happen when a car, truck, SUV, or other motor vehicle crashes without striking another vehicle. They can involve a vehicle hitting a tree, guardrail, utility pole, ditch, median, or other fixed object, or somethings not hitting anything at all. This includes accidents such as rollovers, run-off-the-road crashes, or vehicles going into bodies of water. Despite involving only one vehicle, these accidents can cause serious and life-threatening catastrophic personal injuries to both drivers and passengers.
There are many reasons why a single vehicle car accident may happen on Louisiana roads. Some of these causes are related to driver error, while others may be caused by road conditions, vehicle defects, or even the conduct of another party that ultimately did not get involved in the crash. Understanding the cause of the accident is critical for passengers who want to recover compensation for their injuries.
Some of the most common causes of single vehicle accidents in Louisiana include the following:
Single vehicle crashes are far more common than many people realize. According to government statistics from Louisiana State University, Louisiana actually had more single vehicle fatalities than multiple vehicle fatalities in recent years. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reports that Louisiana sees approximately 160,000 traffic accidents every year, and over 800 people are killed annually in traffic crashes across the state.
Right here in Terrebonne Parish, local roads like LA-24, LA-55, and US-90 see regular traffic throughout the day. Rural stretches of highway and two-lane roads in and around Houma can be especially dangerous due to limited lighting, narrow shoulders, and the potential for wildlife crossing the roadway. That is why it is so important for passengers injured in these accidents to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer like Patrick Yancey who understands how these cases work.
If you were a passenger in a single vehicle car accident, you may be wondering whether you have a right to recover compensation. The good news is that passengers are almost never at fault for a traffic accident. Unlike the driver, a passenger has no control over the vehicle and therefore is generally entitled to full compensation for his or her injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and conscious pain and suffering.
However, who is liable for your injuries depends on several factors. These include the relationship between you and the driver and the circumstances of the accident. Some common scenarios include the following:
In order to recover compensation after a single vehicle car accident, you must establish that another party was negligent. Under Louisiana law, a victim must prove duty, breach, cause-in-fact, legal cause, and damages. This is the same standard of negligence that applies to all personal injury cases in the state.
It is also important to know that Louisiana transitioned to a modified comparative fault system as of January 1, 2026. Under this new rule, an injured person cannot recover any compensation if he or she is found to be 51% or more at fault for the accident. For passengers, this is generally not a major concern because passengers are rarely assigned any fault. However, insurance companies may still try to argue that a passenger assumed the risk or contributed to the accident in some way.
That is why having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side matters. Houma attorney Patrick Yancey and our legal team know how to investigate these cases, gather evidence, and hold negligent parties accountable for the injuries and damages they cause to innocent people.
Victims of a single vehicle car accident in Louisiana may be entitled to recover compensation for a wide range of damages. The value of your case will depend on the severity of your injuries and the specific facts surrounding the accident. Some of the damages that may be available include the following:
Single vehicle car accidents are just as devastating as multi-vehicle collisions. Passengers who are injured in these accidents deserve full and fair compensation for their damages. Unfortunately, insurance companies and defense lawyers will do everything they can to minimize or deny valid claims, even where liability is clear.
At the Patrick Yancey Law Firm, our experienced Houma car accident lawyer is ready to fight for you and your family throughout Terrebonne Parish and the rest of Louisiana. We offer free consultations with no obligation, and we only get paid after we recover compensation for you in a settlement, verdict, or another type of award. To learn more about your rights and legal options after a single vehicle car accident, call us today at (985) 313-9791 or submit a message through our contact form available on our website.
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