Man Dies in Solo-Vehicle Crash in Polk County

Car crashes can happen at any time—even when driving on a routine route. You don’t have to collide with another vehicle. Sometimes just one vehicle is involved in a crash, and sometimes solo-vehicle accidents are even deadlier than ones involving multiple vehicles.

Sadly, that was the case for a Florida man, who recently died in a crash in Polk County. The fatal accident happened on the afternoon of August 26 on Interstate 4.

The 46-year-old man from New Port Richey was speeding on Interstate 4, near Mile Marker 28, when he lost control of this vehicle. The car veered across all lanes of westbound Interstate 4 and hit a tree. The vehicle then caught fire. The man died at the accident scene.

Liability in Solo-Vehicle Accidents

In solo-vehicle accidents, since there are no other vehicles involved, the driver is typically at fault. This is because the driver most likely caused their own negligence. They may have been speeding when they lost control and hit the guardrail. They may have been distracted by their phone when they went off the road and down an embankment.

However, there are some exceptions. For example, if a driver doesn’t see you in their blind and veers into your lane, you may swerve to avoid them. However, your swerving may cause you to hit a pole. In this case, you would not be liable for your crash. The other driver would be at fault because they weren’t following the rules of the road. They went into your lane, nearly hitting you.

There are also situations where road conditions can cause a crash. If you slide off the road because you hit ice, that would likely be considered your fault because you weren’t going slow enough for weather conditions. However, if a faulty roadway condition, such as a pothole, dip in the road or unexpected bump, causes you to crash, then you may have a valid case against the government. However, if it is a known condition and there are signs warning about the issue, then you may not have a strong case.

Another possible issue is an equipment defect or malfunction. For example, if your engine suddenly stops running or your brakes fail to work after they have just been replaced, then you may be dealing with a faulty car part, which may not be your fault. However, if you knew your tires were worn and you didn’t replace them, for example, then you’ll be held liable. The issue has to be sudden and unexpected.

Seek Help for Your Car Accident Case

A car accident can be deadly, even when just one vehicle is involved. Drivers have been known to lose control for various reasons, colliding with guardrails, poles and trees and going off the road.

In a solo-vehicle crash, it’s harder to defend yourself. Get help from the Dade City & Zephyrhills auto attorneys at Madonna Law Group. We can help you understand your legal options. To schedule a free consultation, fill out the online form or call (800) 557-0411.

Resource:

patch.com/florida/lakeland/car-bursts-flames-i-4-after-it-hits-tree-fhp

https://www.manderlawgroup.com/traffic-is-down-in-florida-but-speeding-is-up/