When a car accident involves only one vehicle, the immediate assumption is often that the driver was the sole party at fault. However, a thorough legal and forensic investigation can frequently reveal that a seemingly straightforward incident was, in fact, caused by the negligence of a third party. A recent tragic, single-vehicle crash in Pomona highlights the critical importance of this detailed investigative process.

According to a report from ABC7, a mother was killed in a solo-vehicle crash under circumstances that have left her family searching for answers. This search for the truth is the foundation of any subsequent legal action, as what is often labeled a “freak accident” can be traced to a specific and preventable failure.

Determining Fault Beyond the Driver

For a family that has lost a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit is the primary civil remedy to hold a negligent party accountable. In a single-vehicle crash, this requires investigating three potential sources of third-party liability:

• Product Liability: A catastrophic failure of a key vehicle component can lead to a complete loss of driver control. A comprehensive investigation involves preserving the vehicle and having automotive engineering experts inspect it for defects. Common causes include tire blowouts due to manufacturing flaws, brake system failure, or a defect in the steering or suspension systems. If a defect is found, the vehicle or parts manufacturer can be held strictly liable.
• Dangerous Road Conditions: Government entities have a duty to maintain public roads in a safe condition. A single-vehicle car accident can be caused by a roadway hazard, creating liability for the responsible public entity. Such hazards include large, unmarked potholes, unsafe road design like an improperly banked curve, missing or damaged guardrails, or debris left in the roadway from a prior accident or construction.
• “Phantom Driver” Negligence: A significant number of single-vehicle crashes are caused by a driver being forced to take sudden evasive action to avoid another motorist’s reckless maneuver. If the other driver cuts the victim off or swerves into their lane and then flees the scene, they are considered a “phantom driver.” While challenging, it is often possible to identify this driver through witness statements, debris left at the scene, or surveillance footage from nearby businesses.

A successful claim requires an immediate and expert-led investigation to preserve evidence and identify every potential source of liability.

Contact Manoukian Law for a free and confidential consultation.