What Happens If You’re the Only One in a Car Crash?

A single car crash can be just as distressing—and legally significant—as a multi-vehicle collision. Whether you veer off the road to avoid hitting wildlife, collide with a stationary object, or lose control in poor weather, being the only one involved doesn’t mean you’re automatically at fault or without options. These situations raise important questions about insurance, legal responsibilities, compensation, and recovery.

In this guide, we explore everything you need to know if you’ve been in a single-car accident in Australia. From understanding your responsibilities to accessing support tools, we’re here to provide clear, practical advice.

What Is a Single-Vehicle Accident?

A single car accident (or single-vehicle crash) is a road incident where only one car is involved. These are surprisingly common and can include scenarios such as:

• Hitting a guardrail, pole, or tree
• Swerving to avoid animals or road debris
• Sliding off the road in wet or icy conditions
• Losing control due to mechanical failure
• Colliding with property (e.g., fences or parked vehicles)

Though another party isn’t directly involved, there may still be shared responsibility. Factors like poor road maintenance, defective parts, or incorrect signage can contribute to the outcome, which may affect how liability is assessed under car accident law.

Frequent Causes of Solo Crashes in Australia

Australia’s road conditions and environment contribute to a wide range of single-vehicle accident reports across the country. Common causes include:

• Fatigue: Long rural drives, night-time travel, or work-related commutes increase the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
• Distraction: Texting, adjusting the radio, or momentary lapses in concentration can result in sudden loss of control.
• Poor Weather: Rain, fog, or wind reduces visibility and affects braking distances.
• Animals: Kangaroos and livestock are common hazards on regional and rural roads.
• Mechanical Faults: Brake failures or blown tyres can lead to an accident with a car, even when you’re driving responsibly.

These types of accidents are not always straightforward, and blame isn’t always clear. That’s why proper investigation and documentation matter.

What to Do Immediately After the Crash

If you’re in a single-car accident, here’s what to do right away:

1. Check for Injuries – Ensure you and any passengers are safe and conscious. Check for bleeding, head trauma, or signs of shock, and avoid moving anyone with suspected neck or spinal injuries until help arrives.
2. Move to a Safe Area – If the vehicle can be moved, slowly drive it to a safer location off the main road or shoulder. This minimises further danger from oncoming traffic and helps you assess the damage safely.
3. Turn on Hazard Lights – Immediately activate your hazard lights to warn approaching drivers. This is particularly crucial at night or in poor weather, as it reduces the risk of secondary collisions.
4. Document the Scene – Take comprehensive photos and videos of the accident site, your vehicle, and any road conditions that may have contributed. This evidence is valuable for insurance claims or dispute resolution.
5. Collect Witness Info – Speak to anyone nearby who might have seen the incident and ask for their name, contact number, and a short statement of what they observed. Independent witness accounts can support your version of events.
6. Call for Help if Needed – If your vehicle is undriveable, you’re injured, or feel unsafe, contact roadside assistance or emergency services. Prompt support can prevent delays in getting medical or mechanical aid.

Remaining calm and gathering details helps you protect your legal position and provides vital information for your insurance or claim process.

When to Call Emergency Services

You must call the police or emergency services in the following cases:

• If someone is injured or requires medical attention, whether it’s a visible injury or someone complaining of pain or dizziness, emergency responders should assess the situation. Delayed symptoms from trauma are common, and early medical documentation helps with future claims.
• If public property or infrastructure is damaged – This includes signs, barriers, light poles, or council-managed land. Notifying authorities ensures repairs are logged and may protect you from further liability.
• If your vehicle is blocking traffic or creating a hazard, if your car is stuck in a lane, obstructing traffic, or could cause another accident, emergency services should be contacted to help with traffic control and safety.
• If you suspect the accident involved a criminal offence (e.g., DUI), any signs of impaired driving, unauthorised vehicle use, or reckless behaviour must be reported immediately, as they may escalate into criminal matters.

Under car accidents law, failing to report a crash that involves injury or damage may result in penalties, fines, or insurance complications. It’s better to be cautious and make a report than risk breaching your obligations.

How to Report a Single-Vehicle Crash

Each Australian state has different rules for reporting single-vehicle crashes. In most cases, if someone is hurt or the damage exceeds a certain threshold, you must file a report with the police or the relevant road authority.

You can usually:

• File online (via the state’s traffic incident portal)
• Visit a local police station
• Call the non-emergency number (131 444 in many regions)

Filing a report can protect you legally and help establish context for disputing fault, especially in borderline scenarios.

Does Insurance Cover Single-Vehicle Accidents?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. If you hold comprehensive insurance, you’re typically covered for damage to your vehicle, even in a single-car accident.

However, insurers may deny your claim if:

• You were speeding or breaking traffic laws
• You were under the influence
• The vehicle wasn’t roadworthy or properly insured
• You failed to report the incident within their required time frame

This is why it’s essential to keep records, take photos, and review the terms of your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

Understanding CTP and Other Policy Types

Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance only covers injury claims, not property or vehicle damage. So if you’re the driver and you crash without injuring anyone else, CTP won’t pay for your repairs.

Here’s how the main policies differ:

• CTP: Covers injury to others only
• Third Party Property: Covers damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle/property
• Third Party Fire & Theft: Adds limited coverage to your car for theft and fire
• Comprehensive: Covers both your vehicle and others regardless of fault (within limits)

Always know what policy you have, and what it does—and doesn’t—include.

What If Public or Private Property Is Damaged?

If you hit a fence, pole, road sign, or private structure, you must:

1. Notify the property owner or local council
2. Document the damage with photos
3. Inform your insurer

Failing to report this damage could result in fines or criminal charges. If your insurer accepts your claim, they’ll typically handle the repair costs, but you may still face an excess payment or premium increase depending on the circumstances.

We help users draft professional, clear letters of notification and apology to property owners, councils, or insurers using our ready-made templates.

Can Fault Be Disputed in a Solo Crash?

Absolutely. Even if no other car was involved, external factors may shift or share liability. For example:

• Potholes or missing signage
• Debris from roadworks or prior crashes
• Brake failure after a recent service
• Wildlife on poorly maintained roads

We assist users in writing formal letters to councils, mechanics, and third parties to request compensation or dispute claims. This is especially useful when your insurer has denied a claim or blamed you unfairly.

Injury and Compensation Pathways

If you’ve been injured in a solo crash, you may be eligible for compensation through your state’s motor accident injury scheme, depending on how the injury occurred and who was at fault.

For example:

• NSW: Claims under the CTP scheme
• VIC: Access via TAC
• QLD: Support through MAIC

You may be eligible for:

• Medical treatment and rehab costs
• Income support during recovery
• Lump-sum payments for permanent impairment

If you’re unsure how to apply, we can help you draft a clear and legally sound injury claim submission using our templates.

Conclusion

A single vehicle accident yesterday might seem like an open-and-shut case, but liability, support options, and recovery steps are often more complex than they first appear. Whether it’s disputing a denied claim, addressing council liability, or claiming injury support, solo accidents deserve serious attention.

By understanding your legal responsibilities and having the right tools, you can manage the situation proactively and minimise long-term consequences.

How I’m In The Right Can Help

I’m In The Right is here to support Australians navigating the aftermath of a single car accident. If your crash involved unclear liability, mechanical issues, or council-related hazards, we can help you take action without hiring a lawyer.

Our platform provides:

• Customisable complaint and claims templates
• Guidance on writing to councils, mechanics, and insurers
• Information on insurance dispute resolution
• Support for requesting compensation or vehicle replacement

In some cases, especially when an external fault can be shown, we also assist with access to no out-of-pocket expenses* replacement vehicles. We manage the admin, liaise with insurers, and ensure your rights are protected.

Contact us to explore your options and take control of your situation.