Steps To Take If You Crash Your Car Into A Light Pole

Most car crashes which result in deaths are single-vehicle crashes, although you might not be conscious of this.

Since there are more car accident fatalities per single-vehicle collision than multiple-vehicle collision deaths, a driver is actually more likely to die in a single-vehicle accident than in a crash involving at least one other vehicle. If you are involved in such an accident, contact the Quinn Law Group, LLC.

What to do if you run your car into a light pole?

Electric poles and fire hydrants are among the most common objects that come into contact with cars in single-vehicle collisions.

Furthermore, while striking a fire hydrant rarely results in death, hitting a pole in an automobile accident usually results in the death of every person within the vehicle. Life-threatening injuries can result from the impact of the blow itself and the possibility of electrocutions or the car catching fire from high voltage.

Can you receive reimbursement for accidents involving a single car?

There are three circumstances when someone else could be held responsible for the damage and expenses that you suffer in a single-vehicle collision:

1. Your car’s malfunction or your loss of control over the vehicle as a result of the vehicle’s manufacturing problems (broken brakes, malfunctioning operation, etc.) caused the single-car collision. In certain circumstances, you might be able to sue the car’s seller, distributor, and manufacturer for product liability.
2. If there were inadequate road conditions, poor road design, or improper signage, you might be able to sue the entities in charge of the area’s upkeep or inspection to recover damages for the single-car accident.
3. When another motorist, cyclist, or pedestrian causes a single-car collision, you have to respond quickly and change your direction of travel, which causes your car to crash into a pole.

Keep your calm and perform the same procedures you would in an ordinary two-car collision if your car collides with a power pole. You ought to use extra care in case there is a possible live wire involved.

What steps should you take?

• Remain in the car.

Instincts might tell you to get out of the car after an accident, but this may not make sense if the collision involves a power pole. Inside your car is the safest location you can be. In the case that the power pole fell upon your vehicle or the power lines broke, there may be dangerous electric energy in the surrounding air. It is possible to electrocute yourself to death in this dangerous environment if you exit your car. 

• Call 911

Inform the police that you need help safely exiting the car after hitting it with a power pole. Request paramedics as well if you have any bodily harm from the crash. Utility workers will be dispatched by the emergency responder to the place to help you in leaving your car safely and without electrocutions. 

You can count on first responders to understand how to securely cut the electricity to the line, decide when it is safe for you to get out of your car, and do other necessary tasks. To talk with the arriving police officer and get an official crash report number, stay at the scene. Seek assistance from an injury lawyer if your injuries were the result of someone else’s negligence.

• Tell witnesses to maintain a safe distance

Deadly injuries might also strike spectators who hurry to help a victim of a single-vehicle collision with a power pole. Try your best to give witnesses the signal to evacuate from inside your car. If possible, indicate from your vehicle that the fallen power line might be active and dangerous. It may also be possible to avoid serious or fatal injuries for good Samaritans by advising them to remain away until police come.