Stop sign accidents are one of the most common types of accidents on the streets. They are also difficult to prove who is at fault. There are a number of scenarios that a person may find themselves in. For instance, a driver may be hit by a person running a stop sign, or the driver may hit the person that ran the stop sign. In an intersection with a 3 or 4 way stop, there may be more than two cars involved. In cases of stop sign violations that result in an accident, it can be difficult to prove who is at fault. If you were involved in a stop sign accident where the other driver ran the stop sign you need to contact a car accident attorney to help make sure you are not held liable for someone else’s negligence.
Why are Stop Sign Intersections so Dangerous?
Stop signs are in place not only to help control the traffic at an intersection but in some cases to help keep the speed of moving vehicles down in areas that have a high pedestrian population, such as inside of a neighborhood or subdivision. Both 2 way and 4 way stop sign intersections exist, depending on the flow of traffic from all directions.
- Not Seeing that it is a 2 Way Stop – an assumption that oncoming traffic also has a stop sign at a 2 way stop sign intersection is also another concern. This type of accident usually involves a driver who follows the law and comes to a complete stop. As they look both ways they notice an oncoming car but presume that it too will have to stop and continue forward right into its path. This leads to a side impact or T-bone collision, as the oncoming car crashes into yours. T-bone accidents are often catastrophic, especially for the car that was hit. Without the protection of the engine or back of the car to protect the driver and passengers, the impact is absorbed almost entirely by the driver and their passengers. Serious head traumas are common as are broken spine injuries as the body is jerked sideways in unnatural positions.
- Failing to Yield – Another common scenario is failing to yield accidents, where the first car on the scene attempts to proceed through the intersection while a subsequent car is doing the same. Rear end collisions occur with great frequency at stop signs as well, usually resulting in whiplash injuries for the driver who was hit from behind. This low impact collision can cause serious soft tissue damage to the neck, requiring medical attention to help cope with the pain.
Who is Liable for the Accident?
According to traffic laws, it is compulsory to stop completely at all the stop signs. The drivers have to comply with the laws to keep the roads safe. So if an accident occurs because of a driver who does not stop at a stop sign, it goes without saying that he is accountable for the damages incurred. It is up to your car accident attorney to help you prove that the other party or parties are liable.
What to Do When the Insurance Company Refuses to Pay?
Several car insurance companies are quick to support their own policyholder. They may tell you; they won’t look at your car until they get the other driver’s version of events. If the insurance company denies the claim and evidence shows you were not at fault, contact them and provide all the evidence such as recorded statements, police reports and eyewitness accounts that support your position. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to assist in helping to support your claim and prove your innocence.
Most insurance companies will do anything to increase their profits. When the car insurance company refuses to pay, you may need to threaten them with something that will put their profits at risk. To do this effectively and in the right way you require an experienced car accident lawyer. The car accident lawyer will give the insurer all the documents to fairly evaluate your claim and set a firm deadline to pay. The insurance company will understand that you are properly represented and likely change their tune when a lawyer is involved.
If this does not work, then you may need to file a lawsuit to make the insurance company compensate you. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you maximize your claim and often help you achieve a positive outcome.
If you need the assistance of an experienced car accident attorney contact any of our office locations.
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