Stop Sign Accidents
When you see a stop sign, you are required to bring your vehicle to a complete stop at the designated stopping point. After stopping, you must yield the right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles. Failing to stop at a stop sign is a traffic violation and can result in fines and points on your driver’s license. Also, not stopping at a stop sign is dangerous as it can cause accidents. Unfortunately, despite the clear instructions stop signs provide, accidents are common at intersections with stop signs. Often, these accidents are caused by negligent or reckless behavior. In this article, we discuss some of the common causes of stop sign accidents, the types of stop sign accidents, and the legal options available for victims of stop sign accidents.
Common Causes of Stop Sign Accidents
Several factors contribute to stop sign accidents. However, often, these accidents occur due to the negligent or reckless behavior of drivers. The following are some of the most common causes of stop sign accidents;
- Distracted Driving: Behaviors, such as texting, eating/drinking, using a GPS, talking to passengers, and adjusting the radio while behind the wheel can prevent motorists from noticing and obeying stop signs.
- Impaired Driving: Impaired driving involves a driver operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medication. Alcohol and drugs can lead to decreased awareness of surroundings, slower reaction times, and poor judgment, increasing the risk of stop sign accidents.
- Drowsy Driving: Driving while tired or sleepy can reduce alertness, impair reaction times, and increase the likelihood of missing stop signs.
- Speeding: Approaching a stop sign at a high speed reduces the time a driver has to come to a stop. A speeding driver may not be able to stop in time, leading to an accident.
However, driver negligence and recklessness are not the only causes of stop sign accidents. For example, obstructed views due to parked vehicles, vegetation, poorly placed signs, or other visual barriers can block a motorist’s view of a stop sign, leading to an accident.
Types of Stop Sign Accidents
The following are some of the common types of stop sign accidents;
- T-Bone Collisions: Also called side impact collisions, these accidents occur when the front of one car crashes into the side of another.
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when the front of a car crashes into the back of another car.
- Pedestrian Accidents: When drivers fail to stop at a stop sign, accidents involving pedestrians can happen.
- Pile-up Collisions: A pile-up collision is an accident involving several cars that occurs in a chain reaction.
Legal Options for Victims of Stop Sign Accidents
After suffering injuries in a stop sign accident, it is crucial to understand your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages if your accident happened due to the negligence or recklessness of another driver. If another driver’s negligence or recklessness caused your stop sign accident, you may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact a Miami Personal Injury Attorney
If you’re involved in a stop sign accident due to the negligence or recklessness of another driver, our Miami personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you with your compensation claim.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
