The Role That A Stop Sign Can Play In A Personal Injury Case
By obtaining a driver's license, you are agreeing to follow the laws. This includes coming to a full stop at a stop sign. Unfortunately, when you are involved in an accident at a stop sign, this can create a complicated situation. It can be difficult to determine whether everyone stopped completely at the stop sign or who should be considered responsible for the accident.
Comparative Negligence
In some cases, all parties might be considered equally responsible for the accident. For example, if both you and the other driver blow past the stop sign and collide with each other, and you both might be considered at fault as a result. However, there are other cases where the driver might be speeding and accuse you of having run the stop sign when this isn't the case.
Damages Caused by Stop Signs
Oftentimes, accidents occurring at a stop sign aren't at a very high speed but the accidents can still lead to serious damage, injuries, and even death. Even if you believe that you're not injured very badly, you'll want to head to the hospital so you can receive treatment for your injuries. Some injuries do not show up immediately, and you will need to have medical evidence to support the fact that your injuries were the result of the accident. Also, your compensation is based partially on your medical bills.
The type of injuries that you might suffer at a stop sign include:
- Whiplash
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
In addition to requiring that you pay for expensive medical bills, these injuries can affect your ability to work both in the short-term and long-term. Therefore, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. Even for injuries that do not leave you disabled, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering. However, you will need to prove that the other driver was negligent before you will be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Negligence and Traffic Violations
A traffic violation can play an important role in proving that the other party was at fault for the accident. By running a stop sign, the motorist will have shown that they were negligent when witnesses testify to the fact that you stopped at the stop sign and it was your turn to go. This is the case even if the other driver "rolls through."
A personal injury law firm can help you with your case. Reach out to a local personal injury lawyer.