Stop Sign Car Accident Lawyers
Even if you’re a cautious driver who always stops at stop signs, obeys red lights, and yields the right-of-way, not everyone on the road follows these rules. Sadly, other drivers can cause serious accidents when they fail to stop or yield at traffic lights or signs.
Right-of-Way and Stop Sign Accidents
A stop sign accident, generally speaking, involves a party’s failure to stop when required to do so at a traffic signal or sign. It can also involve the party’s failure to yield to another party that has the right-of-way, such as when stopping at an intersection that has specific rules regarding how to proceed. Although the rule for stopping at a stop sign is universally recognized and known by drivers, that rule is often broken, sometimes leading to an accident that causes damages and personal injuries.
Stop Sign Law in Kansas
Kansas state law is very clear about stopping at a stop sign, making it a requirement for all drivers to do so. The law provides: “Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it.”
Kansas also has laws in place regarding stop lights, including the need to stop at a red light completely and to determine right-of-way before proceeding. The penalties for breaking the Kansas laws regarding stop signs and stop lights include fines; moreover, if you cause an accident as a result of your failure to stop or failure to yield the right-of-way, you may be held liable for civil damages that result from the crash.
Common Stop Sign Accidents in Kansas
There are several ways an accident can occur at a stop sign. For example, a car may be unable to stop in time as a result of speeding or traveling at a speed that is not safe under specific circumstances. Or, they may be driving distracted, such as by texting or being on a phone or other electronic device while driving and going through an intersection without properly stopping. A party may ignore traffic signals such as stop signs, drive negligently or recklessly, or even miss a stop sign as a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
An accident at a stop sign may involve multiple cars, such as cases where failing to stop at an intersection leads to a pile-up or where many cars are attempting to cross the intersection at the same time, colliding when one driver fails to stop. These types of accidents can cause not only damage to your vehicle and other personal property but also significant–sometimes even catastrophic–personal injuries.
Recovering Compensation in a Stop Sign Car Accident
If your accident involved another party’s failure to stop at a stop sign or traffic light or their failure to yield when required, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages you have suffered as a result of the accident. Generally, those damages can include out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and the costs of fixing or replacing your vehicle after the accident. They can also include non-economic damages, such as scarring, pain and suffering, and the general decline you experience in your quality of life.
To recover compensation, you will need to prove liability, which means proving that the other party was at fault. You’ll need to show that by failing to yield or failing to stop at a sign or signal, the other party breached their duty of reasonable care to you and to others on the road. You will also need to prove that their actions were the direct cause of your personal injuries and damages.
Liability and damages are issues that can be difficult to prove in court. Plus, you will likely be dealing with large insurance companies representing the other party, who often have significant legal and financial resources on their side. You need to level the playing field in order to protect your own legal rights and interests. Make sure you consult with a lawyer who has the experience and knowledge to stand up to the insurance companies, advise you about your rights and options, and file a claim on your behalf. Your lawyer will better be able to negotiate with the other party and their insurance company to come to a fair and reasonable settlement offer.
Why Trust Bretz Injury Law with Your Car Accident Claim?
If you were involved in a car accident as a result of another driver’s failure to obey a stop sign, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you have suffered. You should not try to go it alone — a car accident case can quickly become complex, involving difficult questions of liability and damages. A knowledgeable and experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer can help, focusing on your case so that you can focus on getting your life back on track.
To establish a claim for negligence, we will investigate the facts of your case and preserve important evidence that can help prove your claims. We will negotiate with the other parties and their insurers in order to obtain a fair and reasonable settlement on your behalf, and if that is not possible, we will be by your side in court.
When you trust your case to Bretz Injury Law, you get more than a single lawyer on your side; you get an entire team of seasoned legal professionals all working together to secure the best possible outcome on your behalf. Our Kansas personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and fight for the fair compensation you are owed. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
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