Introduction
Stop sign accidents cause thousands of injuries annually when drivers fail to stop completely, roll through intersections, or misjudge right-of-way at four-way stops. Running a stop sign is a clear traffic violation that creates strong liability in injury claims. If you've been injured by a driver who ran a stop sign, understanding how to prove the violation and pursue compensation is essential.
This comprehensive guide covers stop sign right-of-way rules, proving the other driver's violation, dealing with disputed liability, and maximizing your recovery.
Stop sign violations are negligence per se that create clear liability. We'll help you prove the other driver's fault and recover full compensation.
Stop Sign Rules and Right-of-Way
Drivers must come to a complete stop at stop signs. Rolling through or slowing without stopping is a violation. After stopping, the driver must yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in or approaching the intersection.
At four-way stops, the first vehicle to arrive and stop has the right to proceed first. When vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right has priority. These rules determine fault when multiple vehicles claim right-of-way.
At two-way stops, vehicles on the through street have the right-of-way. Drivers at the stop sign must wait until they can safely enter the intersection without interfering with through traffic.
A driver who ran a stop sign and caused a collision is almost always at fault. The violation itself establishes negligence, leaving only damages to prove.
Proving the Violation
Witness testimony can establish that the other driver failed to stop. Other drivers, pedestrians, and people at nearby businesses may have seen the violation. Collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the crash.
Vehicle damage patterns indicate which vehicle was traveling through the intersection and which entered from the stop sign. T-bone damage to your vehicle suggests you were struck while lawfully proceeding through.
The police report should document the officer's findings about which driver had the stop sign and whether they stopped. A citation for running the stop sign is strong evidence of fault.
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, or dashcams may show the other driver failing to stop. Request preservation of this footage immediately.
Skid marks or the absence thereof provide evidence about whether the driver attempted to stop. No skid marks from the stop sign direction suggests the driver never braked.
Disputed Right-of-Way at Four-Way Stops
Four-way stops often result in disputed liability when both drivers claim they stopped and had the right to proceed. Evidence about arrival order and positions determines who had priority.
Witness testimony is particularly valuable in four-way stop disputes. Other drivers and pedestrians may have observed which vehicle arrived and stopped first.
Vehicle damage patterns help reconstruct the collision. The location of damage on each vehicle indicates their positions and directions of travel at impact.
If both drivers stopped but one misjudged the right-of-way, the driver who entered second typically bears fault. They had a duty to yield to the vehicle that properly established priority.
Rolling Stops
Rolling stops occur when drivers slow but don't come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. This common behavior is a traffic violation that creates liability.
Many drivers habitually roll through stop signs and may not even realize they didn't fully stop. However, their subjective belief doesn't excuse the violation or eliminate liability.
Evidence of a rolling stop may include witness observations, the speed at which the driver entered the intersection, and the absence of a complete pause before proceeding.
Building Your Case
Photograph the intersection, stop signs, and sight lines from all approaches. This documentation helps establish that the stop sign was visible and the other driver should have stopped.
Get contact information from all witnesses before they leave. Witnesses to stop sign violations are crucial because they can confirm the other driver never stopped.
Obtain the police report and review the officer's fault determination. If the other driver was cited for running the stop sign, this supports your claim.
Document your injuries thoroughly and follow all medical treatment recommendations. Your damages depend on proving both liability and the extent of your harm.
Note whether your vehicle had the right-of-way based on the intersection configuration and any stop signs you did or didn't have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion and Next Steps
Running a stop sign is a clear traffic violation that establishes negligence. If you were struck by a driver who ran a stop sign, they are liable for your injuries and damages.
The most important steps you can take right now are: photograph the intersection and stop sign locations, get witness contact information, obtain the police report, document all injuries, and note which vehicle had the right-of-way.
If you've been injured by a driver who ran a stop sign, contact a qualified car accident attorney for a free case evaluation. An experienced attorney can gather evidence, prove the violation, and pursue full compensation for your injuries.