Stop signals can be found throughout North Port and are used to help drivers operate their vehicles safely. If someone ignores these signals and runs a red light or a stop sign, then they could cause a major collision that could leave victims suffering from severe injuries and, in some cases, even lead to fatalities.
Because of how serious accidents caused by running a stop signal can be, all drivers have a duty of care to observe all traffic signals in order to keep the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians around them safe. This means that if you were involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault because someone ran a stop signal, then they have been negligent and can be held liable for your damages.
Unfortunately, the Florida legal system doesn’t make it easy to pursue a personal injury claim. This is why it’s crucial that you contact The Law Place so they can help secure the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience in helping clients just like you fight the injustice they have endured. We offer free consultations for anyone who believes they may have a claim. To receive professional legal advice from reputable car accident lawyers, contact The Law Place today.
Call us now at (941) 444-4444! Phone lines are open 24/7.
Accidents Caused by Running a Stop Signal
The most frequent type of accident that is caused after a driver has run a stop signal is a side-impact collision, more commonly known as a T-bone collision.
This type of crash is a serious accident between two vehicles and is most dangerous for the driver, front passenger, and the people sitting on the side of the car that was crashed into, as they take the brunt of the impact. The impact can be fatal, depending on the speed and the size of the other vehicle. What makes them even more serious is that T-bone collisions leave the rear passengers exposed. In many cases, rear passengers are children whose injuries could be lethal.
Why a Driver Might Ignore a Stop Signal
Stop signals, such as stop signs and red lights, are found on Florida roads for a reason. They are used to prevent any driver confusion about whose right of way it is and to indicate when it is safe to drive or when it is not. The signals are purposefully large and colorful to ensure they’re highly visible to all drivers, which means it’s hard for drivers to justify their reasoning if they fail to obey them.
However, some of the common reasons why a driver might fail to obey stop signals are listed below:
- The driver was distracted. For example, they were texting or eating.
- The driver was speeding and didn’t have time to brake.
- The driver was in a rush.
- The driver didn’t recognize the two-way stop sign.
- There were poor driving conditions, such as heavy rain or snow.
- The driver was operating their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, either illegal or prescribed.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Running a Stop Signal Accidents
Stop signals are designed to keep road users safe from dangerous collisions. But, unfortunately, drivers do not always follow them. Accidents caused by running stop signals can cause serious injury or even death to road users and pedestrians.
Listed below are a few of the most common injuries that a motor vehicle accident can cause:
- Sprains, lacerations, cuts, burns, and bruises.
- Broken bones and fractures.
- Neck injuries, such as whiplash.
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis.
- Traumatic brain or head injuries.
- Internal organ injuries.
- Internal bleeding.
- Wrongful death.
The above injuries show how important it is for people to obey stop signs and how there is no excuse for this type of reckless driving. All drivers have the responsibility to follow the rules of the road, and so if you got injured because of someone’s reckless driving, then you may be entitled to compensation.
However, how much compensation you receive is usually dependant on how severe the injuries you sustained are and how recklessly the other driver was driving. Despite this, it could prove to be worthwhile to get in touch with a North Port accident attorney even if you only sustained minor injuries, as you may still be entitled to a substantial amount of financial compensation. Our personal injury lawyers at The Law Place have the extensive knowledge needed to be able to fight for your rights and secure the justice that you deserve. So, contact our law firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Compensation for Accidents Caused by Running a Stop Sign
A personal injury lawyer in North Port will be able to help you if you are eligible for compensation to cover your damages caused in a car accident. The first way that you’ll be able to seek compensation will be through your personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL) policy.
These policies will be able to cover some of your medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, and most of the wages you may have lost due to being unable to attend work. For more information, contact The Law Place today and schedule a free case evaluation to speak with a qualified accident attorney.
What Damages Will an Attorney Help Me to Claim in North Port, Florida?
If you were a victim of a car accident caused by the other driver running a stop signal in North Port, FL., then our law firm wants to help you. We believe you should be able to focus on healing without the added burden of medical expenses and any other unexpected costs, so contact us today.
The most common damage types that The Law Place attorneys have won in compensation for their clients are listed below:
- Medical bills – The car accident likely left you with injuries that required medical treatment, and you deserve compensation to cover all related expenses that you may be facing.
- Lost wages – If you’ve had to take time off work because of the car accident, and have therefore suffered from loss of income, then you may deserve compensation to cover your past, present, and projected loss of earnings.
- Loss of potential future earnings – If the accident left you with severe injuries, then this could impact your ability to work in the future, which would entitle you to compensation.
- Property damage – If the accident resulted in damage to your vehicle, phone, or anything else, then you may deserve compensation to cover this.
- Pain and suffering – You may be entitled to compensation if you were left with emotional distress and trauma from the accident. However, this can be hard to quantify, so it’s important that you have a personal injury lawyer to fight on your behalf.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a driver running a stop signal, then you may be entitled to compensation to cover funeral costs and loss of consortium.
If you were a victim of an accident caused by another driver failing to obey stop signals, then you should not have to face the consequences and burdens alone. We know that compensation cannot fix the trauma and injuries you may be suffering from. But, it can relieve you of financial burdens created by the accident and can serve as proof that some form of justice has been served.
Therefore, if you have been a victim of an auto accident in North Port, you should call The Law Place as soon as possible to schedule a free case evaluation. Your chances of winning your case and securing compensation will be much higher if you enlist the help of a Florida personal injury attorney. The sooner you get in touch, the more time our team will have to investigate and fight your case.
Florida’s Comparative Negligence Laws
As stated under Florida Statute 768.81, Florida works within a comparative fault system. This means that more than one party can be found to be at fault for an accident, including a car crash, even if you were a victim. If you are found to be less than 50% at-fault for the accident, you still have the right to make a claim. However, your settlement will be reduced based on how much the accident was determined to be your fault.
For example, if you were in an accident caused by someone ignoring a stop signal, but you were also using your phone, then you may be judged to be partly to blame. If you were found to be 20% at blame, then your final settlement would be reduced by 20%.
The insurance companies of the opposing party will try to argue that you were more at fault. This is why we strongly advise you to hire a lawyer that can fight to ensure you don’t get taken advantage of and that you receive as much compensation as possible. So, contact The Law Place to schedule a free consultation today.
Why Should You Contact a North Port Car Accident Lawyer?
If you have been involved in a car accident caused by a driver running a stop signal, then it’s crucial that you act quickly. Florida Statute 95.11 states that you only have four years after the date of the car accident to file your personal injury lawsuit. If you wait to file your lawsuit, you risk your case being dismissed, which means you will have no ability to receive a settlement, no matter how serious the injuries you sustained are.
This is why it’s so crucial that you seek legal representation if you think you have a personal injury claim. The attorneys at The Law Place will be able to take on all the complicated legal work on your behalf. So, you can relax and focus on your recovery from the traumatic experience, knowing that your case is in good hands.
Our lawyers will work to gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and build a solid case to ensure you have the best chance at securing the financial compensation and justice that you deserve. Contact us as soon as possible to give us plenty of time to develop your case.
The Law Place
If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident caused by a driver running a stop signal in North Port, Florida, then you should contact The Law Place today. We know how much stress and trauma you have likely had to endure, and we want to hold the other driver to account and seek the justice that you deserve.
Our phone lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don’t hesitate to contact us for specialized legal advice and to schedule a free consultation at (941) 444-4444!