Car Accidents and Stop Signs
Personal injury attorney Roger “Rocky” Walton puts the needs of his clients first. He is committed to helping injury victims and their loved ones based in the greater Arlington, TX area. This includes legal representation for those affected by catastrophic auto collisions.
A car accident lawyer can help you seek damages after a crash at an intersection where a stop sign was ignored. We’d like to explore auto accidents due to stop sign issues in more detail below.
Statistics on Stop Sign Auto Collisions
Looking at a study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), we can see the hazards of intersection accidents, whether a traffic signal or stop sign is present. From 2005-2007, the NHTSA recorded 787,236 intersection-related collisions. Of that number, 52.5 percent were at intersections controlled by traffic signals and 31.3 percent were at intersections controlled by stop signs.
Dangers at Intersections
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) also adds some texture and nuance to the above numbers. According to FHWA findings, a major street will have around 300 vehicles crossing through an intersection every hour on an average day. That’s countless chances for a crash to occur. Even on minor streets, the hazards are still present, especially during high-traffic times such as commuting hours and after school.
Think of some of the major intersections throughout Arlington. Thousands of vehicles will cross through them each day, and that doesn’t take into account the number of pedestrians and bicyclists who share the road. Since many people cross at crosswalks, the hazards to pedestrians can be extreme if a driver ignores or disregards a stop sign ahead.
Common Causes of Stop Sign Crashes
Some of the most common causes of crashes around stop signs include:
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driver in a hurry/running late
- Failure to observe a stop sign
- Texting while driving
- Distracted driving
- Stop sign blocked by object or foliage
- Drunk driving
- Driver fatigue
Given our duty to share the road with others and ensure safety, none of these reasons are acceptable, especially when people’s lives are on the line.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
If you or a loved one were harmed in an auto accident that was caused by a negligent driver, our attorneys can help. We will hold negligent drivers accountable for the damage and injuries that they caused. In cases in which the stop sign was obscured by tree limbs or construction apparatus, we can look into holding local municipalities accountable for putting law-abiding motorists at risk.
Damages in Car Crash Cases
During a personal injury lawsuit for an auto collision, it’s common for compensatory damages to be sought. These cover material losses sustained due to a crash, such as vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages, and so forth. Punitive damages may be sought in especially egregious cases of negligence, such as a commercial truck driver being drowsy behind the wheel because their company overworks their employees.
Our lawyers can help determine if a proposed settlement amount is fair, and negotiate for a better settlement to avoid the need for trial.
Contact Our Law Firm
For more information about your legal options allowing a car crash, be sure to contact a skilled auto accident and injury attorney. You can reach the law firm of Roger “Rocky” Walton, P.C. in Arlington by calling (817) 533-4120. Our team is here to help.
