Stop sign accidents occur when drivers fail to obey traffic laws, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. In Ohio, making a full stop at a stop sign is a legal requirement, but many drivers neglect this, resulting in violent collisions. Whether caused by distraction, impatience, or recklessness, failing to follow stop sign rules can turn a routine drive into a tragedy. If you or a loved one has been involved in a stop sign accident, our Stop Sign Accident Attorneys in Akron, OH are ready to help you pursue justice.
There are a variety of potential root causes of stop sign accidents – but the two most common are run of the mill negligence and distractions. Many people driving in residential areas mistakenly assume that no one will be traveling perpendicular to them at cross streets. This routine and seemingly innocuous kind of negligence can lead to horrific accidents. Other people might be on the phone, changing the radio station or distracted by their kids and simply miss seeing the stop sign.
There are also scenarios where stop signs are blocked by overgrown foliage or trees. Those cases can be a bit more complicated, as it might be an HOA or city who is ultimately responsible for landscaping and maintenance.
It’s not always easy to prove exactly what happened if there were no witnesses there and the drivers involved have contradictory narratives. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney may be the most reliable way to investigate the situation and clearly demonstrate what happened and who was at fault.
Establishing who had the right-of-way and who failed to stop can be complex, requiring evidence like eyewitness testimony or traffic camera footage. Stop sign accidents often happen in residential areas where neither of those sources of proof are available, meaning determining which story is the accurate version of events requires creative and detail-oriented accident investigation techniques.
Sometimes, both parties may share responsibility, such as if both fail to stop at the stop sign. Although this can complicate the legal process, you shouldn’t give up hope. Ohio’s modified comparative negligence doctrine allows you to still successfully pursue compensation if you’re less than 50 percent at fault.
In some circumstances it may even be possible to show neither driver was at fault. Poorly designed or marked intersections can contribute to accidents, potentially involving municipalities in legal claims.
If you’ve been injured in a stop sign accident, you have the right to seek compensation for:
The amount of compensation depends on the severity of injuries, the clarity of fault, and the insurance coverage of the parties involved. Our Stop Sign Accident Attorneys in Akron, OH can help collect necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, and eyewitness accounts, and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf.
Navigating the aftermath of a stop sign accident can be overwhelming. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or dispute fault, leaving victims to shoulder the financial burden. Having an attorney by your side can make a significant difference. They are skilled at countering insurance company tactics, understanding the nuances of insurance policies, and will not hesitate to take your case to court if necessary.
If you’ve been involved in a stop sign accident in Akron, contact our Stop Sign Accident Attorneys in Akron, OH for a free consultation. We’re here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
The team at the Buckeye Law Group knows how frustrating stop sign accidents can be for the drivers involved. We aren’t afraid to push back against the insurance company if they’re refusing to reach a fair claim payment after your crash. Call us at 1-800-411-PAIN for a free case evaluation.