Richmond Stop Sign Accident Lawyers
In Virginia, stop sign violations account for a significant portion of traffic accidents. According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), there were over 3,000 stop sign-related crashes in the state in 2020, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. The 2022 Virginia Traffic Crash Facts report 7,501 crashes attributable to a driver having run traffic control. Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that approximately 40% of all motor vehicle collisions are intersection-related, with stop sign violations playing a crucial role.
Stoplight and stop sign accidents are so prevalent because they are caused by some of the most common negligent driving behaviors, including speeding, drinking and driving, and distracted driving, in addition to just plain ignoring a stop sign or rushing to beat a changing signal light. Sadly, these accidents can result in significant painful and costly injuries. Whether you were rear-ended at a stop sign or T-boned in an intersection, the personal injury law firm of Latham & Martin can help. Our seasoned car accident attorneys provide a high level of individualized attention to injury victims to ensure their needs are being met while we work on securing a full and fair amount of just compensation. Contact our dedicated Richmond stop sign accident lawyers today.
Virginia Laws Regarding Stop Signs
In Virginia, the rules concerning stop signs are clear, and failure to adhere to them may lead to severe accidents and injuries. Under Virginia law, specifically Code of Virginia section 46.2-821, drivers must come to a complete stop at a stop sign before proceeding. They are required to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles or pedestrians that are already within the intersection.
When approaching an intersection controlled by a stop sign, Virginia law emphasizes that:
- The driver must stop at the clearly marked stop line or before entering the crosswalk.
- If there is no stop line or crosswalk, the driver must stop before entering the intersection itself.
Failure to comply with this statute may lead to legal penalties, including fines and points against the driver’s license. Additionally, a driver who violates the stop sign law and gets into a crash could be considered negligent by virtue of breaking the law. This fact can make it easier to prove a case against a negligent driver and hold them accountable for the injuries they’ve caused. At the same time, it could mean that an accident victim who floated past a stop sign could be prevented from any recovery, even if they were hit by a speeding or drunk driver who blew through their own stop sign and caused the crash. Needless to say, these accidents can be complicated situations to sort out, so be sure to talk with an experienced and successful car accident lawyer who can look into the facts and evaluate your claim.
Dangers of Stop Sign Violations
Stop sign violations can lead to many different types of accidents and injuries, ranging from painful and debilitating to permanently disabling or fatal. The lifelong implications of injuries resulting from stop sign violations can include ongoing medical treatment, loss of income, and substantial suffering. Some common examples of injuries caused by stop sign accidents include:
- T-Bone Accidents: When one vehicle fails to stop at a stop sign, it can collide with the side of another vehicle, leading to a T-bone accident. These accidents often cause severe injuries such as broken bones, internal organ injury and head trauma. T-bone crashes are most serious or fatal when a taller vehicle like a pickup truck or SUV collides with a smaller vehicle, hitting the car at window height where occupants are most vulnerable.
- Rear-End Collisions: Drivers who do not notice they are coming upon a stop sign can collide with a stopping or stopped vehicle, causing the forward driver to experience back injuries, whiplash or other neck injuries.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Failing to stop at a stop sign may also put pedestrians at risk, leading to injuries or even fatalities.
Contact Latham & Martin Today
Stop sign accidents and the subsequent injuries they cause are not to be taken lightly. Understanding and abiding by Virginia’s strict laws on stop sign compliance is essential for road safety. If you or a loved one has been involved in a stop sign accident in Richmond, Virginia, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Latham & Martin are here to assist with your legal needs. With our in-depth knowledge of Virginia traffic laws and over a decade of experience helping car accident victims in Richmond, we are committed to pursuing justice for those hurt in stop sign accidents.
