Coral Springs Stop Sign Accident Lawyer
Stop signs help manage the orderly flow of traffic at intersections. It’s assumed that all motorists will follow the law and stop at a stop sign before checking that the way is clear. Unfortunately, many motorists glide on through without a care in the world.
At Lyons & Snyder, we help accident victims obtain necessary compensation following a crash. Our legal team can swing into action to review whether a motorist ran a stop sign and seek compensation if they ended up hurting you. Call us today to speak with a Coral Springs stop sign accident lawyer.
What is the Law on Stop Signs?
You can find the law at Florida Statutes § 316.123. It essentially states that any motorist approaching a stop sign must stop before the line or, if there is no line, then before entering the intersection. Doing so protects other vehicles entering the intersection, as well as pedestrians. We’ve seen many accidents where motorists stop a few feet into the intersection and clip a pedestrian in the process.
Once stopped, you can’t proceed unless the way is clear. This means waiting for traffic already in the intersection to pass through, as well as any vehicle that is an imminent threat.
You can pass through the intersection if you are the first car to stop. If there’s another car which stopped at the same time, then yield to the car on your right.
Do You Have to Stop if Making a Right-Hand Turn?
Yes. You can’t make a “rolling stop” where you simply slow down but don’t fully come to a stop. You also need to make sure that the way is clear before making your turn. This way you fully check to make sure there are no pedestrians entering the intersection.
Compensation for Running a Stop Sign
Many collisions occur because a motorist doesn’t fully stop. Even at low speeds, these accidents cause painful injuries. Fortunately, our legal team can seek money to make up for these injuries, including money for:
- Medical care
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Property damage
If someone runs a stop sign deliberately, we might also seek punitive damages against them. These damages are really a form of punishment. Some conduct is not merely careless; instead, it shows a disregard for the safety of other people. Under Florida law, we can seek punitive damages in these situations, which you can keep in addition to your other damages listed above.
Experienced Car Accident Lawyers in Coral Springs
Reconstructing a car accident takes knowledge and skill that only a seasoned lawyer possesses. At Lyons & Snyder, we know car accidents, and we know the Coral Springs community. We can immediately begin processing your case and reviewing your legal options. There is never a good reason to run a stop sign, so negligent and reckless motorists must be held accountable.
To begin, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We will review the facts and discuss legal options, including filing a lawsuit.
