Parkland Stop Sign Accident Lawyer
Stop signs are essential for traffic safety at intersections. If motorists never stopped, then the number of accidents would increase and more people would be hurt. For that reason, one of the first things people learn in driver’s education is to stop at a stop sign.
There is no reason for a driver to run through a stop sign. Any motorist who races through an intersection without slowing down is probably liable for any collision they cause. What’s more, Florida law might cause them to pay punitive damages as punishment. Contact a Parkland stop sign accident lawyer at Lyons & Snyder today.
Reasons Motorists Don’t Stop
Stopping when you approach a stop sign is one of the simplest rules of the road. You don’t even need to be able to read to recognize a stop sign. However, there are some common reasons why motorists drive straight through:
- Some motorists don’t want to stop because they are in a hurry to get somewhere.
- A drunk driver might not even see a stop sign, or their reflexes are too slow.
- Some drugs induce people to engage in risky behavior.
- An exhausted driver might fall asleep and then plow right through an intersection.
- A motorist might run through a stop sign because they are drag racing or engaging in other high-risk behavior.
- Missing signs. Some roads are in terrible condition, and signs might be missing. A person unfamiliar with the road might not even realize they need to stop.
High-Speed Collisions Cause Serious Injuries
Our clients have suffered some traumatic injuries when another motorist runs a stop sign. They can be struck in a T-bone collision or even a head-on crash. They might suffer fractures, neck injuries, head injuries, and spinal column damage.
In addition to physical injuries, accident victims can suffer from psychological distress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is fairly common after accidents and shows up as anxiety and a constant reliving of the wreck.
To fully recover, accident victims should receive treatment at the scene of the wreck and pay attention to their symptoms in the following weeks. Some injuries, like brain injuries, might not manifest for two days following a crash.
Punitive Damages for Running a Stop Sign
In the typical car accident case, you can receive compensation for medical care, lost income, car damage, other property damage, and pain and suffering.
When a driver runs a stop sign, however, victims might request punitive damages. These are designed to punish defendants who engage in intentional or grossly negligent conduct, with an eye toward deterring anyone else from committing these misdeeds. Refusing to stop at an intersection is the type of behavior that supports punitive damages. It shows a lack of appreciation for human life.
At Lyons & Snyder, we seek full compensation for our client’s injuries—including punitive damages when someone deliberately runs through a stop sign.
Call Us to Learn More
Our Parkland auto accident lawyer can review the facts of your case and discuss the next step to take. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
