Chicago Running a Stop Sign Accident Lawyer

Stop sign accidents in Chicago can be devastating and injured victims can be left with mounting medical bills and life-changing injuries. If you are seriously injured in a stop sign accident, it’s important to understand your rights and seek the counsel of an experienced Chicago lawyer after the accident happened. A knowledgeable Chicago stop sign accident attorney can help guide you pursue compensation, protect your interests, and provide sound legal counsel so that you get the best possible outcome.

Get Help from a Stop Sign Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a serious accident that was caused by a driver who ran a stop sign in Chicago, call The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers today. Our experienced stop sign car accident lawyers can provide legal assistance, negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more in your personal injury car accident claim.

Chicago Stop Sign Traffic Laws

In the state of Illinois, just like with traffic lights, it is illegal for a driver to disobey a stop sign or a clearly marked stop line. In fact, under Illinois 625 ILCS 5/11-1204(b), every motorist must make a complete stop at a stop sign or a white line that acts as a stop sign. If a crosswalk is present, you are required to stop before entering the crosswalk. In the absence of a crosswalk, you must stop before entering the intersection as the stop sign law indicates.

The Legal Consequences of Running a Stop Sign in Chicago

Whether a driver fails and rolls through a stop sign because they are in a hurry or due to a software error, the legal consequences are the same. Ignoring a stop sign or running a red light may result in serious legal consequences. A driver who fails to obey the law risks being cited and given a traffic ticket with fines. Depending on the circumstances, they could also receive points on their driver’s license, which goes on their driving record and can lead to license suspension or even revocation.

Causing Injury or Wrongful Death

In the worst case, a driver’s failure to obey traffic laws at stop sign intersections can result in car crashes with severe injuries and/or death. If another person is injured or killed as a direct result of their negligence, the driver may be liable for civil damages and even criminal charges.

Reasons Why Drivers Run Stop Signs

Drivers in Chicago run stop signs for many reasons, some of which include:

Distracted Driving

In 2021, there were 3,522 deaths from car accidents caused by distracted drivers according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drivers who focus on other things aside from the road are more likely to run a stop sign, drive into oncoming traffic, and cause car accidents with serious injuries.

Common Distractions

Common reasons for distracted driving include:

• Talking or texting on a cell phone
• Engaging in conversation with passengers
• Changing the radio
• Looking at the GPS for directions
• Eating, drinking, or putting on makeup
• Tending to children or animals in the backseat

Driver Fatigue

Driving while tired is not only difficult, it is dangerous. Tired drivers not only put themselves at risk of falling asleep at the wheel, but they also run the risk of running a stop sign and colliding into another driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist.

Driving Under the Influence

The NHTSA reports that alcohol and other impairing substances interfere with a driver’s vision and judgment, making it difficult for them to see and stop at a stop sign. Drunk and drugged drivers may not see the risk in running a stop sign and may even do it on purpose––especially if they think that they will not get caught.

Driver Inexperience

Those who are new to driving lack experience, which means they are more likely than other drivers to make a mistake like running a stop sign or engage in careless behavior when they drive. Teens and young adults make up a large percentage of the inexperienced drivers out on the roadways today and these young drivers are at higher risk.

Software Error in Self-Driving Vehicles

In a recent recall of 54,000 cars and SUVs, the “Full Self-Driving” software feature was revealed to allow the vehicles to roll through stop signs at up to 5.6 mph without coming to a full and complete stop. This is contrary to state law in most cases, where drivers can be ticketed for disregarding stop signs.

Tesla Recall

The Tesla recall includes 2016-2022 Model S sedans and Model X SUVs, along with 2017-2022 Model 3 sedans and 2020-2022 Model Y SUVs.

Damages You Might Be Entitled to Recover After a Stop Sign Car Accident

When you’ve been injured in a severe accident caused by the other driver running a stop sign, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the following damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Lost income
• Past and future medical bills and expenses
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Find Out What Your Case Is Worth

Call today to speak with a car accident attorney from our law firm to find out what your case might be worth.

Holding a Driver Liable When They Run a Stop Sign and Cause a Car Crash

If you are injured in a car accident caused by a driver who commits a stop sign violation, they may be held liable for the damages caused by their negligent behavior. Once you have received medical attention, it is important to make sure to file a police report with the police officer in order to help prove the other driver’s negligence.

Proving Negligence in Stop Sign Accidents

In order to hold them liable, you must prove that:

• They were legally obligated to obey the traffic law;
• They violated it by running a stop sign and not coming to a complete halt at the marked line;
• The violation was the direct cause of the accident; and
• The accident resulted in injuries or damages to you.

If you and a car accident lawyer can prove the other driver’s fault, then you may be able to hold the negligent driver liable for your car accident injuries.

The Role of a Lawyer in a Stop Sign Accident Case

If you were injured in a Chicago stop sign accident, an experienced car accidents lawyer can help. A car accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the motor vehicle collision and collect evidence from the accident scene to support your case;
• Calculate the total amount of damages that you are entitled to;
• Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf;
• Represent you in court, if necessary; and
• Help you seek compensation and get justice.

Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC for Help

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another driver who ran a stop sign, contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers for help. Call for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer from our legal team.