Aside from speeding, a failure to observe the stop sign laws in Ohio is one of the most common causes of accidents on the road. It may seem easy to determine fault at first, but no two cases are exactly alike, and extenuating circumstances can worsen the situation. Below, our Columbus stop sign accidents lawyer explains the most common scenarios surrounding these crashes and who may be to blame for each of them.
If you were traveling through an intersection legally and another driver ran a stop sign, crashing into you as they did, they may be entirely at fault. Under state law, all motorists must come to a full stop when approaching a stop sign. Only after pedestrians have crossed and a driver has the right-of-way may they proceed. Running a stop sign is not only negligent, but illegal. Still, the other driver may argue that you violated a traffic law as well, such as speeding, and claim you were partly at fault for the crash.
If you run a stop sign, there is little chance of avoiding liability completely. If the other driver had the right-of-way, you may be found entirely to blame for the accident. Still, you may not be entirely at fault for the crash. These situations require a full and in-depth analysis of all the facts of a case.
Motorists sometimes come to a full stop at signs but then proceed to move and hit another vehicle. If you were on a through street that did not have signs for you to comply with, the other driver will be held liable. You had the right-of-way because you did not have a sign, and they were required to remain fully stopped until the roadway was clear. Drivers may hit other motorists on through streets when they do not come to a full stop and proceed. This is a failure to yield, which is also against the law.
There are times when multiple drivers may come to a full stop, such as an intersection that has a four-way stop. All drivers may come to a full stop but two or more proceed at the same time and collide with each other. When two or more drivers stop at a sign at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. In these situations, it is very difficult to determine which driver is at fault.
It is never easy to determine who was at fault for a crash, and after someone has violated the stop sign laws in the state, it can be even more challenging. At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus stop sign accident lawyer can determine who was at fault for your injuries so you can file a claim against them for maximum compensation. Call or text us now at 614-220-9100or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
