Running a stop sign can result in a very serious collision. Because legally all drivers are required to stop their vehicles completely at stop signs, not stopping places fault for an accident on the party that ran the stop sign. Below is advice on proving that the other party was responsible for running a stop sign and therefore responsible for the accident as a whole.
The Other Party’s Responsibility to Stop
The first step to prove that the other party ran a stop sign and is therefore at fault for the accident is to show that the other party was legally required to stop at the location of the accident. The police report and other documentation will assist you with proving this fact. Show that the location of the intersection was either a four-way stop or that you were not required to stop but that the other party was.
Your Innocence: The Speed You Were Traveling
To show that you are not at fault for the accident you must demonstrate that you came to a complete stop if required. This is essential for accidents occurring at a four-way stop intersection. The speed with which you were traveling is the best way to show that you abided by the law and came to a full stop at your sign as required. If you came to a full stop, you would not have been traveling faster than twenty miles per hour at the time of the accident. Airbags not deploying show that the accident happened while you were traveling at a low rate of speed.
Use the Location of Impact
If one party runs a stop sign, the point of impact with another vehicle will be on the side of the other car. As proof that the other party failed to stop at the sign as required, use the point of impact to show that the side of your car was hit by the other party. Damage to the front, middle or back end of the side of your vehicle indicates that the other party did not abide by the stop sign.
The Other Party’s Speed
For your car to incur damage from the accident, the other car must have been traveling at a high rate of speed. Driving quickly indicates that the other party did not stop as required to by a stop sign because, had he, the impact would not have occurred or have been as serious.
Getting Legal Help
If you are involved in an auto accident lawsuit in which you need to show that the other party ran a stop sign, seek legal assistance with your claim. An attorney will identify the best way to prove the other party’s fault to obtain compensation for your damages and injuries.
