California drivers are supposed to make a full stop at stop signs. What’s more, they should never stop past the white limit line if present.
Making the required stop and following the right of way should prevent all accidents. Unfortunately, drivers can ignore the California Vehicle Code (CVC) or get reckless and cause collisions.
(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.
If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway.
The Right of Way at California Stop Sign Intersections
Approaching a four-way stop, drivers should make a full stop and make that stop behind the wide, white strip if one exists.
They shouldn’t do a “rolling stop,” where the driver doesn’t actually come to a complete stop. A full stop is critical because it allows for a safer and longer assessment of the traffic nearby. A rolling stop also has vehicles passing through crosswalks without paying proper attention.
The DMV California Driver’s Handbook also clears up any confusion about who goes first at a 4-way stop sign intersection.
- When drivers arrive at the intersection first, they go first.
- When vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time as you, allow the driver to the right to go first.
Drivers are supposed to make full stops and should always proceed cautiously through the intersection, even if it’s their turn. They should always yield to a driver who could cause an accident. Wait and proceed after that reckless driver has passed.
See: Additional information on safe travel through a stop sign intersection.
What Type of Support Should Stop Sign Violators Pay For?
Drivers who are cited for running a stop sign will usually receive a point on their driver’s license and a fine. This fine can start at $35, but that’s before court fees that would usually push the penalty up to over $200.
A rolling stop, or known locally as a California stop, can earn drivers an infraction.
What’s more, when drivers blow through stop signs and cause a collision, it’s not usually hard to figure out who caused it.
Drivers can be liable for the damage caused to victims, which can include these and other hardships.
- Hospital bills: These cover the full cost of your care, including ambulance fees, ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, follow-up appointments, medications, physical therapy, and other treatments. All future care, therapy, and medical equipment you could require should be factored in.
- Lost income and benefits: This includes the paychecks you’ve missed while recovering, along with future lost income if your injuries leave you with a permanent disability.
- Car repair invoices: These cover the cost to repair your vehicle or replace it if it’s a total loss.
- The Pain Endured: This includes the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries, both in the days right after the crash and over the long term. Chronic pain and the possibility of arthritis to come should earn support.
- Emotional trauma: These damages reflect the emotional impact of the crash, like anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, or post-traumatic stress.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries prevent you from doing things you once enjoyed—like playing sports, gardening, or spending time with your family–this loss can be included in your claim.
- Wrongful death benefits for families: If you lost a loved one in a California stop sign accident, compensation usually covers burial costs, their medical treatment before passing, lost income they would’ve earned, and the emotional toll their absence leaves behind.
A skilled California Car Accident Lawyer would back your case with evidence so that car insurance adjusters would have a very hard time denying your claim or limiting your settlement amount.
Maison Law can also use accident reconstruction teams to paint a crystal-clear picture of who ignored the stop sign right-of-way.
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer
If you were seriously hurt when another driver ran a stop sign, it’s a good idea to go over your case with a skilled lawyer. You’ll want to know what your case is worth and how to force a car insurance company to take responsibility.
Contact us to schedule a free case consultation as soon as possible. When victims can’t reach out for themselves. Families can contact Maison Law on their behalf.
There’s never any obligation, but if you do need our help, you don’t have to stress about finding the money to pay a lawyer. We aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check the insurance company must write.
