California Stop Sign Laws

With so many drivers in California, the possibility of being in a car accident is an ever-present danger. According to 2022 data from the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Record System (SWITRS), there were 3,745 car accidents throughout California that caused injuries or resulted in fatalities.

Going through a car accident can completely change your life. Even if your physical injuries get better quickly, the emotional and mental effects can stick with you forever. As you make your way through the healing process, you’ll likely be facing medical bills, therapy, expensive treatments, emotional turmoil, and higher insurance costs.

Experienced Legal Support From California Car Accident Lawyers

At Maison Law, our team of experienced California car accident lawyers understands how devastating a car accident can be. More than that, we know how important it is to follow safety laws. When other drivers don’t take their responsibility seriously and cause an accident by running a stop sign, we’ll be there to help you.

Don’t wait any longer to get the assistance you need. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to find out more.

California Stop Sign Laws and Car Accidents

Of all the vehicle laws that are on the books in California, one of the most commonly understood ones involves stop signs. While it’s rather straightforward, California law does lay out what drivers are supposed to do when they come to a stop sign:

• California Vehicle Code 22450 – Any driver approaching a stop sign at the entrance to or within an intersection must come to a complete stop. This means that drivers must bring their vehicles to a halt at the limit line or crosswalk if there is one. If there is no marked line or crosswalk, drivers are required to stop fully at the entrance of the intersecting roadway before proceeding further. This law also applies at train tracks.
• California Vehicle Code 21802 – California Vehicle Code 21802 says that when you see a stop sign at an intersection (except for a four-way stop), you have to stop and let any vehicles on the other road or approaching very closely go first. You have to wait until it’s safe to go without causing any danger to them. After you’ve properly yielded, you can enter the intersection, and then other vehicles need to yield to you.

Obviously, these laws are in place to ensure a safe driving experience for everyone. With that said, safety relies heavily on drivers obeying the rules at the right moments. When drivers fail to follow these rules, dangerous accidents can occur.

Common Types of California Car Accidents That Result From Running Stop Signs

Not following stop sign laws in California can result in a variety of different accidents, all of which can have a major impact on you and your family. Whether it be injuries or damage to your vehicle, a car accident is an extremely trying situation. Some common types of accidents that result from running stop signs include:

• T-bone accidents – These occur when a vehicle running a stop sign broadsides another vehicle that has the right of way, resulting in a collision resembling the shape of a “T.” T-bone accidents can cause severe injuries or even fatalities, especially if the impact is on the driver or passenger side.
• Rear-end accidents – When a driver runs a stop sign and fails to yield, they may collide with the vehicle ahead that is following the traffic rules. Rear-end accidents can result in property damage, whiplash injuries, and other injuries, particularly if the collision occurs at high speeds.
• Intersection accidents – Running a stop sign increases the risk of intersection accidents. These accidents often involve multiple vehicles and can occur due to drivers simultaneously entering the intersection without following the right-of-way rules. Intersection accidents can lead to significant damage and injuries to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents – Failing to stop at a stop sign endangers pedestrians and cyclists who may be crossing the road legally. A driver running a stop sign can collide with a pedestrian or cyclist, causing severe injuries or even fatalities.
• Side-swipe accidents – When a driver runs a stop sign and fails to yield to oncoming traffic, they may collide with a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. Side-swipe accidents can result in vehicle damage and injuries, particularly if the vehicles are traveling at higher speeds.

No matter what type of accident happens, it’s likely that it’s going to cause you some type of injury. These can range from minor to severe. Regardless of the injury, looking at the circumstances and facts is crucial to your overall legal options.

What Steps Should You Take After a California Car Accident?

There’s no denying that being in a car accident in California is overwhelming. At the same time, it’s also important to stay calm. Further, you’ll need to ensure your safety and protect your rights, by taking the following steps after your car accident:

• Check for injuries
• Move to a safe place
• Exchange information with others involved
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene
• Contact your insurance company
• Seek medical attention

By taking these steps, you prioritize your safety, safeguard your legal rights, and minimize the impact of the accident. Consulting with our skilled car accident lawyers is especially crucial, as we can guide you through the legal process and inform you about your options.

Legal Process For California Car Accident Claims

When it comes to the legal process for a California car accident, the first step is establishing who is liable. In cases where the accident was caused by running a stop sign, it makes liability fairly simple: the driver who ran the stop sign acted negligently and thus is responsible for any injuries or other damages.

With that said, California law also includes the concept of “comparative negligence.” Comparative negligence refers to the principle that your compensation is proportionally reduced based on your degree of fault in the accident. For instance, if you are determined to be 15% responsible for the accident, your damages will be decreased by that same percentage.

From there, you can move forward with filing a claim for damages, typically either through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. In a car accident claim, you may be eligible to receive various damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life or companionship
• Punitive damages

The actual amount of compensation depends on factors like the severity of your injuries and the extent of your fault in the accident. California has a two-year statute of limitations on injury claims, meaning you have two years from the accident date to file your claim. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation, even if the other party is at fault, leaving you without the means to recover from your injuries.

Free Consultations For California Car Accident Victims

Experiencing a car accident in California can be unfortunate and even tragic. It can also bring overwhelming challenges for you and your family, especially when dealing with injuries and other losses.

In such difficult times, it is vital to reach out to our team of experienced California car accident lawyers at Maison Law. We are dedicated to providing the support and guidance you need.

To get started, feel free to contact us as soon as you can to set up a free consultation.