Decatur Stop Sign Accidents Lawyers
When driving a car, you have to be focused at all times because accidents can occur anywhere—even at stop signs. Coming upon an intersection can be confusing. You may think you have the right of way, but then another vehicle crosses your path, causing a crash.
A stop sign accident can cause significant damage, depending on how your vehicle was hit. Your vehicle could get T-boned, rear-ended, side swiped, or hit head on, causing serious injuries to you and your passengers. The Decatur stop sign accidents lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell can determine liability and help you get compensation for your injuries.
What Causes Stop Sign Accidents?
When accidents occur at stop signs, it is likely because of the following:
- Both drivers think they have the right of way. When two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, both drivers may think they have the right of way. This causes both vehicles to cross the intersection at the same time, causing a crash.
- Confusion. Not all intersections are four-way stops. Some are just two-way stops, so a driver may think that vehicles coming in the other direction will stop. When they don’t, it can result in a collision.
- Inattention. Drivers who are not paying attention to the roadway may run right through an intersection, causing a serious accident.
- Obstruction. It is possible that a driver may not see a stop sign because it is blocked by a bush, tree, parked vehicle, or other large object.
- Weather conditions. Extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, and fog can obscure a driver’s vision and make it hard to see a stop sign. This can also happen on sunny days when there is excessive glare.
Georgia Stop Sign Law
Like every state, Georgia has laws in place regarding driver responsibility at stop signs. First of all, every motorist approaching a stop sign must stop at the stop line. If there isn’t one, they must stop before entering the crosswalk. If there is no stop sign, then they must stop at the point where the driver has a clear view of approaching traffic.
Before crossing the intersection, though, the motorist must yield the right of way to other vehicles in the intersection. So who goes first? Here are general guidelines to follow:
- At an intersection, motorists must stop and give the right of way to anyone who is already there, whether they are in a vehicle or on foot.
- If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
- At a four-way stop, pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
Contact Us Today
Intersections can be tricky. Who has the right of way? A wrong move can lead to a stop sign accident.
Determining liability in these situations can be complex. The Decatur lawyers at Shiver Hamilton Campbell can help you understand the laws involved and your rights to compensation. Call (877) 215-6111 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation with our office.
