Your Guide to Liability for Stop Sign Crashes in Texas

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that stop sign violations lead to approximately 700,000 traffic collisions nationwide each year. In Texas, stop sign crashes are fault-based cases. The driver (or any other party) who caused the accident through negligence can be held legally liable for the resulting damages. Within this article, our Sugar Land stop sign accident attorney provides a guide to liability in Texas.

Texas is a Fault-Based Car Crash State 

Texas follows an at-fault system for motor vehicle collisions, including for stop sign wrecks. The driver or other party who caused a crash through negligence can be held liable for any resulting damages. A driver who fails to come to a complete stop, rolls through the intersection, or fails to yield the right of way may be at fault for a crash. Every serious stop sign crash should be carefully investigated by an experienced Sugar Land car accident lawyer to determine what happened.

Note: Not all stop sign collisions are solely the driver’s fault. Liability could extend to additional parties. For example, a municipality may face claims if the stop sign was missing, obscured, or negligently maintained. 

How Modified Comparative Negligence Can Impact a Stop Sign Accident 

Texas applies a modified comparative negligence rule (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 33.001). One major implication is that fault may be shared between multiple parties. For example, one driver may fail to yield at a stop sign in Sugar Land, but the other driver may also have been speeding. They could both share some of the blame for the crash. There may be other cases where both drivers roll through a stop sign when the right-of-way is somewhat unclear. If you are found less than 51 percent at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your share of fault. For instance, if you were found 20 percent at fault for a stop sign crash in Harris County you would be liable for 20 percent of your own damages.

Recovering the Maximum Compensation After a Stop Sign Crash

Hurt in a collision at a stop sign in Sugar Land or elsewhere in Southeast Texas? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages, including for any non-economic losses. Our Sugar Land auto accident lawyer can help. Along with other types of damages, you may be able to recover financial compensation for:

• Vehicle repairs;
• Ambulance costs;
• Emergency room care;
• Hospital bills;
• Other medical expenses;
• Loss of wages;
• Loss of earning power;
• Pain and suffering;
• Disability or disfigurement; and
• Wrongful death. 

Call Our Sugar Land, TX Stop Sign Crash Lawyer Today

At Henrietta Ezeoke Law Firm, our Sugar Land auto accident attorney is an aggressive advocate for justice. Hurt in a stop sign crash? We are here to help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no obligation initial consultation. With an office in Missouri City, we fight for justice for car accident victims in Sugar Land, Houston, and throughout the broader region in Southeast Texas.

Source:

highways.dot.gov/media/34471