If someone runs a stop sign and causes an accident, you may need to prove that it wasn’t you who caused the accident. Sometimes, the at-fault party is obvious, while at other times the accident may be the result of a misunderstanding. In some cases, both drivers may even be partially to blame for the accident.
Determining Liability
It may be confusing at first to determine who was at fault for the accident while you try to get your bearings. Therefore, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- Did you come to a full stop at the stop sign? If you didn’t, then you are going to be held at least partially responsible.
- Did the other driver fail to come to a full stop? If the other driver ran the stop sign, then the accident may be entirely his or her fault.
- Did you both come to a full stop? If you both came to a full stop, and then went at the same time, it can be difficult to prove which of you is at fault.
- Were you on a through street? If the other driver had a stop sign and you didn’t, and he went anyway and hit you, then the accident is his fault. He should have remained stopped until it was safe to proceed through the intersection.
Collecting Evidence
If you decide to bring a lawsuit against the other party for the accident, then it is your responsibility at the plaintiff to collect as much evidence as possible in support of your case. There are some things you can do immediately following the accident that can go a long way to proving the other party’s negligence.
Gather Testimony
Immediately following the accident, take the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses at the scene. This can include everyone from passengers in your and the other party’s vehicle, to witnesses and passersby. Anyone who saw the other driver blowing through a stop sign or proceeding when it was too early can testify in court and support your claim that the accident wasn’t your fault.
Eyewitnesses may need to give statement to the police at the scene of the accident, and those statements may be relied upon as evidence as well.
Take Photos
If you are physically able to take photos immediately following your accident, then you should do so. Take as many pictures from as many angles of both cars as possible. Take pictures of the conditions of the road, the stop sign itself, and any debris. Take both close-ups and wide shots – anything that will paint as clear a picture as possible for a judge or jury.
You should also take photos of any injuries, even the injuries the other party claims to have sustained, as well as the damage to both cars. The other party may claim to have broken an arm in the accident, but your photos show minor damage to both cars that couldn’t have possibly caused such an injury. Or, failing that, your photos may show his arm perfectly intact! He may have broken his arm after the accident but was trying to blame it on you – and you have the evidence to prove it!
The last thing you need is to be paying out thousands of dollars in medical care for an injury that wasn’t even a direct result of your accident! If you are up against a defendant who is claiming he or she suffered more severe injuries or damages than what transpired in the accident, our Atlanta car accident lawyers can help.
When To Hire A Lawyer
It can be difficult to prove another person was at fault in an accident. You may be angry and ready to go, but as soon as you enter the courtroom, you feel nervous about standing up to the other person. You may agree to a settlement for less than you deserve just to get the case over with.
We never let the other side intimidate us. We fight for justice and for our clients’ right to be made whole again. We are well-versed in traffic law, and we have helped clients recoup thousands of dollars in settlements to go toward their medical care and the replacement of their totaled vehicles. If you feel like trying your own case may be too much for you, let us help.
Involved In An Accident At A Stop Sign? We Can Help!
When you’re obeying the rules of the road, and someone causes an accident that involves you, it can be both upsetting and infuriating. Here you were, doing everything possible to avoid getting in an accident, and you found yourself in one anyway because the other person was not exercising as much caution.
Don’t let the other party take advantage of you by forcing you to settle for less than you deserve. Fill out the form to the right, or call (404) 341-6555 to speak with one of our qualified lawyers. You will receive a free consultation with no obligation to retain, along with the peace of mind that comes from speaking to someone who will do what it takes to help make things right. Contact us today!
