$100,000,000
in California case results
$20,000,000
in California jury verdicts
14
award-winning attorneys in network
Four-way stop sign car accidents often occur because drivers are unaware of or disregard traffic laws for this type of intersection.
If you’re in a four-way stop car crash, you may have to figure out who was at fault. A four-way stop sign car accident attorney and their investigator can help.
With traffic signals like a red light, it can be easier to determine if you have the right of way because the color of the light indicates when it’s your turn.
With stop signs, you must rely heavily on the awareness of other motorists and your knowledge of right-of-way rules.
Seeking legal advice from a personal injury law firm may save you a lot of trouble trying to deal with your insurance company and the legal process.
Determining fault in car accident cases at four-way stop intersections can be particularly challenging. Traffic lights may have cameras that can help with reconstructing the accident scene — four-way stop intersections rarely do.
You need to gather evidence if you’re in a four-way stop auto accident. These steps may be helpful in intersection accidents:
Intersection accidents are extremely common, and these are a few factors to consider:
The legal options available for victims of four-way accidents will depend on who was at fault and what can be proven. The law offices of a personal injury attorney will be able to help you decide if you have a case.
If you live in a no-fault state, you can file a claim for damages through your insurance company. Depending on the circumstances, you may file through the other driver’s insurance company or your own in an at-fault state.
In states like Texas, if you’re found to be over 50% at fault for the accident, you may not be eligible for compensation.
When an accident includes a fatality, the deceased person’s next of kin may file a wrongful death claim against one or more of the drivers. This is usually done with the help of a personal injury lawyer.
Four-way stop sign accidents have many causes. While failure to yield right of way is at the top of the list, it’s far from the only reason.
Make sure that you know who arrived at the stop sign first, who has the right of way based on the order of arrival, and who’s turning in which direction. Otherwise, you might find yourself blocking the intersection with a car accident.
Some drivers will barely slow down at stop signs, so they don’t allow enough time to assess the situation properly. Going too fast through a four-way stop is an easy way to cause a wreck.
Getting distracted when rolling up to or sitting at a stop sign is common, especially if a line of cars is ahead of you. However, failing to pay attention when it’s your turn can have serious consequences.
Inexperienced drivers can be timid at four-way stops, meaning they might be too hesitant on their turn and end up getting run over by faster vehicles. They’re also more likely to fail to yield properly.
A four-way stop that lacks turning lanes can make it even more important for you to use turn signals to indicate which direction you’re going.
Otherwise, the driver across from you might go at the same time, thinking that you’re also going straight and causing mayhem if you’re attempting a left turn.
Drugs, alcohol, and even prescription meds can affect your judgment and response times. Poor judgment and slow response times may land you in a dangerous situation.
T-bone collisions are standard in four-way stop sign accidents, and that can mean severe crush injuries for those on the side that’s hit. Rear-end collisions also occur frequently.
Common injuries in four-way stop sign accidents include:
Some traffic laws are decided by individual states, but there are some standards that have been established at the national level regarding four-way stops.
Know that pedestrians who have entered a crosswalk at a four-way stop always have the right of way.
Here is what you need to know about traffic rules that may affect your 4-way stop sign car accident case.
The first motorist to reach the stop sign and come to a complete stop has the right of way, which means that all other drivers should yield.
If you arrive at the stop sign at the same time as another driver, whoever is on the right-hand side gets to go first.
When four vehicles stop at approximately the same time, drivers will often signal to one another to yield the right of way.
Drivers on the opposite side of the intersection can proceed regardless of their arrival times if they’re both going straight.
A driver turning right or left must use turn signals to make other drivers aware of their intentions.
Left-hand turns should yield to all oncoming traffic but can make a left turn at the same time as a driver immediately opposite who is also turning left.
Right-hand turns can do the same but must yield to straightaway traffic.
If you’re caught failing to yield or don’t come to a complete stop at a four-way stop sign, you can receive a ticket with fines. If you cause an accident, you may be subject to greater penalties, including fines and compensation.
You can claim damages in a four-way accident that includes:
A few things factor into four-way stop sign accidents that may work in your favor.
Drivers have responsibilities at four-way stops to come to a complete stop, pay attention to the order of arrival for all vehicles, properly signal when turning, and yield appropriately on the right of way. Failure to do so may find you at fault for the accident due to negligence to follow the duty of care.
Any time inclement weather or roads are in bad shape for whatever reason, you should be very cautious in how you proceed to and through four-way stop intersections. Though you may not be at fault for any accidents, receiving compensation without an attorney may be problematic.
If the area doesn’t have appropriate signage or the other driver lacks working brake lights or turn signals, it can lead to an accident for which the municipality or the other driver is at fault.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking your insurance company is on your side in a four-way stop car accident. You must file an insurance claim to receive compensation from them, and they will have an investigator look into the accident, and their attorneys will represent them.
Having your own personal injury lawyer will help protect your interests in a personal injury claim. If you have a case, your lawyer can help you file your case, negotiate a settlement, and represent you in court if needed.
LegalFinders is here to help. We provide free consultation of your case and connect you with a top personal injury attorney who will offer a free case evaluation.
Whether you’re beginning the legal process after an accident, have been denied by your insurance company, or have been paid less than you should, LegalFinders can put you in touch with someone who can help.
WE’RE OPEN NOW
Our staff are standing by to help you find the perfect attorney for your case.
Published: 15 March 2024
American National Standard. “Manual on Classification of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes.” Retrieved from: https://www.nhtsa.gov/document/ansi-d16-2017-manual-classification-motor-vehicle-traffic-crashes.
Driving Test. “The Ultimate List of Driving Statistics for 2023.” Retrieved from: https://driving-tests.org/driving-statistics/.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Roundabouts.” Retrieved from: https://www.iihs.org/topics/roundabouts#safety-benefits.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Crash Factors in Intersection-Related Crashes: An On-Scene Perspective.” Retrieved from: https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811366.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Pedestrian Safety.” Retrieved from: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety.
