In Fort Worth, every car accident case usually involves an act of negligence–including a motorist running a stop sign. If you have car accident injuries because someone ran a stop sign, you could be entitled to compensation. Pursuing a civil lawsuit and holding that driver accountable is possible with the help of skilled legal counsel. Contact a Fort Worth car accident lawyer at Patterson Law Group to learn more about your legal options. Our attorneys understand the gravity of your situation and the importance of legal recourse.
Common injuries from running a stop sign in Texas
Many injuries can occur due to running a stop sign in Texas. They can vary from relatively minor to life-threatening and can include:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Internal bleeding
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal damage
- Burns
- Amputation
Common causes of running a stop sign accidents
Most of the time, drivers run stop signs because of human error. This frequently involves individuals not paying attention to the road in front of them. As a result, they will likely run through an intersection when they fail to see a stop sign. However, accidents like this can occur for other reasons, like vehicle malfunctions such as faulty brakes.
Understanding Texas traffic laws
Texas law clearly outlines how motorists are supposed to navigate intersections—including those without stop signs. The law requires motorists to come to a complete stop at an intersection with a stop sign–before the crosswalk or clearly marked sign. Exceptions to this rule apply when a police officer waves a driver to continue through an intersection.
Who is liable for accidents?
In a civil lawsuit following an accident, the party who violates the law and runs a stop sign is typically at fault. It is a form of negligence, which could result in a successful personal injury claim. Negligence involves any act that carelessly, recklessly, or intentionally injures another person. Running a stop sign is negligent. Remember that the statute of limitations to file a civil lawsuit is two years.
How to establish fault in these accidents
Establishing fault in these accidents requires evidence. No two cases are exactly alike, and the evidence available varies from one case to another. Often, they are built on the testimony of the injured driver. However, witness testimony from other motorists or pedestrians is also important. If the accident was caught on video, it usually offers a clear picture of what happened.
What damages can be collected in these cases?
If your accident case is successful, you might be able to recover compensation for any physical, emotional, or financial hardships you faced. This compensation can come from a negotiated settlement with the other party. However, if a settlement falls through, your Fort Worth personal injury attorney can help you secure the damages you deserve by taking your case to trial. Some of the damages that could be available in your case include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Property damage
What must be proven for compensation?
For your Fort Worth truck accident lawyer to recover compensation on your behalf, they must establish that negligence occurred. There are four steps to proving negligence. First, the driver that ran the stop sign must have owed you a duty of care. Second, that driver must have violated that duty by running the stop sign and striking you. Third, your injuries must be related to the defendant’s negligence. Fourth, you must have suffered compensable damages.
Is my case strong? How do I file a claim?
It is hard to know whether your case is strong without first speaking to an attorney. Our firm will review the facts of your case and advise you on your chances of success. For example, if you intend to pursue a personal injury case, you should first file a claim with the other driver’s insurance. If they refuse to cover your damages, you could file a lawsuit.
How a personal injury lawyer could help
There are many ways an attorney from our firm could help you pursue justice for your injuries, and they include:
- Investigating your accident
- Identifying witnesses
- Collecting your medical records
- Negotiating a settlement
- Filing a lawsuit
- Taking your case to trial
Contact Patterson Law Group today
You do not have to pursue compensation for your injuries alone. Our team at Patterson Law Group is here to help. We are efficient, embrace technology, and are accessible to our clients. The sum of these parts is a team ready to fight for you–an injury doesn’t have to be catastrophic to be life-changing. Contact us today for a free consultation. Further, because we work on a contingency basis, there are no upfront legal fees.
