Understanding Maryland Stop Sign Accidents

Written by Jobeth Bowers. Posted in .

Key Takeaways:

  • Fault in stop sign accidents is typically determined by who ran the stop sign, but cases can be much more complicated and warrant help from a law firm.
  • A Maryland car accident lawyer can help gather evidence that demonstrates the other driver in the accident was at fault.
  • Passengers can pursue lawsuits for stop sign accidents, and they are typically not considered at fault since they weren’t driving.
  • An auto accident at a stop sign can occur due to vehicles not coming to a complete stop, running stop signs, and a variety of other factors.

Stop sign accidents tend to be either straightforward or significantly complicated without much room for a middle ground. If your car is in motion at the time of the accident, for example, demonstrating fault in a legal setting is more difficult than you might think. Even after you stop and check for traffic, a car that hits you as you begin moving again may try to argue that it had the right of way.

Given how complicated these car crashes can be, especially if serious injuries are involved, you should consider hiring a professional to help with your case. Our Maryland car accident attorneys at Bowers Law have extensive experience working with stop sign accidents, including those that are complex. Take a closer look at what you can expect from a stop sign accident in Maryland, and discover how a lawyer can help your case.

Maryland Right of Way Laws

Maryland’s right-of-way laws tend to be fairly straightforward. The most important laws to remember are the following.

  • You have the right-of-way to any driver that is on your left.
  • Any driver that approaches from your right has the right-of-way, whether at a red light or a stop sign.
  • If you are preparing to turn left, the oncoming traffic on the opposite side of the intersection has the right-of-way.
  • Anyone in the intersection already has the right-of-way.
  • Other vehicles have the right-of-way when you are turning right.
  • At a four-way stop, the vehicle that reached the stop first has the right-of-way, with that right then being transferred to each subsequent arrival.
  • You must yield to any approaching highway vehicle when at a stop sign.

Note that this is not an exhaustive list. You can find more here.

Identifying Fault From a Failure to Yield Accident in Maryland

Two men stand by their cars after a minor collision, one using a phone, possibly to exchange information or report the incident, on a tree-lined urban street.

In most cases, the driver who ran the stop sign will be the one who’s at fault for the accident. With just about any kind of traffic accident, fault is laid upon the one who did not follow the rules of the road, and failing to stop at a stop sign is a pretty apparent violation. Determining how drivers behaved at a stop sign with reliable evidence can be difficult, so it is always helpful to get a lawyer on your side.

How Do I Prove the Other Party Was At Fault?

To show that the other party in the accident was at fault, you will need to provide evidence that is applicable in court. This evidence can come in many forms, including the following.

  • Eyewitness accounts
  • Footage of the accident from dash cams, Ring cameras, and other sources
  • Skid marks left on the scene
  • The property damage that the involved vehicles suffered

To provide evidence of the state of the scene, it is important to take photos as soon as possible after the accident to capture evidence like skid marks, road conditions, vehicle damage, and more.

Can a Passenger File an Injury Claim in a Stop Sign Accident?

Yes, a passenger can typically file an injury claim, and it may even be easier than a driver filing a claim. Since a passenger is not the one who is driving, they generally do not have to worry about demonstrating fault. A passenger is typically automatically considered not at fault unless they were directly interfering with the driver’s ability to drive.

If a passenger plans to file an injury claim, they benefit from the same practices that a driver would. Passengers should seek medical attention as soon as possible and establish a detailed medical record of injuries suffered. Additionally, passengers should collect evidence from the scene, such as photos of vehicle damage and eyewitness testimony for the accident.

The Importance of Having Witnesses After an Accident

Getting witnesses on your side in the wake of an accident can be a key factor in your case. The at-fault driver is likely to change their story once or twice, so having eyewitness accounts to back up the truth will help keep your opposition’s claims in check. If you are able to, collect the contact information for any witnesses as soon as possible after the accident.

Typical Causes of Maryland Stop Sign Accidents

  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Tailgating
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Car problems and defects

What If My Accident Was Due To Brake Failure?

If your accident was caused by brake failure, you do have legal recourse. Instead of filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, the target of the lawsuit would be the vehicle manufacturer. They have a responsibility to implement functional brakes, so you may be entitled to compensation from them for any damages suffered. However, keep in mind that big manufacturers are likely to have experienced legal assets at their disposal. That being the case, you will want to consult with a Cecil County personal injury attorney who has experience working in product liability cases and is willing to take on a big manufacturer.

Common Injuries After a Stop Sign Accident

A female doctor and a male patient interact across a desk in a brightly lit medical office, with the patient holding his back as if in pain.

While the injuries after an accident at a stop sign are typically dependent on how fast the cars involved were going, the following tend to be fairly common.

  • Concussion
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Internal bleeding
  • Whiplash
  • Bone fractures
  • Neck injuries

Why Clients Choose Bowers Law

At Bowers Law, we have extensive experience working with a variety of Maryland car accident cases, including those that occur at Cecil County stop signs. We know how stressful and confusing the legal process can be, so we strive to take care of all the hard parts for you while you focus on recovery. We offer free case evaluations, and we work on a contingency fee basis. Take a look at what some of our previous clients had to say about our services.

Testimonials

“I was recently involved in a car accident and a friend insisted I contact Bowers Law. The entire team helped me navigate what would have been a very complicated and overwhelming situation. They made the entire process easy and educated me on what was happening along the way. I’m so glad I contacted them. Jobeth Bowers is the person you want on your side if you are involved in an accident!” — Dimi M.

“Jobeth was super helpful with my situation and I would recommend him to anyone who needs legal advice and/or representation.” — Shannon H.

Let an Experienced Lawyer Stop the Confusion

These accidents can be challenging to manage, but Bowers Law is ready to help. Our experienced Cecil County legal team can help determine fault and fight for your right to compensation after a stop sign accident. Get in touch with our law firm today by calling 410-885-6200 or by filling out our online contact form for a free consultation.

Frequent Answered Questions

Is Maryland a No-Fault State for Accidents?

Maryland is an at-fault state rather than a no-fault state. That means that fault is considered heavily when it comes to accident compensation. Maryland functions specifically on a contributory negligence standard, which means that if you are in any way partially responsible for the accident, you may not recover any compensation for damages at all like medical bills and lost wages.

What Happens if Both Drivers Are At Fault in an Accident in Maryland?

If both drivers are at fault in an accident in Maryland, then neither one will be eligible for compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.

How Does Paint Transfer Determine Fault in Maryland?

Paint transfer evidence alone may not be sufficient to determine fault. If relevant, it should be used in conjunction with other pieces of evidence of the motor vehicle accident.

What is the Bodily Injury Limit in Maryland?

The bodily injury limit in Maryland requires drivers to have a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident of coverage. Additionally, drivers are required to have at least $15,000 in property liability coverage, $15,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and $2,500 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.

Our office highly suggests that drivers carry well above the state minimum in liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage. For more information on these coverages please visit this blog.

Jobeth Bowers

Written By Jobeth Bowers

Maryland Attorney Jobeth Bowers is the founder of Bowers Law and a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law

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