If you are the victim of an accident in which the other driver failed to stop at a stop sign, proving your case could be challenging. Stop sign violations are common in Chicago, but they constitute reckless driving and can give rise to a personal injury claim.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., founded in 2002, our stop sign violation lawyer in Chicago can help you prove your case and build a strong claim to recover damages. Schedule a free consultation to get the answers you need from our Chicago car accident lawyer.
How to Prove the Other Driver Failed to Stop
Victims of accidents caused by a driver who fails to stop face the burden of proof. You must show proof of what occurred and that the driver caused your losses. Our lawyer will clarify which data is necessary in your case. However, the more evidence we have to use against the other driver, the better.
Police reports are a good starting point, but not all information is available. Our legal team will seek any additional available evidence, including video from nearby buildings, traffic cameras, witness statements, and dash-cam footage. When questions remain, expect our lawyers to use resources such as accident reconstruction experts to demonstrate what occurred.
There are times when more than one party could be at fault. The city may be partially at fault if the driver could not see the stop sign due to debris or overhanging trees.
If a truck struck you, that driver’s employer could also be at fault for the losses you suffered. We explore all avenues to structure a claim, thereby increasing the amount of compensation we seek.
What You Can Do to Support Your Stop Sign Violation Claim
After an accident like this, it is quite important to gather as much information as possible to prove fault and document your losses. Always put your safety first in every situation.
That said, we encourage you to take these steps when possible:
- Call 911 to report the incident. If you do not need to move for safety, remain at the scene so law enforcement can document the accident details.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including the location of the stop sign, the cars, debris in the roadway, and other structural landmarks.
- Take photos of your injuries and other losses to ensure clarity about what took place.
- Obtain the name and contact information of any accident witnesses, and ask them to describe what they saw. This is in addition to the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
- Get medical care immediately after the accident. By going to the hospital, you can clearly document your injuries and show that they happened as a result of the accident.
These steps can make a big difference in the long-term outcome of your case. Our Chicago stop sign violation attorney becomes your advocate throughout this process.
We gather all available evidence, use our resources at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. to reconstruct what occurred, and fight for fair compensation. Talk to our Chicago personal injury lawyer now.
What Happens if Both Parties Are at Fault
In some situations, both parties may be at fault for the accident. One may be more at fault than the other. The Illinois modified comparative negligence rules apply in this situation.
That means you can seek compensation from the other party if you are partially at fault, but only if your level of fault is under 50%. If you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot seek compensation. It is imperative that our attorneys demonstrate that your fault is at least below this threshold.
However, we will take steps to demonstrate that you are not at fault. Any fault attributed to you reduces the value of your claim against the other party. This can be financially challenging if you are at fault. Our goal is to establish the other party’s full fault.
Potential Damages Recoverable in a Stop Sign Violation Accident
Victims suffering physical and emotional injury as well as financial loss may seek a claim against the at-fault party for their losses.
The value of that claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the extent to which we can document your losses. Some of the losses you may claim, with evidence of them, include:
- Medical costs for emergency care, including hospitalization, surgeries, ER treatment, and medications
- Ongoing medical care needs for rehabilitation, future surgeries, or in-home medical support
- Property damage for the damage caused to your vehicle or other assets
- Lost income from missed days at work, bonuses, and loss of benefits
- Loss of earning capacity if you cannot do the same type of work or work as many hours due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering for everything you went through during this process
- Mental anguish and trauma from the emotional impact of the accident
- Loss of quality of life, including changes to relationships, hobbies, and things you enjoy doing
- Disfigurement from scarring from burns, lacerations, or amputations
Victims of a stop sign violation may include pedestrians, cyclists, vehicle passengers, and others. As the victim, you should prioritize seeking medical care and completing your treatment, but contact our attorney immediately so we can begin building your case.
We encourage you to keep a log of all losses you have, including physical changes and limitations, emotional and mental health changes, and financial costs associated with your accident. We will include them in your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Stop Sign Violation Attorney in Chicago
We are here to help you at Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. That process begins with a free consultation to review what occurred and your losses. We are open and honest about what it will take to prove your case and demonstrate who is at fault.
Our Chicago stop sign violation lawyer has years of experience fighting for victims. Let us remain on your side throughout this challenging matter.
