Chicago Stop Sign Accident Lawyer

Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable for Stop Sign Collisions in Chicago

Intersections in Chicago are often the sites of dangerous car accidents. Many of these collisions are caused by failing to adhere to traffic laws, which can lead to significant injuries. If you are hurt in a car crash at an intersection, a stop sign accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process.

Chicago Injury Center specializes in helping car accident victims seek compensation for their legal damages. Our firm can build a strong case and prove the other driver’s negligence.

Stop Sign Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Law Firm in Chicago

$200,000 – Luis was riding his motorcycle through the intersection of 35th Street and Halsted in Bridgeport when a pickup truck ran a stop sign, causing a violent collision. He sustained a crush injury to his leg and knee, with an MRI revealing a torn meniscus that required surgical repair. The case was strengthened by accident reconstruction evidence showing the pickup truck’s high speed at the time of impact.

$499,999 – Robert was driving through the intersection of 79th Street and Ashland Avenue in Auburn Gresham when a delivery van blew through a stop sign and struck his vehicle. He suffered a fractured clavicle and multiple rib fractures. The settlement was influenced by witness statements from nearby CTA bus passengers and the delivery company’s poor safety record.

$1.4 million – Tanya and her teenage daughter, Jasmine, were stopped at a stop sign at Damen Avenue and Cortland Street in Bucktown when a semi-truck delivering food to a nearby restaurant failed to stop and slammed into their car. The driver had been on the road for hours beyond legal limits, violating federal trucking regulations. Both sustained herniated lumbar discs. Jasmine was treated with physical therapy and injections, while Tanya required an L4/5 spinal fusion, leading to a settlement that reflected clear negligence and the lasting impact of Tanya’s injury.

Why Choose Chicago Injury Center

A top-rated car accident lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your car accident lawsuit. Our attorneys serve as regular contributing authors for the National Law Review. The firm also has an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Stop Sign Auto Accidents in Chicago?

Numerous circumstances could cause a car accident at a stop sign:

• Running the stop sign
• Rolling or partial stops due to distraction or inattention
• Impaired driving
• Distracted driving (looking at a phone)
• Aggressive driving
• Obstructed stop signs or poor visibility
• Sudden lane changes or a failure to yield the right-of-way

What Serious Injuries Are Associated with Failing to Stop?

A Chicago car accident involving a stop sign may cause life-altering injuries to the victim. However, even minor damage can have a major impact on a person’s financial security and health.

Here are some common car accident injuries that may occur from a stop sign collision:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord damage or paralysis
• Broken bones (legs, ribs, pelvis)
• Soft tissue and neck injuries (whiplash)
• Internal organ damage or bleeding
• Lacerations
• Facial injuries
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

What Damages Can Car Accident Victims Recover in Chicago?

Economic Damages

• Lost income
• Medical expenses
• Future medical bills
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Loss of normal life

Punitive Damages

• Sometimes awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct

What Is the Average Stop Sign Accident Payout in Chicago?

Multiple elements will determine the value of your car accident claim. The most important factors are injury severity, medical expenses, long-term impact, liability, and insurance company policies.

The average settlement for a car accident at a stop sign in Chicago is $834,229. The majority of cases fall between $2,153 and $33.5 million.

Example Cases Filed in Cook County

In 2018, Pedro and his father were driving in a pickup truck when they entered an intersection. A truck coming from another direction blew the stop sign and crashed into Pedro’s vehicle, causing both to overturn. Both Pedro and his father were killed in the accident. The family sued the driver for negligent driving and his employer, receiving a $9 million wrongful death settlement.

A police officer named Michael was responding to a potential gunshot call when he was struck by another vehicle while passing through an intersection. He sustained multiple serious injuries, and the police cruiser was totaled. Michael sued the other driver for negligence because she had failed to stop at a stop sign and yield to a police vehicle with sirens and lights. Officer Michael was also disciplined by the police department for excessive speed through the intersection. The settlement was valued at $3.1 million.

Why You Need an Experienced Stop Sign Accident Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer can make a huge difference in your pursuit of fair compensation. Accidents due to failing to stop are subject to negligence under Illinois law, and a driver who fails to obey stop signs during a car accident is typically presumed to be negligent.

Additionally, your stop sign accident lawyer can handle the full investigation, including obtaining police reports, collecting witness statements, and communicating with accident reconstruction experts.

How Common Are Stop Sign Accidents in Chicago?

In 2023, there were over 101,000 total vehicle crashes reported in Chicago. Of these car accidents, 9,422 involved a stop sign intersection. These crashes involved almost 19,000 vehicles and led to 2,534 injuries.

Where Do Stop Sign Accidents Occur Most Often in Chicago?

These accidents are more likely to occur in certain locations around the city. Here are some notable danger zones drivers should exercise caution in:

• Residential four-way intersections with heavy oncoming traffic
• Side streets merging onto arterial roads like Halsted, Ashland, or Western
• School zones and neighborhood crossings
• Locations with poor sign visibility or obscured sightlines
• Intersections with multiple lanes of traffic

What Traffic Laws Govern Stop Sign Auto Accident Claims in Chicago?

625 ILCS 5/11-904(b) – Every vehicle must stop fully at a stop sign before entering an intersection, and failing to do so will lead to a presumption of negligence

9-24-010 – Chicago drivers must stop at the indicated line or before entering the crosswalk or intersection at a stop sign

9-24-020 – Chicago drivers who are at stop signs may proceed cautiously and yield the right-of-way to drivers who are not obliged to stop

Moss v. Wagner, 27 Ill. 2d 551 (1963) – This case clarified that failing to yield at a stop sign will still imply negligence even if sightlines are obstructed

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Illinois?

If you are filing a personal injury claim, you will have two years from the date of the incident or discovery of your injury to pursue legal action (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

If you lost a loved one in a stop sign accident due to negligence by the at-fault driver, you can seek wrongful death damages within two years of the family member’s passing (740 ILCS 180/).

Who Can Be Legally Liable for Stop Sign Car Accident Injuries?

Your stop sign accident lawyer will help you determine the liable party for your car accident lawsuit. Here are some potentially liable entities that may be held accountable for your losses:

• The driver who failed to stop (primary fault)
• Employers/employees (vicarious liability)
• Property owners, if signs are obscured or damaged
• Vehicle manufacturers, if brake or signal failure contributed

Common Defenses in Stop Sign Accident Cases

After a car accident, the negligent driver and their defense team will try several tactics to undermine your claim, such as:

• Claiming you committed a rolling stop
• Claiming there was obscured signage
• Alleging you were speeding or running a red light
• Claiming the defendant was reacting to an emergency (pedestrian in the road)

An experienced car accident attorney from Chicago Injury Center will counter these claims with additional evidence, such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, or photos of the scene.

How to Strengthen Your Stop Sign Car Accident Case in Chicago

To build a strong case, you must follow these steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Gather evidence to document your injuries and medical care
• Photograph the scene, stop signs, and damage
• Keep witness contact info
• Avoid admitting fault or signing anything before talking to a lawyer
• Consult our experienced car accident attorneys

How a Chicago Stop Sign Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Our legal counsel services include:

• Reconstructing the crash with experts
• Countering defenses about sign obscurity or partial stopping
• Assessing medical bills and lost wages
• Negotiating with the insurance company or going to trial
• Maximizing your compensation efficiently

FAQs

How much do stop sign accident attorneys cost in Chicago?

A Chicago car accident attorney from our team will work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Under the modified comparative negligence Illinois law, you can still seek compensation if you are no more than 50% responsible for the car accident.

What is negligence per se in stop sign car accidents in Illinois?

“Negligence per se” is a legal doctrine to establish negligence if a defendant violated a code or ordinance that is in place to keep people safe, such as stopping appropriately at stop signs.

Consult Our Chicago Car Accident Attorneys

A car crash at a stop sign can have physical, emotional, and financial consequences. At Chicago Injury Center, we can help you fight for compensation from the at-fault party and their insurance company. With a contingency fee agreement in place, there are no fees unless we win.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a top Chicago car accident lawyer serving Cook County and Illinois.