The truth is that most drivers roll through the occasional stop sign. However, the fact that running a stop sign is a common occurrence among motorists does not make it acceptable. Running a stop sign is a very dangerous driving behavior. In fact, drivers who run stop signs cause approximately 700,000 accidents each year. In roughly one-third of these accidents, someone is seriously injured.
When a driver runs a stop sign and causes an accident, that driver may be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result. However, several issues can arise in a personal injury case alleging that a driver ran a stop sign. Initially, the issue of credibility may come up, meaning that unless there are independent witnesses who can testify to what happened, a driver may offer up a self-serving version of what happened in the moments leading up to the accident. With the increase in popularity of private surveillance video, there is a chance that an accident is caught on camera, but that may only be revealed through an in-depth investigation.
Another issue that may arise is the injured motorist’s own role in the accident. In Maryland, any motorist who is even the slightest bit at fault for causing an accident is not permitted to recover compensation for their injuries. This means that a defendant may be able to avoid liability completely by shifting just a small portion of the blame onto an accident victim.
Bus Driver Runs Stop Sign, Accident Claims the Lives of Two Teens
Earlier this month, an accident between a school bus and a car claimed the lives of two teens. According to a local news source covering the accident, the collision occurred on the highway when the school bus driver ran a stop sign.
Evidently, the bus had not yet cleared the intersection when the teens’ vehicle approached at a high rate of speed, T-boning the bus. Both teens were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, and the bus driver was arrested on charges of second-degree vehicular manslaughter.
In a statement made to reporters, the bus driver’s attorney indicated that the teen driver was also at fault for the collision, claiming that he was traveling at 60 miles per hour in a 45 mile-per-hour zone, and he may have been texting in the moments leading up to the accident. The accident is still under official investigation.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bus or Truck Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland truck or bus accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. However, it is important that you are well prepared to address any defense other motorists may raise. The skilled injury attorneys at the Maryland-based law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience handling all types of motor vehicle accident cases, including those arising from bus and truck accidents. To learn more, and to discuss your case with a knowledgeable attorney, call 410-654-3600 to schedule a free consultation today.
More Blog Posts:
Seeking Financial Compensation After a Maryland Truck Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 26, 2017.
Distracted Driving Likely Played a Role in Fatal Church Bus Accident, Maryland Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog, published April 12, 2017.