If another driver disobeyed a traffic sign or signal, resulting in a car accident and your injuries, do not hesitate to contact Mann Law. We will review the circumstances of the crash to determine if we can take your case. We could help you hold the negligent driver liable and seek the compensation you deserve.
Traffic signals and signs are necessary for traffic to flow safely. They indicate when it’s a driver’s turn to proceed through an intersection or safe for a pedestrian to cross the street. They also provide warnings of dangerous conditions, such as an upcoming sharp bend or narrow road. If anyone disobeys one of these signs or signals, they put the people around them at risk of serious harm.
At Mann Law, our legal team understands the devastation of being injured in a preventable accident. You wouldn’t have to face a painful recovery if the at-fault motorist hadn’t disregarded a traffic signal. It is your right to hold them accountable for their wrongdoings. You can depend on us to advocate for your rights and aggressively pursue the money you’re owed.
For a free consultation with Mann Law to learn about your legal options, contact us today.
The signs and signals you see while driving are necessary to prevent accidents. They give motorists information needed to navigate roadways safely.
Common signs you have probably seen before include:
Warning signs – These signs warn drivers of potential hazards or dangerous conditions they could encounter.
Regulatory signs – These signs communicate information to motorists, such as how fast they can travel or when they need to come to a complete stop.
Construction signs – Construction signs alert drivers to an upcoming construction zone and indicate if they need to slow down or pay attention to changes in the lanes.
Guide signs – A guide sign lets motorists know how far they have to drive to a destination, gives directions, and notifies them about nearby emergency and transportation services.
Some of the most common traffic signals include:
Traffic control signals – You can find these at intersections. Stoplights direct drivers and non-motorists through the intersection when it’s their turn.
Lane signals – A lane signal advises motorists of a change in the direction of traffic and when lanes are opened or closed.
Flashing signals – These signals indicate when a driver must proceed with caution or warn of a sharp curve or school crossing ahead.
As long as everyone follows these signs and signals diligently, traffic should flow smoothly. However, when someone decides to run a stop sign or speed through a school zone, they put innocent people at risk of injury.
When a driver disobeys a traffic signal or sign, they disrupt the safe flow of vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the road. For example, if you’re driving on the highway and someone entering doesn’t yield before merging into the lane, they could end up directly in your path. It’s nearly impossible to avoid a collision in situations like this because you don’t expect another motorist to disregard a traffic law.
Various behaviors can cause or contribute to a driver disobeying a sign or signal. They might be under the influence of alcohol, exceed the speed limit, or become distracted by their cell phone. When coupled with any of these scenarios, running a stop sign or ignoring the dangers of a construction zone increases the risk of a severe accident.
Disobeying traffic signs and signals often occur in areas where vehicles and non-motorists share the road. When there’s a collision, everyone involved could suffer injuries. The most common include:
Broken bones
Soft tissue injuries
Concussion
Traumatic brain injury
Back injuries and paralysis
Spinal cord damage
Emotional trauma
Whiplash
Internal bleeding
Cuts and bruises
Scarring or disfigurement
The injury you sustained likely required emergency medical care. Even if it was minor, you probably needed to see your doctor and discuss the appropriate treatment plan. Medical bills can become a significant expense and lead to economic strain. If you can’t afford to pay them, you could face crushing debt. Fortunately, there might be options to hold the at-fault driver liable and seek the compensation you need to cover these costs.
State law requires people that operate or own a motor vehicle to carry auto insurance with these minimum liability limits:
$50,000 for bodily injury per person
$100,000 for bodily injury per accident
$25,000 for property damage
Since Maine is a fault car accident state, the driver at fault for a crash becomes financially responsible for the victim’s injuries and resulting losses. You could file a claim with their liability insurance company and seek compensation to cover the losses you suffered, such as:
Loss of enjoyment of life
Medical expenses
Pain and suffering
Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Emotional distress
Property damage
You could also pursue compensation for these losses in a lawsuit. However, if your actions partially contributed to the crash, a jury could reduce your financial award under the modified comparative negligence statute.
At Mann Law, our Maine car accident attorneys fight for the rights of those who’ve been injured in our community. We stand up for those who’ve been injured by negligence, and that includes drivers who fail to obey the rules of the road and follow traffic signals.
We are a statewide firm with satellite offices across Maine for easy accessibility. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options with a knowledgeable lawyer.
