A man and his wife were killed in a car accident in Las Vegas after another driver ran a stop sign and collided with the victims’ vehicle. According to a news report in the Las Vegas Sun, the fatal car accident occurred at the intersection of Town Center Drive and Flamingo Road. Police say a 23-year-old man driving a 2010 Subaru Impreza east on Flamingo ran a stop sign and collided with the couple’s 2012 Hyundai Sonata. The Hyundai caught fire. The couple died from blunt force trauma. It is not clear if the driver of the Subaru will face charges. An investigation is ongoing.
Nevada law requires motorists to come to a full stop at a stop sign and yield. NRS 484B.257 states: “When proper signs have been erected, the driver of a vehicle shall stop or yield at a clearly marked stop line or, if there is none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if there is none, then at the point nearest the intersection where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the through highway.”
In such cases where negligence may be involved, families of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for damages including lost future income, medical expenses, and funeral costs.
The Dangers of Running Stop Signs
One of the main dangers of running stop signs is the risk of collision with other vehicles. When drivers run stop signs, they often enter an intersection without checking for other vehicles or pedestrians. This can lead to T-bone accidents, where the front of one car collides with the side of another, or head-on collisions, where two cars collide head-on. Both types of collisions can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.
Pedestrians And Bicycles
Another danger of running stop signs is the risk of hitting pedestrians or bicyclists. Pedestrians and bicyclists who are crossing the road at a crosswalk or intersection are vulnerable to collisions with cars that run stop signs. Drivers who ignore stop signs may not see pedestrians or bicyclists until it is too late, resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
Legal Consequences of Running Stop Signs
Running stop signs can also lead to legal consequences. Drivers who run stop signs can receive traffic tickets and fines, and may also face legal liability for any accidents or injuries that they cause. Drivers who cause serious injuries or fatalities while running stop signs may also face criminal charges, including vehicular manslaughter.
In addition to the legal and safety consequences, running stop signs can also damage the driver’s reputation and increase their insurance rates. Insurance companies view drivers who run stop signs as high-risk, and may increase their insurance rates or even cancel their policies altogether.
To avoid the dangers of running stop signs, drivers should always come to a complete stop at stop signs and check for other vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding. It is also important to be aware of the speed limit and road conditions, as running stop signs is often a result of driving too fast or being in a hurry. Drivers should also be aware of distractions such as cell phones or other electronic devices, as distractions can cause drivers to miss stop signs or fail to notice other vehicles or pedestrians.
The experienced car accident lawyers at Shook and Stone have a successful track record of holding negligent drivers accountable. If you have lost a loved one in a Las Vegas car accident, please contact us at 702-570-0000 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
DIRECTIONS
