24/7 Support. Pay Nothing Until We Win!
Stop sign accidents happen far more often than most people realize—especially in Houston. In a city filled with high-density neighborhoods, congested intersections, and rapidly expanding suburbs, drivers encounter stop signs at nearly every turn. Unfortunately, many of those drivers fail to obey them.
Whether it’s rolling through a neighborhood stop, misjudging oncoming traffic, or simply not paying attention, the consequences can be severe. These are not minor fender-benders. A stop sign violation at the wrong angle or at full speed can result in a T-bone collision, a serious injury, or even a fatal crash.
At Johnson Garcia, we represent people who have been injured in intersection crashes caused by careless or aggressive drivers. These cases may seem simple, but proving liability in a stop sign accident often requires a clear understanding of Texas traffic law, strong investigative work, and a legal team that’s ready to take the case to trial.
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash where a driver ignored a stop sign, failed to yield, or entered the intersection unlawfully, we can help you hold them accountable—and pursue the compensation you need to move forward.
Call us today at 832-844-6700 for a free case evaluation with an experienced Houston work injury lawyer.
When it comes to stop sign crashes, experience matters. These cases can quickly turn into battles over who had the right-of-way, whether a stop was “complete,” or whether the intersection design contributed to the crash. That’s why people injured in these collisions turn to us.
At Johnson Garcia, we bring more than 35 years of combined experience handling serious car accident cases across Houston and throughout Texas. Our team understands the rules that govern intersections—and how to prove when those rules were broken.
Stop sign crashes often come down to one driver’s word against another’s. Police reports may be inconclusive. The other party may deny responsibility. And without video or witnesses, insurers may claim the facts are too uncertain to assign fault.
That’s where our litigation-first approach makes the difference.
We build every case as though it’s going to trial. That means we move fast to gather evidence, consult experts, and construct a clear narrative that supports your claim. Whether that involves reconstructing the crash, challenging the credibility of the other driver’s story, or presenting eyewitness testimony, we come prepared to make the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Because we’re based in Houston, we’re deeply familiar with the roadways where stop sign crashes tend to occur. We know which intersections see the most incidents, which neighborhoods have visibility problems, and which feeder roads have confusing or inconsistent signage. This local knowledge helps us investigate quickly and effectively.
These cases often hinge on nuanced rules about who had the legal right to enter the intersection—and when. Our car accident lawyers understand the letter of Texas traffic law, but we also know how to explain those rules to a judge or jury in a way that makes sense. That clarity gives our clients a distinct advantage, both in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.
Stop sign accidents tend to follow familiar patterns. One driver fails to stop or yield properly, while another driver—following the rules—enters the intersection legally. The result is often a side-impact collision, also known as a T-bone crash. These collisions are dangerous because one vehicle’s front end strikes the vulnerable side of another, close to where passengers are seated.
Many drivers don’t come to a full stop at stop signs. Instead, they slow down just enough to check traffic and keep moving. These “rolling stops” are not only illegal—they’re extremely dangerous.
When drivers fail to pause completely, they often miss oncoming vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians who have the right-of-way. In residential neighborhoods, this behavior frequently leads to crashes in crosswalks or with vehicles that were legally entering the intersection.
Another common cause of stop sign collisions is failure to yield. Even after stopping, a driver must yield to other vehicles that have already entered the intersection or are approaching from an uncontrolled direction.
This is especially important at:
Failing to yield creates conditions for broadside collisions—many of which happen at high speed and with little time to react.
Even when drivers stop and look both ways, crashes still happen. One reason is misjudgment. A driver may believe they have enough time to cross or turn, only to underestimate the speed or distance of approaching vehicles.
These errors are particularly common at intersections where:
When a driver pulls out without a clear line of sight, they put others at risk—and may be held liable for the crash.
Sometimes, the driver simply doesn’t see the stop sign at all. They may be distracted by a phone, impaired by alcohol or drugs, or simply not paying attention. In these cases, the vehicle often enters the intersection without slowing, leading to high-impact crashes with devastating consequences.
These incidents are especially common during early morning hours, late at night, or near nightlife and entertainment districts.
While stop sign crashes can happen anywhere, certain parts of Houston experience a disproportionate number of these collisions. In most cases, the risk comes down to one of three factors: poor visibility, high traffic volume, or drivers treating residential areas like shortcuts.
Sharpstown’s mix of schools, shopping centers, and residential neighborhoods creates a high density of intersections with stop signs. Drivers cutting through side streets to avoid main road congestion often fail to stop completely—leading to crashes at neighborhood corners and school zones.
Midtown combines fast-paced city driving with narrow, dangerous roads, high pedestrian activity, and complex intersections. Many drivers unfamiliar with the area miss stop signs entirely or misjudge the flow of traffic. T-bone collisions and pedestrian impacts are common near intersections like Bagby and McGowen or Brazos and Anita.
Parts of the East End—especially areas undergoing rapid redevelopment—have seen a spike in stop sign violations. Construction, poor signage, and high turnover of local traffic make these intersections unpredictable. Drivers rolling through or treating stop signs as suggestions cause serious side-impact crashes in zones with heavy foot and bicycle traffic.
Additional areas where we frequently investigate stop sign crashes include:
Knowing where these crashes happen helps us act fast when investigating your case. We visit the scene, document the intersection layout, and gather evidence that supports your version of events.
Texas law makes clear what drivers must do when approaching a stop sign. But in our experience, many drivers either don’t know the rules—or ignore them. When they do, and someone gets hurt, that violation becomes a central part of the legal claim.
Under Texas Transportation Code § 544.010, drivers must come to a complete stop at the designated stop line, crosswalk, or—if none is marked—before entering the intersection. Slowing down without stopping does not meet the legal requirement.
If a crash occurs and the driver did not fully stop, they may be cited—and that citation can be used to establish liability in a personal injury claim.
After stopping, the driver must yield to:
Failure to yield, even after a full stop, can still be considered negligence and form the basis for holding the driver financially responsible for any injuries caused.
A stop sign violation is considered a breach of the duty of care that all drivers owe each other. When that breach results in an accident, the driver who violated the rule can be held liable for:
We use the violation—along with supporting evidence—to build a strong claim and pursue full compensation for our clients.
Stop sign accident claims often come down to proving who had the right-of-way—and whether a driver failed to stop, yield, or navigate the intersection safely. While this might sound straightforward, these cases can quickly become contentious. The at-fault driver may deny responsibility. Police reports might be incomplete. And insurers may argue there’s no clear proof of a violation.
That’s why we focus on gathering comprehensive evidence from day one. At Johnson Garcia, we know how to build strong claims using a variety of investigative tools, each one helping to show exactly what happened and who should be held accountable.
In Houston, many intersections—especially in higher-traffic areas—are equipped with traffic cameras or monitored by nearby businesses. These videos can be instrumental in proving a stop sign violation. Footage may show a driver rolling through a stop, failing to yield, or entering the intersection without braking.
We move quickly to secure this footage before it’s overwritten. If a business near the crash scene has exterior cameras, we send immediate preservation requests to ensure valuable evidence isn’t lost.
Responding officers usually generate a report that includes a narrative of the crash, the location and type of intersection, and a diagram showing the positions of the vehicles involved. If one driver admitted to rolling through a stop sign or failed to mention the presence of a sign at all, that can support your claim.
Even when fault isn’t assigned directly in the report, the layout and notations can reveal who likely violated the traffic control. We review these documents closely and, when necessary, contact the officer for follow-up statements or clarification.
Third-party witnesses can be crucial. A nearby pedestrian, another driver, or a local resident may have seen the crash unfold. They can confirm whether the other driver failed to stop, accelerated through the intersection, or appeared distracted or confused.
We contact these individuals as soon as possible to record their observations while the memory is still fresh. Their neutral accounts help validate your version of events and may be critical in a contested case.
The type and location of damage to each vehicle tell a story. In a side-impact crash, for example, the angle of impact and the speed at which the vehicles collided can help determine which party entered the intersection unlawfully.
We work with accident reconstruction experts when needed to assess vehicle damage, skid marks, debris fields, and impact force. This technical evidence adds credibility to your claim and helps us demonstrate that a stop sign violation occurred—even if there are no witnesses or video.
If you were recently injured in a stop sign crash, you may still be processing everything that happened—especially if the days following the accident have been filled with medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and calls from insurance companies. While the moment of the crash has passed, the steps you take now still matter. They can help protect your health, strengthen your legal position, and preserve your right to fair compensation.
Here’s what to focus on in the days after a stop sign accident.
If law enforcement responded to the crash scene, a police report should have been completed. This document contains important information about the incident, including statements from the drivers, details about the intersection, and the officer’s observations. If you haven’t already done so, request a copy of the report through the Houston Police Department or the responding agency.
If no report was filed, or if you left the scene without contacting police, you may still be able to file a late report. An attorney can help you determine whether this is necessary and how best to proceed.
If you visited an emergency room or urgent care clinic after the crash, be sure to follow all medical recommendations, including scheduled follow-ups, imaging, or referrals. If you didn’t seek treatment right away, it’s not too late. Symptoms from common intersection injuries—like whiplash, soft tissue strain, or head trauma—can take days to become noticeable.
Seeking care now will help protect your health and also create a medical record linking your injuries to the crash. Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment as a reason to challenge the legitimacy of a claim. Getting evaluated—even days later—can make a meaningful difference.
You may have taken photos at the scene, or you may now realize the importance of doing so. If your vehicle hasn’t yet been repaired, take detailed images of the damage, especially if it reflects the point of impact or the direction of the collision.
Also take note of:
Even after time has passed, returning to the crash site—if safe to do so—can help you gather visual context that supports your claim.
If anyone at the scene saw the crash happen and you were able to get their name or phone number, hold onto that information. If you didn’t collect witness details, think about nearby businesses, construction crews, or delivery drivers who may have seen the incident.
In some cases, surveillance footage may still be available. Acting quickly—even days after the crash—can help preserve these resources. An attorney can send formal preservation letters to request video or witness interviews before this evidence disappears.
By now, you may have received phone calls or letters from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They may seem helpful or sympathetic, but their goal is to limit what they pay—and they often look for ways to shift blame or question your injuries.
Avoid giving a recorded statement, answering detailed questions about the crash, or discussing your medical condition. These early conversations are rarely in your best interest. Instead, contact a personal injury attorney who can take over all communications on your behalf.
At Johnson Garcia, we step in quickly to protect your claim, manage insurer contact, and make sure your words aren’t taken out of context or used to devalue your case.
Stop sign crashes—particularly T-bone or broadside collisions—frequently lead to serious injuries. These impacts strike the side of the vehicle where occupants have the least protection, especially if the driver’s side is hit directly. We regularly see clients with injuries that require months of treatment and long-term recovery plans.
The force of a side-impact crash can cause the head and spine to twist or jerk violently, leading to:
These injuries often involve radiating pain, limited mobility, and the need for physical therapy or even surgical intervention.
Drivers struck on the side often suffer rib fractures or bruised lungs from the impact with the door or steering wheel. Chest injuries can be extremely painful and make it difficult to breathe, sleep, or move comfortably during recovery.
In side-impact crashes, the lower body is often pushed laterally, leading to:
These injuries frequently require surgery, extended hospital stays, and significant rehabilitation.
Even if airbags deploy, the sudden motion of a T-bone crash can cause the brain to move within the skull. This leads to:
We work with neurologists and medical experts to diagnose and document these conditions fully, so your claim reflects not just the visible injuries but the invisible ones as well.
Even when liability seems clear, insurance companies don’t hand out fair settlements easily. They often use tactics designed to reduce your compensation—or deny your claim entirely.
Insurers may claim you were partially at fault for the crash, even if the other driver clearly ran a stop sign. They may argue:
Under Texas’s comparative negligence rules, even partial fault can reduce your recovery. If they convince a jury that you were 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.
Insurers may also argue that rolling through a stop sign isn’t as serious as outright running it—and therefore, not enough to support a large settlement. They may use ambiguous police reports, unclear signage, or lack of video to cast doubt on who really caused the crash.
Another common tactic is to question the severity of your injuries. If you didn’t go to the hospital immediately, took time off work, or have a history of prior injuries, the insurer may argue your current condition isn’t related to the crash at all.
We counter these strategies with clear, well-documented evidence. At Johnson Garcia, we take control of the narrative from the beginning—so the insurance company doesn’t get to define your claim for you.
Most people assume that if another driver runs a stop sign and causes a crash, that driver alone is responsible. In many cases, that’s true. But what if the stop sign was faded, missing, or hidden behind a tree? What if the road layout made it impossible to see oncoming traffic, even when stopped? These factors introduce an additional layer of liability—one that may involve a city, county, homeowner’s association (HOA), or private property owner.
At Johnson Garcia, we look beyond the surface of every intersection crash. If the road conditions, signage, or visibility contributed to your collision, we investigate whether a public or private entity failed to maintain the intersection safely. In these cases, you may have the right to pursue a claim not only against the other driver but also against those responsible for the roadway’s design and upkeep.
Texas law requires all traffic control devices—including stop signs—to be visible, well-maintained, and placed according to safety standards. Over time, signs can fade due to sun exposure or become less visible due to graffiti, weather damage, or lack of reflectivity at night.
When a stop sign is:
The driver approaching the intersection may not even realize they’re required to stop. That doesn’t excuse the violation, but it can shift liability to the entity responsible for maintaining the sign—especially if the issue was reported previously and not addressed.
Houston’s rapid development means new landscaping, construction, or fencing projects are constantly altering sightlines at intersections. A large bush, parked vehicle, or utility box may block the view of cross traffic, making it difficult to judge whether it’s safe to proceed after a stop.
If a city, HOA, or property owner allowed obstructions to persist without correction—or failed to follow required setbacks and visibility regulations—they may be held partially liable for the resulting crash.
Some intersections are inherently dangerous. Narrow roads, uneven pavement, poor lighting, or lack of proper markings can create confusion and increase crash risk. These issues are especially common in older parts of Houston or neighborhoods where road maintenance is sporadic.
In these cases, we investigate:
When government agencies or property owners ignore known hazards, they may be held responsible under Texas premises or governmental liability law.
After a stop sign crash, your life may feel upended. You might be facing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty—all at once. The law in Texas gives you the right to pursue compensation for these losses, and our job is to ensure that your claim reflects the full impact of the crash on your life.
We help our clients recover compensation for all accident-related medical care, including:
We work with your healthcare providers and, when necessary, consult independent medical experts to document the cost of both your current and future treatment needs.
If your injuries kept you out of work, you can seek recovery for:
We use employment records, pay stubs, and expert wage assessments to show how the crash affected your financial stability—and what it will take to get you back on track.
Some of the most serious consequences of a crash aren’t economic—they’re personal. Texas law allows injured individuals to recover damages for:
We work closely with clients to understand how the crash changed their routines, their independence, and their quality of life—so we can present a full and honest picture of those non-economic losses in your claim.
For many people, recovery doesn’t end after the hospital discharge. It may involve:
We make sure these future needs are included in your settlement or verdict—so you’re not left struggling months or years down the line.
You may also be eligible to recover:
These financial losses may seem secondary compared to medical needs, but they’re part of the full picture—and we include them in every case we handle.
If you were injured in a stop sign accident, you should not have to navigate recovery and insurance negotiations on your own. These crashes often involve disputed fault, complex legal questions, and insurers looking to minimize your claim.
At Johnson Garcia, we bring decades of experience handling intersection collisions throughout Houston. We understand how to investigate these crashes, identify all liable parties, and fight back when the other side refuses to take your injuries seriously.
Every case we take is trial-ready from the start. You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys—not support staff—and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact our Houston office today to schedule your case review. We’re here to help you pursue the full recovery you deserve.
START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS JUSTICE
START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS JUSTICE
CALL NOW
