Effective communication on the road is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of all road users. One of the primary ways drivers communicate their intentions is through the use of turn signals and adherence to traffic signals. In Missouri, failing to signal or obey traffic signals can not only lead to accidents but also significant legal liabilities. At The Law Office of Chad G. Mann, LLC, we are dedicated to helping you understand these obligations to protect your rights and promote safer driving practices.
Legal Obligations to Signal Turns and Stops
Missouri law requires drivers to signal their intentions when turning or stopping to alert other road users of their actions. This obligation is not merely a courtesy but a legal mandate. Failure to provide adequate warning can be considered negligence and may result in liability if an accident occurs.
Key Legal Reference:
- MAI 17.06 [1965]: Indicates that negligence may be predicated on the failure to signal an intention to turn.
Understanding the Duty to Signal:
- When to Signal: Drivers must signal continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning or stopping.
- How to Signal: Signals can be given by hand and arm or by signal lamps if the vehicle’s construction or load makes hand signals invisible.
How Failure to Signal Can Lead to Accidents and Liability
Neglecting to signal deprives other drivers and pedestrians of the opportunity to anticipate and react to your movements, increasing the risk of collisions. In the event of an accident, failing to signal can be used as evidence of negligence, potentially making you liable for damages.
Case Insight:
- Helm v. Bi-State Dev. Agency, 636 S.W.2d 408 (Mo. App. E.D. 1982): Even if a warning is not given, there is an issue of whether effective action could have been taken to produce a different result. This means that the absence of a signal can significantly impact the outcome of a negligence claim.
Potential Consequences:
- Legal Liability: You may be held responsible for property damage, medical expenses, and other damages.
- Insurance Penalties: Failure to signal can lead to increased insurance premiums or denial of coverage.
- Traffic Citations: You may receive fines and points on your driving record.
The Role of Traffic Signals in Determining Fault
Obeying traffic signals is a fundamental aspect of road safety. Violating traffic signals, such as running a red light or ignoring a stop sign, is considered negligence per se in Missouri. This means that the act itself is inherently negligent, and liability can be established without further proof of negligence.
Key Legal Reference:
- MAI 17.01 [1980]: Addresses negligence predicated on the violation of a traffic signal.
Exceptions and Valid Excuses:
While violating a traffic signal is generally considered negligence, there may be valid excuses in certain circumstances, such as:
- Safety Considerations: Non-compliance induced by safety concerns, e.g., swerving to avoid a sudden obstacle.
- Impossibility to Comply: Situations where compliance is impossible due to mechanical failure or other unavoidable circumstances.
Case Insight:
- MacArthur v. Gendron, 312 S.W.2d 146 (Mo. App. E.D. 1958): The court acknowledged that there might be valid excuses for failing to comply with traffic rules under specific conditions.
Duty Beyond Compliance:
Even when obeying traffic signals, drivers are not absolved of other responsibilities, such as keeping a proper lookout and exercising the highest degree of care.
Case Insight:
- Garber v. Scott, 525 S.W.2d 114 (Mo. App. E.D. 1975): A driver proceeding through a green light was found liable for failing to keep a proper lookout, highlighting that compliance with traffic signals alone is not sufficient to avoid liability.
Why This Matters for Missouri Drivers
Understanding the importance of proper signaling and adherence to traffic signals is essential because:
- Prevents Accidents: Clear communication reduces misunderstandings and unexpected maneuvers that lead to collisions.
- Legal Protection: Fulfilling your legal obligations minimizes the risk of being found negligent in the event of an accident.
- Promotes Road Safety: Contributes to a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.
How The Law Office of Chad G. Mann, LLC Can Assist You
If you’ve been involved in an accident where signaling or traffic signal compliance is a factor, our experienced legal team can help:
- Case Evaluation: We analyze the specifics of your situation to determine liability.
- Evidence Gathering: Collect crucial evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and accident reports.
- Legal Representation: Advocate on your behalf in negotiations and court proceedings to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Contact Us Today
Don’t navigate the complexities of traffic accident liability alone. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Springfield or anywhere in Missouri, contact The Law Office of Chad G. Mann, LLC for a free consultation. We’re here to help you understand your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.