You were following the rules, driving through Milwaukee, when another car ran a stop sign and slammed into yours. The sound of the crash lingers, your body aches, and your mind races with what to do next. In moments like these, every decision matters.
For over 50 years, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. has helped injured drivers take those next steps with confidence—especially in serious stop sign crashes like yours. With more than $2 billion recovered for over 80,000 clients, the firm knows how to take on insurance companies and fight for what you truly deserve.
If you’ve been hurt, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. With the right help, you can protect your health, your finances, and your future.
Why Stop Sign Crashes Are So Dangerous in Wisconsin
These crashes may seem simple, but they can still cause serious injuries. When a driver fails to stop, they may enter an intersection at full speed and collide directly with another vehicle’s side.
In many cases, the driver’s actions could—and should—have been avoided. These are some of the most common reasons stop sign crashes happen:
- Distracted driving. Texting, checking GPS, or adjusting the radio can make a driver miss or ignore a stop sign entirely.
- Speeding through intersections. A driver may see the sign too late or choose to blow through it in a rush.
- Drunk or impaired driving. Alcohol and drugs affect reaction time and judgment, increasing the likelihood of missed stops.
- Obstructed or poorly maintained signs. While this can be a factor, drivers must still approach intersections with caution.
These crashes can result in broken bones, spinal injuries, or permanent disabilities, especially for passengers seated on the impact side.
Make Safety Your First Priority at the Scene
It’s hard to think clearly when your heart is racing and the car is damaged, but the first few minutes after a crash can shape what happens next.
After a stop sign crash, here’s what you need to do if you’re physically able:
- Move to a safe location. If the cars are blocking traffic and it’s safe, pull over and turn on your hazard lights. If not, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened.
- Call 911. Reporting the crash ensures police and emergency responders arrive at the scene, even if the other driver begs you not to report it.
- Cooperate with first responders. Be honest but avoid guessing or assigning blame. Let the officers do their job documenting the facts.
If you feel dazed or disoriented, let the EMTs evaluate you at the scene. Internal injuries and concussions are common in side-impact collisions.
Why You Need Medical Attention—Even if You Feel Okay
Many people walk away from a crash feeling “lucky”—until the pain sets in hours or days later. That delay can hurt both your health and your case.
There are two key reasons to see a doctor immediately after a stop sign crash:
- Protecting your health. Injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or brain trauma may not show symptoms right away. Early care leads to better recovery.
- Establishing a medical record. Delays in treatment can give the insurance company room to argue your injuries aren’t related to the crash.
Keep copies of all treatment records, prescriptions, and discharge instructions. These documents help prove the crash caused real harm—and that you took it seriously from day one.
Key Evidence to Gather at the Scene
Memories fade. Vehicles are towed. Witnesses leave. That’s why collecting your own documentation—if it’s safe to do so—is so important.
Before leaving the intersection, gather as much of the following as possible:
- Photos of the vehicles. Show damage, angles of impact, and license plates.
- Photos of the intersection. Include the stop sign, street names, traffic lights, and any potential obstructions.
- Contact information for witnesses. Names, numbers, and short statements can strengthen your case.
- Exchange of information. Get the other driver’s name, insurance policy number, driver’s license, and plate number.
Contact a Wisconsin Car Accident Lawyer Before the Insurance Company
The other driver’s insurer may seem cooperative at first, but their priority is limiting payouts, not helping you recover. That’s where legal representation comes in.
How a Lawyer Helps After a Stop Sign Crash
An experienced Wisconsin car accident lawyer can:
- Investigate fault. They’ll build a case proving the other driver ran the stop sign or acted negligently.
- Quantify damages. Your lawyer will calculate not only medical bills, but lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering.
- Negotiate strategically. Insurance companies may offer lowball settlements early. A lawyer ensures you don’t settle for less than your claim is worth.
Their results show what can happen when legal action holds stop sign violators accountable:
- A six-figure settlement for a passenger injured by a driver who ran a stop sign
- A five-figure recovery for a T-boned Milwaukee driver, despite the other driver denying fault
Wisconsin Law and Stop Sign Violations
Under Wisconsin Statute § 346.46, drivers must stop at a clearly marked stop line, or if none exists, before the crosswalk or intersection. Drivers must also yield to cross traffic and proceed only when safe.
Failing to obey stop signs is not just a traffic violation—it’s often the cause of serious injury and death on Wisconsin roads. When a crash happens, fault often lies with the driver who failed to stop or yield appropriately.
What the Future Holds After a Stop Sign Crash
The crash may have happened in seconds, but the impact on your life could last much longer. From medical appointments to financial stress, your recovery journey won’t always be easy—but you don’t have to face it alone or uninformed.
Understanding your rights, taking the right steps, and getting the right support can shift the road ahead from uncertainty to clarity. In time, you can rebuild. In the meantime, the facts—and your next steps—are on your side.
