What Is a Rolling Stop?

Most drivers understand that stop signs and red lights mean one thing: stop. However, not everyone follows this rule. One of the most common traffic violations is the rolling stop.

So, what is a rolling stop? This occurs when a vehicle slows but does not come to a complete stop. It may seem harmless, especially if no one else is around. However, there is always a chance that something could happen.

While it may seem minor, a rolling stop can have serious consequences, especially when it leads to a car accident. If you have been hit by a driver who performed a rolling stop, you will want to know what this violation means and how it can impact your legal rights.

Rolling Stops in Mississippi

A rolling stop happens when a driver slows down at a stop sign or red light, but they do not come to a complete stop.

Instead of stopping and waiting for their turn, drivers keep creeping forward or drive right through at a slow pace. This is illegal in every state, even if the intersection seems clear. This traffic offense in Mississippi may result in a ticket.

Stop signs and red lights are there to protect everyone, including drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

When someone treats them like suggestions instead of required rules, they endanger everyone around them.

Why Rolling Stops Are a Problem

Some people treat rolling stops as no big deal. They might think that slowing down is good enough.

But slowing down is not the same as stopping. And that few extra seconds it takes to come to a complete stop can be the difference between a standard drive and a life-changing crash.

Rolling stops are dangerous at busy intersections, near schools, in neighborhoods, or anywhere where visibility is limited. A driver might not see a car coming, a child on a bike, or a pedestrian in the crosswalk until it is too late.

And when that happens, the person who rolled through the stop is almost always to blame.

If Someone Hits You After a Rolling Stop

If you were hit by someone who did not come to a complete stop, you are probably frustrated. The good news is that the law is usually on your side. This may mean:

The Other Driver May Be at Fault

Traffic laws require a complete stop. So, if another driver rolled through a stop sign or red light and caused the crash, they likely violated the law and acted negligently. This is important because proving fault is the first step toward getting your car repaired, your medical bills paid, and your life back on track.

The Police Report Can Work in Your Favor

If police were called to the scene, they would document what happened. If the officer determines that the other driver did not stop completely, that information could be included in the report. The driver might even be ticketed for failing to yield or stop properly. All this can strengthen your case.

If you or a witness saw the rolling stop, speak up and inform the officer. That detail could make a big difference when dealing with insurance.

You Might Be Entitled to Compensation

A crash caused by a rolling stop can lead to more than just bent fenders. These crashes can cause serious injuries, long-term pain, and financial stress. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency room visits and follow-up care
• Physical therapy or medication
• Lost income
• Pain and emotional distress
• Damage to your vehicle

However, insurance companies do not always make the process easy. You may want to talk to a lawyer who can guide you in the right direction.

Proving Negligence Can Strengthen Your Claim

When someone breaks a traffic law (like rolling through a stop sign) and causes a crash, that is considered negligence. If you can show that the driver did not stop when they should, it can help move your claim forward.

Evidence matters here. Photos, dashcam footage, witness statements, and the police report can all help demonstrate that the rolling stop occurred and directly contributed to the accident.

A rolling stop might seem like a small oversight, but it can turn your life upside down when it leads to an accident. You can take legal action if you’ve been hit by a driver who failed to stop. The team at Pittman, Roberts & Welsh, PLLC can help during this time.

Find out how we can assist with your potential claim.