Traffic lights are the unsung heroes of road safety, orchestrating the flow of vehicles and pedestrians to ensure order and prevent chaos at intersections. Yet, when these signals fail, the consequences can be dire. Though rare, traffic light malfunction is a hidden danger on our roads, leading to motor vehicle accidents with serious implications for safety and traffic management.
Traffic light malfunctions can be caused by a variety of reasons including power outages, signal timing issues, and wrong signals such as green lights in all directions.
How Traffic Light Malfunctions Lead to Accidents
When a traffic light goes out or behaves erratically, drivers and pedestrians are left in a state of confusion and uncertainty about who has the right of way, leading to hesitation, erratic driving behavior, and an increased risk of collision.
- In the absence of clear signals, some drivers may become aggressive, attempting to seize the opportunity to cross an intersection, which can result in side-impact collisions, commonly known as T-bone accidents.
- Malfunctioning lights can also cause backups, leading to congestion that stretches far beyond the intersection. This congestion increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions as drivers may not anticipate the sudden stop-and-go traffic.
- Pedestrians, who rely heavily on traffic signals to navigate safely, are particularly vulnerable at busy intersections where the volume and speed of traffic pose significant dangers.
Collecting a Car Accident Settlement Due to a Malfunctioning Traffic Light
When a malfunctioning traffic light is involved in a car accident, pursuing a settlement can be particularly challenging. Several unique factors come into play that can make the process of obtaining compensation more difficult and drawn out.
- Determining Liability
One of the primary hurdles in these cases is establishing liability. When a traffic light malfunctions, several parties could potentially be at fault, including municipalities or government agencies responsible for maintaining and operating traffic signals, third-party contractors hired by municipalities to install, maintain, or repair traffic lights, and utility companies in cases where power outages affect traffic lights. Identifying the correct party to hold accountable requires thorough investigation and can be complicated by bureaucratic layers and the involvement of multiple entities.
- Proving the Malfunction
The plaintiff must show that a traffic light malfunction was the direct cause of an accident, which requires gathering evidence such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness statements, and possibly expert testimony to show that the light was malfunctioning at the time of the accident.
- It is also crucial to ensure the police report accurately reflects the malfunction and its role in the accident.
- Additionally, obtaining records of the traffic light’s maintenance history to identify any prior issues or lapses in upkeep is essential.
- Government Immunity and Regulations
Government entities often have certain protections against liability, known as sovereign immunity, though sovereign immunity was abolished by the Washington State Legislature. In addition, government entities often require meeting specific criteria to file a claim. Many jurisdictions require that a claim be filed within a very short period, sometimes as little as 30 to 90 days after the incident, for example.
- Legal and Bureaucratic Hurdles
Pursuing a claim against a governmental body involves navigating complex legal and bureaucratic processes. Before filing a lawsuit, many jurisdictions require an administrative claim to be filed first, which can be a lengthy and intricate process. If the administrative claim is denied or insufficient, the next step is often litigation, which is both time-consuming and costly.
- Insurance Complications
Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with in accident claims, and when a malfunctioning traffic light is involved, the complexity increases. Insurers may dispute who is at fault, arguing the driver should have been more cautious, regardless of the light’s status. Insurers may also deny claims or offer low settlements, banking on the complexity of proving the malfunction and liability.
- Comparative Negligence
In many jurisdictions, including Washington State, the concept of comparative negligence applies, which means that compensation can be reduced if the claimant is found to be partially at fault. For example, if a driver is deemed to have not exercised sufficient caution at a malfunctioning intersection, their settlement could be reduced proportionately.
How to Overcome the Challenges
It is important to act quickly after an accident involving a traffic light malfunction because of the strict notice requirements for filing claims against government entities. Prompt action can prevent your claim from being barred due to procedural delays.
Engaging an experienced attorney who specializes in traffic accidents and has experience handling cases involving governmental liability is crucial. They can advocate for you, navigate the legal complexities, gather necessary evidence, enlist the help of a traffic engineer or other expert to provide testimony about the malfunction.
Pursuing a settlement for a car accident caused by a malfunctioning traffic light can be a challenge but understanding these obstacles and adopting a strategic approach can enhance the likelihood of a successful claim.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
