Whether you are a driver, pedestrian, biker, etc. intersections can be dangerous in general. When traffic lights stop working there is an increased likelihood of sustaining injuries and damages. If you were involved in an accident caused by faulty traffic signals you may be able to sue the liable party and recover compensation for your damages. Reach out to an experienced Rockland County auto accident lawyer today to discuss your situation and obtain skilled representation during your case.
What Are Faulty Traffic Signals?
Traffic signals are timed lights erected in intersections that control the flow of traffic. They include stoplights for vehicles traveling on the road and smaller signs for pedestrians and other road users. When traffic signals work as intended, they turn green when it is safe to go, yellow when cars should slow down, and red when drivers must come to a stop and wait for their turn. These lights are automated and ensure that each side of an intersection gets a turn to travel safely across the road.
However, if any of the above functions are not operating as they should, the traffic signals could be considered faulty. Below are some common indicators that the light is faulty or broken.
- The light is not cycling through the normal sequence of red, yellow, and green and instead going in a random order
- No lights are on at all
- The light is stuck on one color
- The lights are flashing erratically
Any number of factors could have caused or contributed to the lights not working correctly like wear and tear, age, exposure to the elements, faulty wiring, improper installation, physical damage, design defects, and more.
Can I Sue After an Accident Caused by Faulty Traffic Signals?
Traffic lights are designed to create order, so when they stop working it can result in confusion and chaos, leading to accidents. If you are involved in an accident that occurred as a result of faulty traffic signals, you may be able to sue for compensation.
If you sustained injuries or property damage you can sue the liable party for compensation for your medical expenses, loss of income, property damage, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and more.
Understanding who you can sue is important in recovering compensation. In general, one or more of the following can be held responsible for an accident caused by faulty traffic lights.
- A driver
- The local government
- The manufacturer of the traffic light
- A third-party contractor
With the help of an attorney and evidence proving how the above individuals or entities caused the traffic light to malfunction or acted negligently, you can win your case and recover compensation. Reach out to a skillful injury lawyer today to begin building your case.
