When traffic lights malfunction or go dark, intersections that were once orderly can quickly become chaotic and dangerous. Serious accidents can happen as drivers struggle to navigate without clear traffic control. The question of fault in these situations isn’t always straightforward; liability may rest with individual drivers, government entities responsible for signal maintenance, or even third parties whose actions contributed to the signal failure. If you were injured in an accident, make sure to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Bakersfield.
What Are You Supposed to Do When a Traffic Light Goes Out?
When a traffic light is completely dark or flashing red in all directions, you must treat the intersection as a four-way stop. This means coming to a complete stop, yielding to any traffic that arrived before you, and proceeding only when it is safe to do so. If the signal is flashing yellow, you should proceed with caution while yielding the right-of-way to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Many drivers don’t understand these rules, which often leads to confusion and accidents at malfunctioning intersections.
Government Liability for Traffic Signal Maintenance
Cities, counties, and state transportation departments have a legal duty to maintain traffic control devices in proper working order. When they fail to meet this responsibility, they may be held liable for accidents that result from signal malfunctions.
Government liability often arises when authorities knew or should have known about a signal problem but failed to repair it promptly or provide adequate warning to drivers. This might include situations where signals have been reported as malfunctioning but weren’t fixed within a reasonable timeframe, or where temporary traffic control measures weren’t implemented during repairs.
Driver Liability for Intersection Accidents
Even when traffic signals aren’t working, Bakersfield drivers are still responsible for operating their vehicles safely. When they fail to follow proper protocols or engage in other negligent behaviors and an accident happens, they can be held responsible for the resulting damages. Victims have the right to file insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits against these negligent drivers.
The most common forms of driver negligence at malfunctioning traffic signals include:
- Failing to come to a complete stop when required
- Not yielding the right-of-way to vehicles that arrived first
- Proceeding through intersections without checking that it’s safe
- Driving at excessive speeds given the hazardous conditions
- Texting or engaging in other distracted driving behaviors
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Maintenance Providers, Manufacturers, and Other Liable Parties
Traffic signal liability isn’t limited to government entities and drivers. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the signal failure, many other parties may be held responsible for accidents, such as the following:
- Third-party maintenance contractors hired to service traffic control systems can be held responsible if their negligent work causes signal failures.
- Equipment manufacturers may be liable if manufacturing or design defects lead to signal malfunctions.
- Utility companies might be liable if their work on power lines or other infrastructure causes traffic signals to malfunction.
- Construction companies working near intersections bear responsibility if their activities damage signal equipment or power supplies.
Injured in a Traffic Signal Accident? Contact an Attorney Today
When malfunctioning traffic signals contribute to your accident, determining liability requires a thorough investigation. A Bakersfield injury attorney can examine government maintenance records, investigate whether proper protocols were followed when the signal malfunction was reported, and identify all potentially responsible parties, from individual drivers to municipal entities. Schedule a free consultation today and learn more about your options for compensation.