Traffic signals malfunctioning can cause accidents, compromising life and property. Victims must understand their legal rights and options if injured, as liability becomes complex when safety systems like traffic lights fail. Knowing what actions are needed and who might be at fault can greatly impact recovery efforts, both physically and financially. Understanding the complex liability system can help ensure safety on the road.

Your health and safety must come first in the aftermath of an accident at a malfunctioning intersection, regardless of how minor your symptoms might seem. Seek medical treatment even if you believe yourself to be fine as documentation from healthcare providers will be key if seeking compensation later. Likewise, taking pictures or videos of the scene, specifically of any signals involved and the surrounding area. Eyewitness reports, police reports or dashcam footage might prove valuable as proof that traffic signals malfunctioned leading to your collision.

Traffic signals should be identified promptly to avoid negligence on the part of government agencies or third-party contractors. Municipalities typically own traffic control equipment but may contract out repair work to private companies. If scheduled maintenance is neglected or malfunctions are not addressed promptly, these parties may be held responsible. However, suing government entities presents legal challenges, such as strict deadlines and procedural hurdles related to sovereign immunity laws, which prevent claims from being brought forward against them.

An injured individual must show that a malfunctioning signal was the primary cause of their accident and that the party responsible was aware or should have known of its danger. An experienced personal injury attorney is essential in these instances; they can investigate maintenance records, submit timely legal notices, and assess liability accordingly. A lawyer also helps navigate complex rules related to government liability laws which often necessitate filing an official claim before being permitted to file a lawsuit.

Comparative Fault is another factor to keep in mind following an accident since sometimes both malfunction and negligence of another driver might contribute to its cause. For instance, when one fails to stop at a red light that blinks red simultaneously they could both share responsibility, something which may impact the compensation you receive depending on state laws. In modified comparative negligence states if found 50% responsible you could even lose out altogether when recovering damages. Understanding the legal landscape will ensure your actions post-collision enhance and not harm your compensation claim.

Attributed to malfunctioning signals, injuries caused by signal malfunction can include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and discomfort compensation. While contractors and government entities may try to delay or deny liability to discourage claimants from filing claims against them, having legal advice and remaining persistent will increase your odds of success and help improve the chances of compensation claims settlement.

Accidents involving malfunctioning signals demand an individual approach to injury law. To get justice in such a scenario, you need to understand who is accountable for maintaining traffic infrastructure as well as the specific deadlines required. Don't feel powerless if injured due to defective lights; there may still be options open to you with proper legal strategy in place. 

For inquiries related to traffic accident laws or injury laws, or to hire an accident attorney, contact the legal professionals of Bautista LeRoy LLC through this number 816-221-0382 or email them at [email protected]. Serving Kansas City, MO and KS as well as surrounding areas of Benton County and St. Louis.