Los Angeles Traffic Light Accident Lawyer | Malfunctioning Signal Claims
A malfunctioning traffic light can turn a normal drive through Los Angeles into a serious intersection accident. When a signal stops working, displays confusing information, or fails to change correctly, drivers may enter an intersection without realizing another vehicle is approaching.
If you were injured in a Los Angeles crash involving a malfunctioning traffic signal, determining whether another driver, a signal problem, or several factors contributed to the collision may be important. Preserving evidence early can also help document what was happening at the intersection when the accident occurred.
Learn more about car accident claims.
How Malfunctioning Traffic Lights Can Cause Accidents
Traffic signals are designed to control the movement of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians through intersections.
Problems may include:
- Signals that stop working
- Lights stuck on red
- Lights stuck on green
- Flashing signals
- Irregular signal changes
- Conflicting signals
- Damaged traffic equipment
- Poorly visible signals
- Power-related failures
A malfunctioning signal does not automatically establish responsibility for a collision. Driver behavior, visibility, traffic conditions, and other circumstances may also need to be reviewed.
Intersection Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has heavily traveled intersections used by passenger vehicles, motorcycles, commercial trucks, buses, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
When a traffic signal is not functioning properly, a crash may occur when a driver:
- Enters an intersection at the wrong time
- Fails to yield
- Runs a red light
- Turns across another vehicle’s path
- Misunderstands a flashing signal
- Accelerates while traffic is still crossing
- Becomes distracted while approaching the intersection
Intersection collisions can happen quickly and may involve several vehicles.
What If the Traffic Light Was Not Working?
If a traffic signal appeared to malfunction before a crash, documenting its condition may be important.
Potentially useful information includes:
- Photos or videos of the traffic light
- The exact intersection
- Date and time of the accident
- Photos of surrounding traffic signs
- Witness contact information
- Police reports
- Traffic-camera footage
- Nearby surveillance footage
- Vehicle damage photographs
Traffic signal conditions may change quickly if the equipment is repaired after an accident.
Who May Be Responsible for a Traffic Light Accident?
Responsibility depends on the facts surrounding the collision.
Potentially involved parties may include:
- Another driver
- A vehicle owner
- A commercial driver
- An employer
- A contractor involved with traffic signal work
- A government or public entity
- Other parties connected to the accident
More than one factor may contribute to the same crash.
For example, a signal problem may exist while another driver also fails to operate their vehicle safely under the circumstances.
What If a Government or Public Entity Is Involved?
Traffic signals and public intersections may involve government agencies or other public entities.
Claims involving public entities can involve procedures and timing requirements that differ from ordinary personal injury matters.
Because the requirements depend on the particular circumstances, someone injured in an accident involving a potentially dangerous public roadway or traffic signal may want to speak with an attorney promptly about the deadlines and procedures that could apply.
Common Injuries After an Intersection Collision
Malfunctioning traffic light accidents may involve side-impact, front-end, rear-end, or multi-vehicle collisions.
Potential injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Internal injuries
People dealing with significant head trauma can learn more about brain injury claims.
Why Side-Impact Crashes Can Be Serious
Traffic signal problems may contribute to crashes in which one vehicle enters an intersection and is struck from the side.
Side-impact collisions can be especially serious because there may be less space between the point of impact and the vehicle occupants than in some front- or rear-end crashes.
The severity of any injury depends on the particular collision and should be evaluated medically.
What Evidence Can Help After the Crash?
Evidence may help determine whether the signal, another driver, or another condition contributed to the accident.
Potentially useful records include:
- Accident scene photos
- Traffic signal photos or videos
- Vehicle damage photographs
- Photos of injuries
- Witness information
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Insurance information
- Traffic-camera footage
- Nearby business surveillance video
- Records showing missed work
Keeping these materials organized can help create a clearer timeline of what happened.
Why Video Footage May Be Important
Video can be especially useful after an intersection crash.
Depending on what is available, footage may potentially show:
- What signal was displayed
- Which vehicles entered the intersection
- Vehicle movements
- The sequence of the collision
- Surrounding traffic
- Pedestrian or bicycle activity
- Conditions immediately before the crash
Whether footage exists and remains available depends on the particular intersection and recording system.
Why Medical Care Matters
Some injuries are obvious immediately after a collision. Others may become more noticeable later.
Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, neck pain, back pain, stiffness, or soreness may develop after the initial crash.
Appropriate medical evaluation can help identify injuries and determine what treatment may be needed. Medical records may also document treatment and recovery.
What Compensation May Be Available?
There is no standard settlement amount for a Los Angeles traffic light accident.
Depending on the circumstances, potential losses may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost income
- Reduced earning ability
- Vehicle damage
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Physical pain
- Long-term limitations
- Other accident-related losses
The potential value of a claim depends on the injuries, available evidence, responsibility, insurance coverage, and other case-specific circumstances.
Malfunctioning Traffic Light Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has thousands of intersections across major traffic corridors, commercial districts, residential neighborhoods, and local streets.
When a collision involves a potentially malfunctioning traffic signal, important questions may include:
- Where exactly did the crash occur?
- What was the signal displaying?
- Were witnesses present?
- Was the malfunction reported?
- Is video footage available?
- Did another driver contribute to the collision?
- Which entity or contractor was responsible for the signal?
Investigating these issues may help provide a clearer picture of how the crash occurred.
Learning More May Help
Malfunctioning traffic light accidents can involve questions about driver negligence, public entities, signal maintenance, surveillance footage, insurance coverage, and serious injuries.
Every case is different. Understanding how these issues apply to a particular Los Angeles collision may help an injured person make informed decisions about possible next steps.
DAG Law Firm, APC handles a range of personal injury claims.
You Do Not Pay Unless We Win
DAG Law Firm, APC handles qualifying personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.
There are no upfront attorney fees. You do not pay attorney fees unless we win your case.
Speak With a Los Angeles Traffic Light Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a Los Angeles intersection crash involving a malfunctioning traffic signal, DAG Law Firm, APC can review what happened and help you understand potential options based on your circumstances.
Call (323) 930-2020 or contact DAG Law Firm today to discuss your situation.
