San Bernardino County Traffic Light Accident Lawyer | Signal Crash Claims

A malfunctioning traffic light can create confusion in seconds. When a signal stops working, flashes unexpectedly, or gives drivers unclear information, vehicles may enter an intersection at the same time and cause a serious collision.

If you were injured in a crash involving a malfunctioning traffic signal in San Bernardino County, determining whether another driver, a signal problem, a public entity, a contractor, or several factors contributed to the collision may be important.

Learn more about car accident claims.

How Malfunctioning Traffic Lights Can Cause Accidents

Traffic signals are intended to control the movement of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians through intersections.

Potential problems may include:

• Signals that stop working completely
• Lights stuck on red
• Lights stuck on green
• Flashing signals
• Delayed signal changes
• Conflicting signals
• Damaged traffic equipment
• Poorly visible signals
• Power-related failures

A malfunctioning traffic signal does not automatically establish who is responsible for an accident. Driver behavior, roadway conditions, visibility, and other circumstances may also need to be considered.

Intersection Accidents Can Happen Quickly

Traffic signal problems can be especially dangerous at busy intersections.

A collision may occur when a driver:

• Enters an intersection at the wrong time
• Fails to yield
• Runs a red light
• Misunderstands a flashing signal
• Turns across another vehicle’s path
• Accelerates while another vehicle is still crossing
• Becomes distracted while approaching the intersection

These situations may result in front-end, side-impact, rear-end, or multi-vehicle crashes.

What If the Traffic Light Was Not Working?

If a traffic signal appeared to malfunction before the collision, documenting the 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 signs and roadway conditions
• Witness contact information
• Police reports
• Traffic-camera footage
• Nearby surveillance footage
• Vehicle damage photographs

Traffic signals may be repaired shortly after a problem is reported, so the intersection may look different later.

Who May Be Responsible for a Traffic Light Accident?

Responsibility depends on the specific circumstances.

Potentially involved parties may include:

• Another driver
• A vehicle owner
• A commercial driver
• An employer
• A traffic signal contractor
• A maintenance company
• A government or public entity
• Other parties connected to the collision

Some accidents may involve more than one potentially responsible party.

For example, a signal malfunction may contribute to a dangerous situation while a driver’s unsafe conduct also plays a role.

Government and Public Entity Issues

Traffic signals on public roads may be operated, maintained, or controlled by cities, counties, transportation agencies, or other public entities.

Claims involving a public entity can involve procedures and timing requirements that differ from ordinary personal injury cases.

Because the requirements depend on the particular facts, an injured person should not assume that a standard accident deadline applies. Speaking with an attorney about the specific circumstances may help clarify what timing requirements could be involved.

Traffic Signal Contractors May Also Be Relevant

In some situations, private companies may perform installation, repair, electrical, or maintenance work involving traffic signals.

Questions may arise about:

• Recent signal repairs
• Electrical work
• Maintenance history
• Signal programming
• Construction activity
• Reported equipment problems

Determining who worked on or controlled the signal may become part of the investigation.

Common Injuries After an Intersection Crash

Traffic light accidents can cause significant injuries, particularly when vehicles traveling in different directions collide inside an intersection.

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 also learn more about brain injury claims.

Why Side-Impact Collisions Can Be Serious

A malfunctioning signal may contribute to a situation where one vehicle enters an intersection and another strikes it from the side.

Side-impact crashes can result in significant injuries because occupants may have less space between themselves and the point of impact than in some other types of collisions.

The severity of any injury depends on the particular accident and should be appropriately evaluated by a medical professional.

What Evidence Can Help After the Crash?

Evidence may help determine whether the signal, another driver, or another condition contributed to the accident.

Potentially helpful records include:

• Accident scene photographs
• Photos and video of the traffic signal
• Vehicle damage photographs
• Photos of injuries
• Witness information
• Police reports
• Medical records
• Medical bills
• Traffic-camera footage
• Nearby business surveillance footage
• Insurance information
• Records showing missed work

Keeping these materials organized may help create a clearer timeline.

Why Video Footage May Matter

Video evidence can be especially useful after a traffic signal accident.

Depending on what is available, footage may potentially show:

• What signal was displayed
• Which vehicles entered the intersection
• Vehicle movements
• The sequence of the crash
• Traffic conditions
• Pedestrian activity
• Events immediately before the collision

Whether footage exists and remains available depends on the particular location 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 San Bernardino County traffic light accident claim.

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 factors.

Malfunctioning Traffic Light Accidents in San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County includes large cities, smaller communities, major highways, commercial corridors, and heavily traveled intersections.

When a crash involves a potentially malfunctioning traffic signal, important questions may include:

• Where exactly did the accident happen?
• What was the signal displaying?
• Was the malfunction reported before the crash?
• Were witnesses present?
• Is traffic or surveillance footage available?
• Did another driver contribute to the accident?
• Which agency or contractor controlled the signal?

Answering these questions may help provide a clearer understanding of what occurred.

Learning More May Help

Malfunctioning traffic light accidents can involve complicated issues related to driver negligence, signal maintenance, public entities, contractors, insurance coverage, video evidence, and serious injuries.

Every accident is different. Understanding how these issues apply to a particular 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 San Bernardino County Traffic Light Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in an intersection crash involving a malfunctioning traffic signal in San Bernardino County, 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.