South Gate Traffic Light Accident Lawyer | Malfunctioning Signal Crashes
Traffic signals help control busy intersections and keep drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists moving safely. When a traffic light malfunctions, however, an ordinary intersection can quickly become dangerous.
A signal may stop working, display conflicting lights, remain stuck, or begin flashing unexpectedly. Drivers approaching the intersection may become confused about who has the right of way, increasing the risk of a serious collision.
If you were injured because of a malfunctioning traffic light in South Gate, understanding what happened, preserving evidence, and identifying the parties that may have contributed to the accident can be important.
Learn more about car accident claims.
What Is a Malfunctioning Traffic Light?
Traffic signals can malfunction in several different ways.
Problems may include:
- A completely dark traffic signal
- A signal stuck on red, yellow, or green
- Conflicting green lights
- Incorrect signal timing
- Unexpected flashing signals
- Damaged traffic lights
- Signals affected by electrical or equipment problems
The specific type of malfunction may become important when investigating how an intersection accident occurred.
Why Malfunctioning Traffic Signals Can Cause Serious Accidents
Drivers depend on traffic lights to tell them when to stop and when they can proceed through an intersection.
When those signals provide incorrect or confusing information, vehicles traveling in different directions may enter the intersection at the same time.
This can contribute to:
- T-bone collisions
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Multi-vehicle collisions
Intersection crashes can be particularly dangerous because vehicles may collide at an angle where occupants have less protection.
Common Injuries After a Traffic Signal Accident
The injuries caused by an intersection collision can range from relatively minor to severe.
Potential injuries include:
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Cuts and bruises
Some symptoms may not become noticeable immediately after a crash. Medical evaluation can help identify injuries and establish an appropriate course of treatment.
For more information about serious head injuries, visit DAG Law Firm’s brain injury resource.
What to Do After an Accident at a Malfunctioning Traffic Light
Health and safety should come first after any serious collision.
Depending on the circumstances, useful information to preserve may include:
- Photos of the intersection
- Photos or video of the malfunctioning signal
- Photos of vehicle damage
- Photos of visible injuries
- Witness names and contact information
- Police or collision reports
- Medical records
- Insurance information
- Available surveillance or dashcam footage
Evidence involving a malfunctioning traffic signal may change or disappear quickly. A broken signal could be repaired after the collision, for example, making photographs, video, witness information, and other available records potentially important.
Who May Be Responsible for a Malfunctioning Traffic Light Accident?
Determining responsibility can be more complicated than in a typical car accident.
Depending on what happened, potentially responsible parties could include:
- Another driver
- A public entity
- A maintenance contractor
- Another company involved with the signal or roadway
- Multiple parties
A malfunctioning traffic light does not automatically mean another party is legally responsible for an accident. The circumstances surrounding the signal failure and the actions of the people involved must be evaluated.
What If Another Driver Was Also Involved?
Even when a traffic signal is malfunctioning, driver behavior may remain an important part of the investigation.
Factors such as speed, distraction, visibility, positioning, and how each driver approached the intersection may be relevant.
In some accidents, there may be questions about whether more than one party contributed to what happened. Determining responsibility depends on the evidence and specific facts surrounding the collision.
Claims Involving a Government or Public Entity
Some malfunctioning traffic signal accidents may raise questions involving a city, government agency, or other public entity responsible for the intersection or roadway.
These situations can differ from ordinary injury claims. Claims involving public entities may involve special procedures and different timing requirements.
Because deadlines can depend on the circumstances, someone injured in an accident potentially involving a public entity may want to speak with an attorney promptly about the specific facts of the case.
Why Evidence From the Intersection Matters
Traffic conditions can change quickly after an accident.
Vehicles are removed, debris is cleared, damaged equipment may be repaired, and witnesses may become more difficult to locate.
Evidence that may help explain what happened could include:
- Intersection photographs
- Traffic signal video
- Surveillance footage
- Dashcam recordings
- Witness statements
- Collision reports
- Vehicle damage
- Available maintenance or repair information
Preserving available evidence may help establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
How a Serious Intersection Accident Can Affect Daily Life
A traffic collision can affect much more than someone’s vehicle.
An injured person may face:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Time away from work
- Physical therapy
- Continued treatment
- Pain and physical limitations
- Difficulty performing normal activities
The effects vary depending on the injuries and circumstances of the accident.
Malfunctioning Traffic Light Accidents in South Gate
South Gate has heavily traveled streets and intersections used by residents, commuters, pedestrians, cyclists, commercial vehicles, and public transportation.
When a traffic signal fails at a busy South Gate intersection, drivers may have only seconds to recognize the problem and react.
Determining why the signal malfunctioned and how each person responded may become important when evaluating an accident.
Learning More May Help
Accidents involving malfunctioning traffic signals can raise questions about driver responsibility, roadway maintenance, public entities, evidence, and insurance coverage.
Every case is different. A South Gate traffic light accident lawyer can review the available evidence and explain what options may apply based on the circumstances.
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 South Gate Traffic Light Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a South Gate accident involving a malfunctioning traffic signal, learning more about your options may help you determine what to do next.
Call (323) 930-2020 or contact DAG Law Firm today to discuss your situation.
