Traffic lights are designed to maintain order and prevent crashes at busy intersections—but what happens when the lights themselves are the problem? If you’ve been involved in a car accident caused by a traffic light malfunction, your case may not be as straightforward as typical collision claims. “Car Accident Caused by Traffic Light Malfunction”
When a traffic signal fails—whether it’s stuck on green, flashing, or completely dark—it can confuse drivers and create dangerous situations. If a crash occurs because of a faulty signal, determining who is at fault and how to pursue compensation requires a different legal approach.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What qualifies as a traffic light malfunction
- Who may be liable in these cases
- How to prove fault and recover damages
- Steps to take immediately after the crash
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What Is a Traffic Light Malfunction?
A traffic light malfunction occurs when the signal fails to operate properly, leading to confusion or conflicting directions for drivers. Examples include:
- All lights at an intersection turn green at the same time
- Flashing red or yellow signals in all directions
- A light that skips or gets stuck on one color
- Completely dark intersections due to power outages
- Signals that change too quickly or not at all
These malfunctions can lead to serious accidents involving side-impact collisions, rear-end crashes, and multi-vehicle pileups—especially at busy intersections.
Who Is at Fault in a Crash Caused by a Faulty Traffic Light?
Unlike most car accidents where fault lies with a negligent driver, crashes caused by signal failures can involve multiple parties, including government agencies or third-party contractors.
✅ Possible liable parties:
- The local city or county government responsible for maintaining the traffic lights
- The state transportation department, in cases of state-managed roadways
- Private contractors or utility companies tasked with traffic light installation or maintenance
- Negligent drivers who failed to exercise caution despite signal confusion
In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, depending on the circumstances.
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Proving a Traffic Light Malfunction Caused the Crash
To build a strong case, you’ll need clear evidence that the malfunction occurred and that it directly contributed to the accident.
Gather this evidence as soon as possible:
- Photos or videos of the faulty traffic signal
- Dashcam footage, if available
- Statements from witnesses who noticed the malfunction
- 911 call records reporting the issue
- Police reports that confirm the traffic light failure
- City maintenance logs or prior complaints about the intersection
Your attorney may also submit a public records request to obtain maintenance history or prove negligence by the agency in charge.
How Traffic Laws Treat Malfunctioning Signals
Most state laws have provisions for how drivers should act when signals fail:
- Dark intersection: Treat it like a four-way stop
- Flashing red light: Stop and proceed when safe (similar to a stop sign)
- Flashing yellow: Proceed with caution, yield when needed
If a driver ignores these rules during a malfunction, they may still be held liable for negligence—even if the signal was faulty.
Challenges in Filing a Claim Against a Government Entity
If your case involves a government agency (city, county, or state), special legal rules apply:
Key points to consider:
- You may need to file a formal notice of claim within a very short time frame (as little as 30–90 days in some states)
- Government entities often have immunity or limited liability
- Your claim must prove that the agency knew about the malfunction and failed to fix it within a reasonable time
An experienced personal injury attorney can navigate these technical requirements and help you avoid common pitfalls.
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Can You Still File a Claim If Another Driver Was Also Negligent?
Yes. If another driver contributed to the crash—by speeding, running a flashing red light, or failing to yield—you can still file a claim against both the driver and the government agency (if applicable).
This is known as shared liability, and compensation may be divided based on each party’s degree of fault.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If your case is successful, you may be eligible to receive compensation for:
- 💰 Medical expenses (including future care and rehabilitation)
- 💰 Lost income due to time off work
- 💰 Pain and suffering and emotional distress
- 💰 Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- 💰 Long-term disability or loss of earning capacity
The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, available evidence, and how the malfunction and negligence are proven.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Crash Involving a Faulty Signal
- Call 911 – Report the crash and mention the suspected light malfunction
- Document the scene – Take photos and video of the signal and damage
- Talk to witnesses – Get names and contact info
- Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters – Let your attorney handle it
- Consult a personal injury attorney – Time is critical in these cases
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Final Thoughts: Faulty Traffic Lights Can Complicate Your Claim—But You Still Have Rights
A malfunctioning traffic light can quickly turn a routine drive into a dangerous and confusing situation. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a traffic light malfunction, don’t assume the process will be simple. These cases require swift action, thorough investigation, and experienced legal support to hold the right parties accountable.
The sooner you start gathering evidence and building your claim, the better your chances of recovering full compensation.
Key Takeaways:
Traffic signal malfunctions can lead to serious crashes and complex liability issues
Government agencies or contractors may be held accountable if they failed to fix known problems
Gathering evidence early is essential—photos, reports, and witness statements matter
Special rules apply when filing claims against public entities
A personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages and navigate government red tape
📢 Injured Because of a Faulty Traffic Light? Get Your Free Case Evaluation Now 📢
“Car Accident Caused by Traffic Light Malfunction”
