Everyone on the road relies on traffic lights to work without a hitch so that they can proceed through an intersection without worrying about a collision. If an accident does occur, police officers and insurance companies will often set about determining which driver is responsible for negligent driving without considering that a faulty traffic light might be the true cause.
The Federal Highway Administration reports that over half of all fatal crashes occur at or near intersections. To better safeguard your future in the case of an accident, you should understand how faulty traffic lights can contribute to a crash and what to do if this happens.
How can faulty traffic lights cause a crash?
Experienced drivers have a sense of how much time they have to pass through an intersection after a light turns green or yellow. If the light suddenly changes to red, and the light for traffic coming from another direction suddenly changes to green, this malfunction can lead to a severe collision in the intersection.
What can you do when traffic control devices cause an accident?
After a vehicle accident, you would typically file a claim against the at-fault driver to receive compensation from their insurance company. In the event of an accident caused by a faulty traffic control device, you can instead pursue a case against the city government. Be aware that insurers and law enforcement might hesitate to believe your claim, so you should collect thorough evidence in the form of witness testimony or dash cam footage.
More than anyone else, your local government has a responsibility to guarantee the safety of drivers on the road. If poor maintenance and faulty technology lead to a catastrophic accident, you have the right to take action.