Traffic lights are crucial in maintaining order on roads and highways across Texas. Unfortunately, traffic lights sometimes malfunction, and drivers may become confused. If you are injured in an accident because of a malfunctioning traffic light, an attorney may be able to help you obtain fair compensation.
Traffic lights are rarely, if ever, controlled by private individuals or entities. The government is typically responsible for traffic lights and their care and maintenance. If a traffic light malfunctions and causes an accident, the state or local government may be held liable. Suing a governmental entity can be tricky, but it is possible under the right circumstances. You should hire a lawyer with experience handling such cases.
Get a free, confidential case assessment by calling The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797 and asking our Dallas car accident lawyers for help.
Who Should Be Held Liable for Accidents from Malfunctioning Traffic Lights in Texas?
Most people probably do not know who is responsible for the traffic lights we see every day on the road. While the government generally manages traffic lights, the governmental entity may vary depending on whether the traffic light is over a state highway or a local road.
Local and State Governments
If you were injured in a car accident because of a malfunctioning traffic light on a local street, your local or country government may be held liable. If you are not sure whether the road where the accident happened is a state, county, or local road, your attorney can help you. They can also help you determine the specific local governmental entity or agency involved.
The state government, specifically TxDOT, may be held liable if the malfunctioning traffic light was on a state highway.
Other Drivers
Even if the traffic light malfunctioned and caused your accident, that does not mean that other drivers involved in the crash cannot also somehow be responsible. A malfunctioning traffic light may cause confusion among drivers, and the situation may be even worse if other drivers are negligent or reckless.
For example, you might have entered an intersection at the wrong time due to a malfunctioning light, but your accident may have been made much worse because you were T-boned by a driver driving dangerously over the speed limit.
Private Maintenance Companies
The governmental entity responsible for the traffic light in your case may have recently had it inspected or repaired by a private repair service. It is possible that this private company acted negligently, resulting in the light malfunctioning. In that case, our Tyler, TX car accident lawyers may be able to sue the private maintenance company, although we might need to wait for a thorough investigation first.
How Do I Sue the Government for a Car Crash Caused by a Defective Traffic Light?
Suing the government is possible, but it is rarely easy. It is best to hire a lawyer and start preparing your case as soon as possible.
Statute of Limitations and Notice Requirements
First, we must be mindful of the statute of limitations. Personal injury claims, such as those from car accidents, must be filed no later than 2 years after the accident.
However, this is not your only deadline. In Texas, if you sue a governmental entity like TxDOT or a local government, you must serve the defendant with a formal notice of your claim no later than 6 months after the accident. This is a very tight timeframe, and you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
Location of the Traffic Light
We must make sure that we sue the correct governmental entity. You might first assume that TxDOT must be involved, but this might not be the case if local authorities manage the traffic light. Talk to your attorney about whether your accident happened on a state highway or somewhere else.
Records Pertaining to the Traffic Light
We will likely need evidence and records regarding the upkeep and maintenance of the defective traffic light. Since this information is undoubtedly in the government’s possession, we may need to request it during the discovery phase of your trial.
FAQs About Accidents from Malfunctioning Traffic Lights in Texas
How Can a Malfunctioning Traffic Light Cause an Accident?
If a traffic light malfunctions, drivers may receive incorrect signals about when to stop and when to go. Drivers may crash into other vehicles if the traffic light displays incorrect signals. This is common at intersections, where drivers rely on traffic lights to determine when it is safe to cross.
Who is Liable for Car Accidents Caused by Malfunctioning Traffic Lights?
Since traffic lights are usually owned, operated, and maintained by governmental entities, you may sue those governmental entities for damages. The exact governmental entity may depend on whether the traffic light was on a state road or highway or a local street, as state and local entities may be involved.
How Do I Begin a Lawsuit for an Accident Caused by a Defective Traffic Light?
You should start your accident case as soon as possible by contacting a lawyer right away. If you sue a governmental entity for a defective traffic light, specific legal procedures must be followed, and they may be time-sensitive.
How Do I Prove That a Traffic Light is Defective After an Accident?
To prove that the traffic light malfunctioned, we may need witness testimony and video footage from the accident scene. Your dashcam, if you have one, might have recorded the malfunctioning light on video. Even if it did not, you might have recorded a video using your cell phone of the traffic light shortly after the crash, showing how it malfunctioned.
Can I Sue the Government for an Accident Caused by a Malfunctioning Traffic Light?
Yes. Our roads and highways are the responsibility of certain governmental entities, and they must maintain traffic lights and signals. In Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) typically oversees traffic lights on state highways, while local cities and counties handle signals and signs on their own streets and roads.
How Can I Tell if a Traffic Light is Malfunctioning?
Sometimes, it is hard to tell that a traffic light is malfunctioning. It may appear to be functioning properly, but it is signaling based on an incorrect timer. Most traffic lights nowadays are times and synced with other lights at intersections. If even one light is out of sync, accidents may occur. Other times, the traffic light might appear to be off, or the light is too dim to see clearly.
Call Our Texas Car Accident Attorneys to Review Your Case
Get a free, confidential case assessment by calling The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797 and asking our Grapevine, TX car accident lawyers for help.