Managing Partner
A broken traffic signal can create confusion in seconds, increasing the risk of a serious pedestrian accident. When a malfunctioning signal contributes to an injury, responsibility may extend beyond the driver and include the public agency or contractor responsible for maintaining the intersection.
Pedestrians rely on traffic signals to cross safely. Drivers rely on them to understand who has the right of way. When those systems fail, everyone at the intersection can be put at risk. If you were injured because a traffic light or pedestrian crossing signal was not working properly, understanding how liability is determined is an important first step.
Can a Broken Traffic Signal Cause a Pedestrian Accident?
Yes. Traffic signals are designed to reduce conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles. When they malfunction, they can create dangerous situations where people make decisions based on inaccurate or missing information.
Common signal problems include:
- Traffic lights that stop working completely
- Signals that display conflicting green lights
- Pedestrian “Walk” signals that never activate
- Countdown timers that malfunction
- Crossing buttons that fail to respond
- Flashing signals that confuse drivers or pedestrians
Even a brief malfunction can leave pedestrians believing they have the right to cross while drivers receive conflicting signals or fail to recognize that someone is entering the intersection.
Who May Be Responsible for the Accident?
Determining liability often requires a detailed investigation because more than one party may have contributed to the crash.
Potentially responsible parties may include:
- A negligent driver who failed to yield
- A city, county, or state agency responsible for maintaining the traffic signal
- A contractor hired to repair or inspect the intersection
- Another third party whose actions damaged the signal
Every case depends on the facts. In California, public agencies have a duty to maintain roadways and traffic control devices in reasonably safe condition. If an agency knew, or should have known, that a traffic signal was malfunctioning and failed to address the problem within a reasonable time, it may be held responsible under certain circumstances.
What Must You Prove in a Claim?
A malfunctioning traffic signal does not automatically make a public agency or another party liable. You must show that the defect contributed to the accident and that the responsible party failed to meet its legal obligations.
Evidence often includes:
- Traffic camera or surveillance footage
- Witness statements
- Police accident reports
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Prior complaints about the signal
- Photographs or videos showing the malfunction
Because many public records can change over time, gathering evidence quickly can make a significant difference.
Are Claims Against Government Agencies Different?
Yes. If a city, county, or state agency is responsible for maintaining the traffic signal, different legal rules generally apply.
California law requires most claims against public entities to follow specific procedures, including strict deadlines for filing a government claim before a lawsuit may proceed. Missing these deadlines can affect your ability to recover compensation.
Government agencies may also argue they were unaware of the defect or that they responded reasonably once they learned about the problem. Investigating maintenance records and previous reports of similar issues often becomes an important part of these cases.
What Compensation May Be Available?
If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for both your financial losses and the personal impact of the accident.
Depending on your case, compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Other accident-related losses
The value of a claim depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, your recovery, and the evidence establishing liability.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
The steps you take after an accident can help protect both your health and your legal claim.
If possible:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the accident to law enforcement.
- Take photographs of the intersection, traffic signals, and your injuries.
- Obtain contact information for witnesses.
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.
Prompt action may also help preserve evidence showing that the traffic signal was malfunctioning at the time of the crash.
Don’t Let a Malfunctioning Traffic Signal Leave You Without Answers
When a broken traffic signal contributes to a pedestrian injury, determining who is legally responsible is rarely straightforward. Drivers, government agencies, maintenance contractors, or multiple parties may share liability. We can investigate what happened, preserve important evidence, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in a pedestrian accident involving a malfunctioning traffic signal, contact Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook today to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.