Traffic Light Accidents: Understanding Liability

Traffic lights are supposed to keep us safe on the road by controlling traffic flow and reducing the chances of collisions. But what happens when those lights malfunction? Traffic light accidents can quickly become serious, leading to damage, injuries, and even fatalities. 

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Determining who is liable for such accidents can be complicated. When traffic lights are defective – flashing red, blinking yellow, or entirely out – it’s vital to understand the applicable laws and safety protocols. The car accident lawyers with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP share some information below about traffic light accidents and who’s likely at fault when something goes wrong.

Causes of Defective Traffic Lights

Defective traffic lights aren’t as rare as you might think. Various issues can cause them to malfunction, each presenting a unique set of challenges for drivers. Understanding why a traffic light might fail helps explain the confusion and potential accidents that follow. Below are the most common reasons traffic lights stop working correctly.

• Electrical outages: Severe weather conditions, such as storms or hurricanes, can knock out the power to traffic lights, leaving them completely inoperable.
• Poor maintenance: Traffic signals need regular upkeep to ensure they’re functioning correctly. Without it, parts can wear out or break down.
• Software issues: Modern traffic lights often rely on sophisticated software to manage the timing of signals. Bugs or glitches in the system can cause signals to become stuck or display the wrong colors
• Vehicle accidents: A collision involving a traffic signal post can knock out power or damage the light’s hardware, leaving it flashing or completely out.
• Construction or road work: When construction crews work on roads, they might accidentally disrupt the flow of electricity to traffic signals, temporarily disabling them.

Safety Protocols at a Defective Traffic Light

Knowing how to respond to a malfunctioning traffic light is important. Texas law has safety protocols for when the lights aren’t working correctly. Treating the situation like a typical stop or yield sign can prevent accidents. Here’s how you should handle different traffic light malfunctions.

Flashing Red

A flashing red light works similarly to a stop sign. If you approach a light that’s blinking red, come to a full stop. Look both ways and make sure the road is clear before proceeding. Other drivers at the intersection should also stop, so it’s important to take turns going through the intersection. When everyone follows this rule, accidents are far less likely to happen.

Flashing Yellow

A flashing yellow light doesn’t require you to stop but tells you to slow down and proceed with caution. You should be extra alert when going through the intersection because other drivers may not be as cautious. Flashing yellow lights often occur when traffic flow is being directed for construction or road maintenance, but they can also appear during a signal malfunction. Stay vigilant and be prepared to stop if necessary.

Blackout

When a traffic light goes completely dark, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. You should stop at the intersection, look in all directions, and proceed when it’s safe. Remember that other drivers are required to do the same. However, not everyone will follow the rules, so be cautious when crossing. Traffic light blackouts often happen due to power outages, so keep an eye out for other drivers who may not know how to respond.

What Are Texas Laws for Malfunctioning Traffic Lights?

Texas law has specific rules in place for dealing with defective traffic lights. The Texas Transportation Code dictates that when a traffic signal is flashing or completely out of order, drivers must follow the same rules as they would at a stop sign or yield sign.

Again, when traffic lights are completely dark, Texas law states that drivers must treat the intersection as a four-way stop. All drivers should stop, look in all directions, and take turns proceeding through the intersection. Failing to follow these laws can result in traffic citations and make you liable if an accident occurs.

Never Ignore a Defective Traffic Light

Some drivers might be tempted to ignore a malfunctioning traffic light, assuming it’s a minor inconvenience. However, ignoring a defective light can lead to severe consequences. When you fail to follow the flashing or dark traffic lights protocols, you’re not just putting yourself in danger – you’re also putting everyone else on the road at risk.

In Texas, ignoring a traffic light malfunction can result in fines, legal consequences, or even criminal charges if the accident leads to injury or death. Always approach malfunctioning traffic lights with caution and respect the rules of the road. It’s better to be a little late than to cause a collision.

How Defective Lights Can Cause Other Drivers to Hit You

Even if you do everything right at a defective traffic light, you could still be involved in an accident. Other drivers may not know how to react to a flashing or dark signal, and their confusion can result in a crash. When traffic lights malfunction, everyone on the road has to rely more heavily on personal judgment – and not all drivers make the right call.

For instance, another driver might run through a flashing red light without stopping, colliding with your vehicle. Or, someone could blow through a dark intersection without treating it as a four-way stop, leading to a T-bone accident. In these cases, liability can be complicated. While the other driver might be at fault for disobeying traffic rules, the malfunctioning light also plays a role in the accident.

What to Do and Not Do When You Are in an Accident Caused by a Malfunctioning Traffic Control Device

If you’re involved in an accident caused by a defective traffic light, your immediate actions can significantly impact your ability to seek compensation. Here’s a breakdown of what to do and what not to do if you find yourself in this situation.

• DO call the police: Always report the accident to law enforcement, even if the damage seems minor. The police will document the scene and may include the malfunctioning traffic signal in their report, which can be helpful later.
• DO take pictures: If possible, take photos of the scene, including the defective traffic light, the position of the vehicles, and any visible damage. These photos will serve as evidence if there’s a dispute over what caused the accident.
• DO get medical attention: Even if you feel fine, seeing a doctor after an accident is a good idea. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent, and having medical documentation can help if you need to file an insurance claim.
• DON’T admit fault: Avoid making any statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Accidents involving defective traffic lights can be complicated, and liability isn’t always clear-cut. Let your car accident lawyer handle discussions about who’s to blame.
• DON’T leave the scene: If someone leaves an accident scene they could be charged with a crime, even if a malfunctioning light caused the accident. Always stay at the scene until a police officer arrives.

How to Report Malfunctioning Traffic Lights

Reporting a defective traffic light helps keep others safe and can prevent future accidents. Here’s how you can do your part by reporting malfunctioning signals in your area.

• Contact local law enforcement: If you notice a malfunctioning traffic light while driving, the quickest way to report it is to call local law enforcement. They’ll notify the appropriate authorities and get the light fixed as soon as possible.
• Use city services apps: Many cities, including Houston, have apps or websites where you can report malfunctioning traffic signals. These services are often linked directly to the city’s public works department, which handles traffic light repairs.
• Notify the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): In some cases, you may need to report a defective traffic light to TxDOT, especially if it’s located on a state highway. You can contact them through their website or by phone.

Who Can I Report Malfunctioning Traffic Signals to in Houston?

In Houston, you have several options for reporting defective traffic lights. The first step is to contact the Houston 311 Help & Info Line. You can either call or use their online system to report the issue. You can also report malfunctioning signals directly to the City of Houston Public Works Department. They manage traffic signal maintenance and can dispatch a crew to fix the problem.

If the defective light is on a state-maintained road, you can contact TxDOT. They handle traffic signals on highways and other state roads in the Houston area. When reporting a defective signal, it’s important to provide as much detail as possible, including the exact location and type of malfunction (flashing red, yellow, or completely out).

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Help with Traffic Light Accident Liability

If you’ve been involved in a traffic light accident, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and options. That’s why you should always contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Get started by calling 832-669-6161 or contacting us online. 

Scott Armstrong

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