Posted & Reviewed by Scott Armstrong - Oct 29th 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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).
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 obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf, recovering millions for them. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.
Scott is known for his aggressive approach to every case. He has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers, an accolade awarded to only 2.5% of attorneys under forty and practicing for less than ten years. Houstonia Magazine, H-Texas Magazine, and others have recognized Scott as a “top lawyer” in Houston.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of lawyers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Our lawyers have more than 20 years of legal experience as personal injury attorneys.
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