As you can imagine, malfunctioning traffic signals pose a significant hazard on the road. When a traffic light fails, it can create confusion for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. This confusion can quickly lead to accidents. Understanding who can be held liable for your injuries and damages is vital in protecting your legal rights. Please continue reading to learn who can be held responsible for accidents involving faulty traffic signals and how a determined New York City Car Accident Lawyer can help you understand your legal options.
What is the Rule When Traffic Lights Are Out in New York?
Motorists need to understand how to navigate intersections when traffic signals are not functioning properly. When approaching a malfunctioning traffic light in New York, you must stop your vehicle as if you were at a stop sign. Come to a complete stop, and then proceed with caution, yielding to any vehicles that arrived at the intersection before you. Essentially, you should treat the intersection as an all-way stop. It’s important to note that if a police officer is directing the flow of traffic, you should follow their instructions instead of the malfunctioning light.
Who is to Blame for an Accident Involving Faulty Traffic Signals?
Determining liability for a car accident caused by faulty traffic signals can be complex because multiple parties may share blame depending on the circumstances of the crash. In most cases, the government agency or municipality responsible for maintaining the traffic signals can be held accountable for any damages resulting from an accident caused by faulty traffic lights. This is because they have a legal obligation to ensure these road safety devices are operating properly.
In addition to the municipal authority responsible for maintaining these devices, a manufacturer or contractor can be assigned partial liability for the failure of a traffic signal. If the light stops working because of a defect in the design or manufacturing, the manufacturer can be held liable. Similarly, a contractor who installed the device can be held accountable if they were negligent in their work.
Furthermore, a driver may bear responsibility for the crash. Motorists are required to exercise caution and follow the rules of the road when they encounter malfunctioning lights. As established, the law in New York states that when a traffic light is not functioning as intended, drivers must treat the intersection as an all-way stop. If a motorist fails to do so, they could face partial liability for the collision.
As you can see, several parties can face full or shared liability for the damages resulting from an accident caused by faulty traffic signals. At the Law Offices of Brian J. Elbaum, we are prepared to help you investigate the circumstances of the accident and gather evidence to support your claim. Connect with our firm today for skilled representation.
