Pedestrian Injuries Due to Faulty Signals
A less frequently discussed cause of pedestrian injuries is malfunctioning traffic signals. When signals fail to work correctly, they can create confusion and unsafe conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. For instance, a pedestrian signal might not turn green, or a traffic light may remain red or green for too long, leading to potential accidents.
In cases involving faulty signals, determining accountability requires expertise. When recovering from an injury due to a traffic signal malfunctioning or one that was not working at all, a Boca Raton personal injury lawyer can guide you through the recovery process. This could involve potential claims against individuals, municipalities, or other entities,
Who is Responsible for Faulty Signals?
When traffic signals malfunction, the consequences can be severe. Pedestrians rely on these signals for safe passage across streets. A faulty signal can mislead them into thinking it is safe to cross when it is not, or leave them stranded in the middle of the road. Such situations can lead to serious harm.
Determining liability in cases involving faulty signals may require analyzing several possible contributing factors. Accountability may lie with different parties depending on the specific circumstances.
- Government agencies. Often the responsibility for maintaining traffic signals falls on local or state government agencies. If a pedestrian injury occurs due to a malfunctioning signal, it is possible that the municipality responsible for the signal’s maintenance could be held liable. This could be due to negligence in maintaining the signal, failing to repair known issues, or not responding promptly to reports.
- Sometimes, the maintenance and operation of traffic signals are outsourced to private contractors. If a contractor fails to perform adequate maintenance or repairs, they could also be held accountable for resulting injuries.
- Individual or third-party negligence. In some cases, individual actions might contribute to the malfunction of traffic signals. For example, a reckless driver damaging a signal pole or a third-party company performing road work improperly might lead to signal failures.
It will also need to be assessed if the person walking themselves is responsible for the event in question. Pedestrians sometimes contribute to accidents by ignoring traffic signals, crossing streets in non-designated areas, or walking while distracted by their phones. Such behaviors can put them in dangerous situations, especially when drivers do not expect pedestrians in certain locations.
How Do I Hold the Correct Party Accountable?
For pedestrians injured due to signal confusion, seeking legal recourse is advised. There is a process when it comes to proving a party was negligent in maintaining or repairing signals. This requires thorough investigation and the expertise of a seasoned Boca Raton personal injury lawyer
Do you believe your injury would never have occurred had a traffic signal been working properly? While driver recklessness and pedestrian negligence in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach and Pompano Beach are more commonly discussed causes of accidents, malfunctioning signals present a significant risk that cannot be ignored. Thankfully, there are talented legal professionals available to fight for your rights. Contact the injury lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez. Call 561-660-9421.
