Principle Attorney
Traffic signal malfunctions can turn a routine drive through Denver into a dangerous and even life-threatening situation. When a traffic light fails, whether due to a power outage, equipment malfunction, or delayed maintenance, drivers may collide at intersections, often causing serious injuries or property damage.
If you’ve been involved in a traffic signal accident, understanding liability, evidence collection, and municipal responsibilities is critical. The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya helps Denver residents navigate these complex cases, holding the appropriate parties accountable for unsafe conditions.
Government Liability in Signal Malfunction Accidents
In many instances, traffic signals are owned, installed, and maintained by local or state governments. When a signal fails due to poor maintenance or delayed repairs, the municipality may bear some responsibility.
Municipal Immunity and Exceptions
Colorado law provides municipalities with sovereign immunity, which can protect cities from certain types of lawsuits. However, there are important exceptions:
- Negligent maintenance of traffic control devices.
- Failing to repair a known malfunction after notice.
Because government liability can be limited and highly technical, it’s essential to have an experienced Denver personal injury lawyer evaluate the specifics of your case.
Maintenance Responsibilities
Traffic signals require regular inspections, timely repairs, and proper installation. Responsibility often falls on:
- City Public Works or Transportation Departments: They oversee routine maintenance and emergency repairs.
- Contracted Vendors or Engineers: Many municipalities hire third-party companies to install or service signals.
Negligence in maintenance, such as failing to replace burned-out bulbs, repair broken wiring, or update outdated equipment, can contribute directly to accidents.
Driver Duties at Malfunctioning Intersections
Even when a traffic signal malfunctions, drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely. Key responsibilities include:
- Treating non-functioning or flashing red lights as stop signs.
- Yielding the right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians.
- Exercising caution and reducing speed, particularly in busy intersections.
Failure to follow these duties can complicate liability, particularly in cases involving multiple drivers. Colorado’s comparative negligence rules may reduce compensation if a driver is partially at fault.
Evidence Collection
Proving liability in traffic signal accidents requires meticulous gathering of evidence. Critical evidence can include:
- Intersection Surveillance Footage: Many Denver intersections have cameras that record traffic signal operation and vehicle movements.
- Police Reports: Documenting initial findings and any observed violations.
- Witness Testimony: Bystanders or other drivers may have seen the light malfunction.
- Maintenance Records: Municipal or contractor records can show when the signal was last inspected or repaired.
- Photographs and Diagrams: Images of skid marks, vehicle positions, and intersection layout help reconstruct the accident.
Collecting evidence quickly is essential, as surveillance footage or repair logs may be overwritten or lost over time.
Power Outages vs. Signal Malfunctions
Not all signal failures are caused by negligence. Power outages, storm damage, or technical failures can lead to a temporary outage. In these cases:
- Liability may be limited if the municipality responded promptly and the outage was unforeseen.
- Drivers are expected to follow right-of-way rules at non-functioning intersections.
A knowledgeable attorney can analyze whether the accident resulted from unavoidable circumstances or from preventable negligence.
Intersection Right-of-Way Rules
Understanding Colorado’s right-of-way laws is essential in signal malfunction cases. Key rules include:
- At a non-functioning traffic signal, drivers must stop and yield as they would at a stop sign.
- Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic.
- Pedestrians crossing at an intersection generally have priority, and drivers are legally required to yield.
Accidents often occur when one driver misinterprets these rules or assumes another driver will yield. Proper investigation can clarify who violated traffic laws and contributed to the crash.
Why You Need a Denver Traffic Signal Accident Lawyer
Traffic signal accidents involve a unique combination of:
- Potential government or municipal liability
- Multiple drivers and comparative fault issues
- Technical evidence, such as surveillance footage and maintenance records
Contact Our Denver Traffic Accident Attorneys
If you were injured in a traffic signal malfunction accident, don’t wait to protect your rights. Insurance companies and municipalities often move quickly to limit liability.
Contact the Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya today for a free consultation. Our Denver team will review your case, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the claims process.