A broken traffic light has the potential to create confusion and frustration. If you approach an intersection with an inoperable traffic light, you should treat it like one with a four-way stop sign. All vehicles should come to a complete stop and proceed carefully and cautiously through the intersection in the order in which they arrived.
If you were involved in an accident even after you entered the intersection correctly, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can clarify your options for financial recovery. They can also gather evidence of the at-fault party’s liability based on the rule or law when traffic lights are out.
The Right Way to Proceed at a Broken Traffic Light
Do not take a broken traffic signal lightly. Focus on navigating the flow of traffic as safely as possible. Fort Lauderdale traffic light outage rules require drivers at a malfunctioning light to do the following:
- Come to a complete stop
- Maintain a safe distance between each car
- Proceed through the intersection in arrival order
- If multiple cars arrive at the same time, the one furthest to the right should go first
- Yield to pedestrians in the intersection
- If a police officer is directing traffic, follow their instructions
You should take extra caution in this situation, especially if it occurs in a particularly busy intersection. Additional factors to consider at a non-functioning traffic signal include:
- Road and weather conditions
- The heaviness of the traffic
- Cyclists and pedestrian traffic
Understanding and following the correct traffic light malfunction law is essential not only for avoiding legal penalties but also for ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. Misjudging arrival order or ignoring right-of-way rules can lead to a severe traffic collision in Fort Lauderdale.
In some cases, failure to comply with a traffic signal out of law in Florida can be used as evidence of negligence if a lawsuit is filed. Documentation, such as dashcam footage or eyewitness testimony, becomes crucial in such instances.
Can a Broken Light Cause a Traffic Collision in Fort Lauderdale?
The potential confusion or intentional ignoring of the correct procedure at a non-functioning traffic light can cause a dangerous collision. In some cases, a malfunctioning traffic light can cause a multiple-vehicle or chain-reaction accident.
Accidents are typically avoidable when each driver practices caution by looking in all directions before entering the intersection and avoiding potential distractions inside or outside their car.
Some of the most common car accidents in Fort Lauderdale occur at intersections with faulty or inoperative traffic lights. These crashes often involve side-impact or rear-end collisions that result in significant injuries.
Local authorities and municipalities often investigate these intersections after repeated accidents. These reviews may influence future improvements, such as adding signage or temporary stop signs until repairs are made.
All Drivers Must Respect Fort Lauderdale’s Traffic Light Malfunction Law
Drivers in the state must obey all traffic laws. Florida Statutes § 316.1235 defines the appropriate action when a traffic light is inoperable.
If you acted appropriately but another driver did not, a Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney can help you seek compensation. They can gather evidence to prove the at-fault driver did not follow the traffic signal out law in Florida.
Following Fort Lauderdale traffic light outage rules is a legal responsibility. Drivers who ignore these requirements may be found partially or fully at fault for resulting collisions, which can impact their insurance coverage and liability.
A traffic violation report from police officers can be decisive in proving fault. Attorneys use these reports, along with witness interviews, to establish clear liability in court or during settlement negotiations.
Can You Sue Another Driver Who Caused a Car Accident When a Traffic Light Was Out?
If another driver caused an accident due to negligence, carelessness, or recklessness, you could pursue them for financial compensation, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future losses of income
- Vehicle damage, loss, or diminishment
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering
- Disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life
To collect these damages, you must prove the legal components of negligence, including duty, breach, causation, and damages. An attorney can aim to prove them for you with a robust case file.
A Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer can also file your personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit on time, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. They can also negotiate for a favorable settlement that may allow you to avoid a potentially lengthy trial and aim to resolve your case out of court.
Photographic evidence and video footage from traffic cameras or personal dash cams can be powerful tools to support your claim after a car accident at a traffic light out an intersection.
Your legal team may also consult accident reconstruction experts, who can simulate the collision and attribute blame using scientific analysis.
Can You Sue the City for an Accident Caused by a Broken Traffic Light?
Municipal agencies are responsible for maintaining safe roads and functioning traffic signs and signals. Why the light was flashing, completely unlit, or otherwise non-functional will determine whether you can seek damages from a municipal agency.
Traffic lights can malfunction for any of the following reasons:
- Power outages or surges
- Electrical problems
- Software glitches
- Severe weather
- Vandalism
- Deterioration
- Human error
A personal injury law firm will typically evaluate your claim for free. After listening to your version of events and assessing the accident’s details, your legal team will pursue compensation from the appropriate liable party.
Claims against a city or government entity are subject to different rules and shorter deadlines, so acting promptly is essential. Filing under Florida’s sovereign immunity laws requires additional steps.
Your attorney will investigate maintenance records, past complaints about the traffic light, and communication logs between city departments to identify lapses in duty that contributed to the accident.
Is it Worth Hiring a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale?
Recovering damages from a motor vehicle accident involving malfunctioning or broken traffic signal lights can be complicated because it may be difficult to prove the at-fault party’s liability. While you are not required to hire a personal injury attorney, having one could benefit your case. An experienced car accident lawyer can:
- Investigate the cause of your accident
- Identify the at-fault party’s liability
- Deal with the insurance company for you
- Collect evidence and documentation
Hiring a lawyer can also let you focus on recovering while they build your personal injury claim. Plus, it costs nothing upfront to hire an auto accident attorney, and you will not owe any fees if you do not receive compensation.
Many victims of traffic collisions in Fort Lauderdale underestimate the complexity of proving fault when a signal outage is involved. Lawyers bring clarity and strategic support to these challenging cases.
Your lawyer may also help you recover damages for lost mobility, extended rehabilitation, and the emotional trauma that often follows serious car crashes.
Get a Free Car Accident Claim Consultation
If you or someone you love suffered injuries or property damage because another driver did not know the rule or law when traffic lights are out, we can help you seek compensation.
Learn more about your rights and the responsible party’s obligations. Call (954) 633-8270 to reach one of our consultation team members at the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today.
