Traffic signal systems are installed to control traffic flow, ensuring congestion build-ups from any point of direction are minimal. But arguably more importantly, they serve to prevent auto collisions, by assigning right-of-way vehicles and pedestrians. So as you can see, it may become a major issue when a traffic signal is faulty and begins to malfunction. Please follow along to find out the kinds of accidents that might arise due to a faulty traffic signal and how a proficient Panama City car accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can help you navigate the aftermath of one.

What kinds of auto accidents occur due to a faulty traffic signal?

With the feelings of confusion and misinterpretations that a faulty traffic signal stirs up, the possibility of an auto collision is likely to spike. Examples of specific kinds of auto accidents that may come about are as follows:

  • A driver may not know a green light is shown in all directions and get T-boned by another driver.
  • A driver may hit the brakes at a flashing red or yellow light and get rear-ended by another driver.
  • A driver may not know a pedestrian has a walk sign to cross the intersection and hit them with their vehicle.

What should I do if I enter an auto accident due to a faulty traffic signal?

You may have practiced abundant safety while navigating a major intersection with a faulty traffic signal. But unfortunately, other present drivers may have panicked and driven erratically, or grown aggravated and sped through without care for stopping, yielding, and overall right-of-way protocols. Devastatingly enough, this may have landed you in an auto accident.

For this, it is recommended that you exchange auto insurance information with the negligent driver. You should also jot down their driver’s license number, license plate number, and their vehicle’s make, model, and color for good measure. This may be on top of taking photos of your vehicle’s and their vehicle’s visible damages to demonstrate the point of contact and further establish fault in the accident event.

However, you must not forget that a local government entity is likely to blame for the existence of a faulty traffic signal to begin with. So, you should also take videos of the malfunctioning light, the potentially busy traffic conditions, and the lack of police presence. Once an officer arrives, you should specifically mention the malfunctioning light so that they may record it in their official police report. You may even ask them for the contact number of your local transportation department, and report the issue here as well.

Last but not least, witness testimonies may be pivotal in establishing another driver’s negligence, confirming the presence of the malfunctioning light, and more. All of this may be helpful in your future personal injury claim against a negligent driver, a negligent local government entity, or both.

If you require legal representation, look no further than a talented Panama City auto accident attorney. The client testimonials and case results on our website speak for themselves, saying that you will not regret hiring the team at Manuel & Thompson, PA.