If you are involved in an accident that involves a faulty traffic signal, you might wonder who is to blame. While the government agency that regulates traffic in your area may be responsible, there may be other liable parties. Here is what you need to know about the San Antonio accidents caused by broken traffic lights.
The Role of Traffic Signals
Traffic signals are essential to regulating traffic. They tell motorists when to stop and when to go. Motorists rely on other drivers to obey traffic lights and signals.
Who Is Responsible for Faulty Traffic Signals?
When traffic signals are faulty, you will likely wonder who you can blame if you are involved in an accident. The first party you might turn to is the city where the accident occurred. The city is usually responsible for ensuring that traffic lights in its boundaries work properly.
However, other parties could be responsible. For example, other motorists still have to drive safely and try to avoid collisions. For example, if a regular traffic light started blinking red, motorists should treat it as a stop sign, not simply drive through it as if it didn’t exist. Likewise, if a driver sped through the intersection or otherwise acted negligently, they could be responsible for the accident.
Complications of Involving the Government in Legal Claims
Suing a government agency can involve several legal complications. First, you will be required to provide the proper government entity with a notice of claim. This written claim must contain information about you and the accident, including:
- Your name
- Your contact information
- Information about how the accident occurred
- The date of the accident
- The injuries you suffered
- The amount of compensation you are requesting
You generally only have six months to file your notice of claim, which doesn’t give you much time to take legal action. You can protect your legal rights by contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Damages Recoverable in Car Accident Claims
If you are involved in a car accident, you can seek damages from the at-fault party. This compensation can cover your economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages make up your direct financial losses, such as:
- Current, past, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages compensate for more subjective losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced San Antonio truck accident attorney can carefully review your situation and identify all damages to which you may be entitled.
Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident involving a faulty traffic signal, you could be owed significant compensation for the damages you have sustained. The legal team at George Salinas Injury Lawyers can investigate your case, identify the damages for which you may be eligible, and help fight for maximum compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.