What Should You Do When a Milwaukee Traffic Light is Defective?

Drivers rely on traffic lights, especially at busy Milwaukee intersections that would otherwise be too dangerous to drive through. When traffic lights malfunction or completely shut off, it often causes confusion and reckless driving. Drivers are unsure who has the right of way, which can lead to dangerous collisions that cause serious injuries.

Do you know what you should do when a traffic light is defective? Do you know who should be held liable for a crash when a traffic light is broken?

Below, PKSD’s experienced Milwaukee auto accident attorneys discuss these issues and explain how drivers can safely navigate an intersection with a defective traffic light.

Injured in a collision caused by a broken traffic light? We have decades of experience and a history of results.

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What Should You Do When a Milwaukee Traffic Light is Malfunctioning?

When the traffic lights are working properly, it is very clear who has the right of way. Yet even then, some drivers may ignore the signal and run through a red light.

However, when traffic signals are out or malfunctioning, many drivers may quickly become confused. Here are some tips to help you keep safe in this situation:

Flashing Red

If the traffic signal facing you is not working as usual but is flashing a red light, you must treat the light as a stop sign. Drivers with this signal must come to a full and complete stop, ensuring there is no oncoming traffic before proceeding.

Flashing Yellow

A flashing yellow light allows drivers to go through the intersection, but only after yielding to traffic already traveling through the intersection.

Blackout Traffic Signal

Wisconsin Statute 346.37(3) clearly states that in this situation all drivers should treat the broken traffic signal as an all-ways stop sign.

• First to arrive; first to go: The first driver to arrive at the intersection should also be the first to go, but only after coming to a full stop and checking for traffic that is already moving.
• Tie goes to the right: If two vehicles get to the intersection at the same time, or no one noticed who arrived first, the vehicle to the right is the one with the legal right of way.  If there is confusion, you should only proceed if you are sure traffic has come to a complete halt.

Avoid Getting Angry

A malfunctioning or broken traffic light is inconvenient, but not worth getting into a fight or accident over. Some drivers, such as those who are elderly or new to the area, may be more hesitant to drive through – even if it is their turn. Other motorists may get annoyed and go through at the wrong time just to avoid any delays.

Impatience and anger often lead to poor driver decisions, which in turn may cause a crash. If someone is already moving through the intersection, let that driver pass – even if you have the right of way.

No driver should continue without first checking for oncoming traffic, cyclists or pedestrians.

How to Report Traffic Light Issues

Prompt reporting of a malfunctioning traffic lights is essential to maintaining road safety and ensuring timely repairs. By quickly notifying local authorities or traffic management departments about traffic light malfunctions, you help facilitate swift action to address the problem and prevent further incidents. Understanding the importance of reporting and knowing how to do it effectively can make a significant difference in managing traffic flow and safeguarding drivers and pedestrians alike.

How to Report:

• Identify the Issue Clearly: When reporting a malfunctioning traffic light, provide a clear and detailed description of the problem. Mention whether the light is completely out, flashing erratically, or displaying incorrect signals.
• Provide Location Details: Include specific information about the intersection, such as street names, nearby landmarks, and any relevant details about the malfunction. This helps authorities locate and assess the problem faster.
• Use Available Reporting Channels: Many local government agencies and traffic management departments have dedicated hotlines or online forms for reporting traffic signal issues. Check their websites or contact them directly to find the most efficient reporting method.
• Follow Up: If the issue is not resolved in a timely manner, follow up with the authorities to ensure the problem is being addressed. Persistent reporting can help prioritize repairs.

Types of Accidents Caused by Broken Traffic Signals

Defective traffic lights can create a range of hazardous driving conditions, leading to various types of accidents. Understanding these potential risks is crucial for drivers to navigate such situations safely.

• Intersection Collisions: One of the most common accidents at defective traffic lights is a collision between vehicles at a Milwaukee intersection. When traffic lights are malfunctioning or completely out, drivers may be unsure of when to proceed or stop, leading to confusion and misjudgments. This can result in T-bone collisions, where one vehicle strikes another from the side, or front-end crashes, where vehicles collide head-on.
• Rear-End Collisions: When a traffic light is malfunctioning, drivers may stop suddenly or hesitate, especially if they are unsure of their right of way. This unpredictability can lead to rear-end collisions, where one vehicle crashes into the back of another. These accidents can cause significant damage and injury, particularly if the rear vehicle is traveling at high speed.
• Sideswipe Accidents: In situations where a traffic light is flashing yellow or malfunctioning, drivers might attempt to navigate through the intersection without properly assessing oncoming traffic. This can lead to sideswipe accidents, where vehicles traveling in the same direction collide along their sides. These accidents often occur when one driver misjudges the actions of another vehicle, leading to a side impact.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Malfunctioning traffic lights can also pose risks to pedestrians crossing the street. If pedestrian signals are malfunctioning or out of order, pedestrians may be at risk of being struck by vehicles. Drivers who are confused by defective signals may fail to yield to pedestrians, increasing the likelihood of crosswalk accidents.
• Cyclist Accidents: Cyclists are particularly vulnerable at intersections with defective traffic lights. Without clear signals, cyclists may misinterpret the traffic flow and collide with vehicles or other road users. This can result in serious injuries for cyclists, who often lack the protection of a vehicle’s frame.

Who May Be Liable for a Collision When a Traffic Light is Defective?

Determining liability for a crash caused by a malfunctioning traffic signal is difficult. For starters, if a defective traffic light created enough confusion for drivers in the intersection, your collision and how it happened may have gone unnoticed in the chaos.

Generally, the liability for a crash in this situation could be:

Another Driver

Often, an intersection collision that happens because of a broken traffic light is likely the fault of one or more drivers who failed to follow safe driving laws. Some motorists may use the excuse of a defective traffic light to ride through the intersection without stopping or checking for traffic. Others may simply get confused. In either situation, liability may be tough to prove. If there is a working camera at the intersection, the footage may help to support your claim. There could also be witnesses or a police officer on the scene that saw what happened and can provide a statement on your behalf.

Government Entity

Your right to file a claim against a government agency depends on certain factors, such as:

• Was a government agency responsible for maintaining and repairing the traffic light?
• Did the agency know – or should they have known – about the problem and neglected to fix it?
• Was there any signage or other types of warnings notifying motorists and residents about the outage?

There could be more than one liable party, which is why this type of case could quickly become complicated and benefit from the help of a knowledgeable attorney.

What to do if a Collision Happens at a Broken Traffic Signal

Whatever you do at the crash scene, do not apologize or admit fault, and be careful what you say to the responding officer or any others at the scene. Let the accident investigators do their job to determine who may be liable for the crash.

Contacting an attorney immediately after any car crash often benefits the injured victim. Knowing you have experienced legal representation to protect your interests provides peace of mind. Victims who hire an attorney also often receive significantly larger compensatory awards than those who do not.

What Situations or Events May Cause a Traffic Light to Malfunction?

Traffic lights are crucial for managing traffic flow and ensuring road safety. However, several factors can cause these signals to malfunction, leading to potential hazards at intersections. Here’s a detailed look at common causes:

1. Power Outages

Description: Power outages are a primary cause of traffic light malfunctions. Traffic lights rely on a consistent electrical supply to function properly. When there is a power failure, traffic signals may stop working entirely or begin flashing erratically.

Impact: During a power outage, traffic lights may be out, resulting in a blackout at the intersection, or they might flicker and cause confusion among drivers.

2. Damages Caused by High Winds

Description: Severe weather conditions, such as high winds from storms or hurricanes, can physically damage traffic lights. Wind can dislodge or break the signal housing, bend or snap the support poles, and even displace internal wiring or components.

Impact: Damaged traffic lights might not display the correct signals or may become completely inoperative, increasing the risk of accidents at affected intersections.

3. Lightning Damage

Description: Lightning strikes can cause significant damage to traffic lights by surging through electrical systems. This can fry circuits, damage control panels, and disrupt the overall functioning of the signal.

Impact: Traffic lights affected by lightning may experience complete failure or intermittent operation, leading to hazardous driving conditions.

4. Vandalism

Description: Deliberate acts of vandalism, such as smashing signal lights, spraying graffiti, or otherwise interfering with traffic light operations, can cause them to malfunction.

Impact: Vandalized traffic lights may become inoperative, display incorrect signals, or present confusing indications, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

5. Poor Maintenance

Description: Regular maintenance is essential for the proper functioning of traffic lights. Poor maintenance, such as neglecting to replace worn components or failing to clean sensors, can lead to malfunctions.

Impact: Traffic lights that are not well-maintained might have bulbs that burn out, faulty timing mechanisms, or sensors that fail, resulting in improper signaling and potential traffic issues.

6. Damages from an Earlier Accident

Description: Traffic lights can be damaged in accidents that involve vehicles crashing into the signal poles or infrastructure. This damage can compromise the functionality of the lights.

Impact: When traffic lights are damaged in previous incidents, they may not be repaired immediately or properly, leading to ongoing malfunctions and unsafe driving conditions.

7. Illegal Tampering

Description: Unauthorized individuals might tamper with traffic lights to alter their operation, such as changing the timing settings or physically manipulating the signals.

Impact: Tampered traffic lights may display incorrect signals, lead to traffic flow issues, and create confusion among drivers, potentially causing accidents.

8. Wear and Tear

Description: Over time, traffic lights experience natural wear and tear from constant use and exposure to the elements. Components can degrade, connections may loosen, and signal parts might become less reliable.

Impact: As traffic lights age, they may start to malfunction more frequently, with issues like inconsistent signal changes or complete failures affecting traffic management.

Did a Defective Traffic Light Cause Your Crash? Our Firm is Here to Help

If you were injured in a crash because of a defective or nonfunctioning traffic light, determining liability can often be difficult.

At PKSD, our qualified lawyers are experienced and prepared to fully investigate the cause of your crash. Learn more about your legal rights and how we may be able to help. We have the staff and resources to build a strong claim on your behalf. If you have a case, we are prepared to work tirelessly to recover the compensation, such as medical costs and lost wages, that you need.

Take advantage of the zero-cost, no-obligation consultation we offer with one of our licensed attorneys. If we represent you, there is nothing to pay up front or until your case concludes. We only collect our fees if we are successful in obtaining compensation for you.

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