Intersections are places where two or more roads meet and when they have traffic lights, the lights are coordinated so that traffic flows smoothly without backing up. However, when one light fails, it can paralyze the entire intersection until the light is fixed. This means that when a traffic light failure occurs due to a power outage, road intersections become some of the most complex and vulnerable places for traffic accidents.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident in an intersection due to a power outage, contact The Husband & Wife Law Team for a consultation today!
Why the power might be out and why it’s important to pay attention while driving
A power outage leading to a traffic light malfunction can result from any of several situations, including:
Damage brought on by strong winds
A storm or lightning
Vandalism
Damage caused by a prior accident
It’s important to pay attention while driving because you’re more likely to remain safe. If you’re not paying attention, it’s possible that you’ll miss something important, like a dysfunctional traffic light. Paying attention allows you to see what’s around you and react accordingly. If you aren’t paying attention, the cause of the accident could be you.
How to safely drive through an intersection with no power
When the power goes out and traffic lights are down, drivers can become confused about when it’s safe to proceed. If you’re in a car, this confusion can lead to accidents, especially if other drivers also don’t know what to do in the situation.
When you approach an intersection where the traffic light isn’t functioning, you need to treat it as an all-way stop. For example, a cross intersection should be treated as a four-way stop and a T intersection should be treated as a three-way stop. Thus priority is given to vehicles entering the intersection or already at a complete stop, and the vehicle to the right of yours has the right of way if you stop at the intersection simultaneously.
It’s important for drivers to not only pay attention to the vehicles at their own intersections but also to those approaching from the side and rear because they could move into other intersections within view.
Forms of compensation you might be entitled to after an accident
In the event that you’re involved in an accident at an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation.
Car accident compensation: If you or your passengers were injured in an intersection accident because the traffic light stopped working after a power outage, you may be eligible for car accident compensation. This can help cover medical bills and other expenses related to your injuries.
Homeowners insurance: Your homeowner’s insurance policy may provide coverage for costs associated with your injuries if they occurred at an intersection accident where the traffic light doesn’t work after a power outage.
Workers’ compensation: If you were working at the time of the intersection accident because of a faulty traffic signal after a power outage, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover medical bills and lost wages while you recover from your injuries.
It’s crucial that you get in touch with the Husband & Wife Law Team, who have a great deal of experience addressing these types of situations, in order to collect the compensation you deserve.
Have The Husband & Wife Law Team on Your Side
Although determining who’s at fault in a car accident at a traffic light with no power may appear to be difficult, the law is clear. If you believe you have a valid claim, an auto accident lawyer at The Husband & Wife Law Team can assist you in pursuing damages and payment.
Contact us now so we can examine your case.