Many road users become confused about what to do when traffic lights are malfunctioning – a confusion that can lead to dangerous accidents. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, in the event that a traffic light has gone out entirely and an officer is not directing traffic, you should treat the light as though it is an all-directions stop sign. If the light is flashing red, treat it as a stop sign. If it is flashing yellow, treat it as a yield sign.
What Do I Do at the Intersection?
When you encounter a malfunctioning traffic light, your actions depend on how the light is behaving:
- Flashing Red Light – Treat flashing red lights as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop and yield to any vehicles already at the intersection or pedestrians in the crosswalk. Proceed when it is safe.
- Flashing Yellow Light – Proceed with caution. Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. Yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.
- Not Functioning – If the light is completely out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Come to a complete stop, then follow right-of-way rules.
Remember, even if you have the right of way, exercise caution. Other drivers may not know or follow these rules, so stay alert and be prepared to avoid potential collisions.
If a traffic light has fallen to the street below, you should exercise extreme caution, as electric wires may be present. In such situations, you may need to find an alternative route to avoid potentially life-threatening hazards.
Who Has the Right of Way at a Four-Way Stop?
Intersections with four-way stops are frequently the sites of car accidents, particularly when motorists do not understand the rules for yielding the right of way. When traffic lights are not functioning, the confusion and potential danger can be even more pronounced. Road users can keep themselves and others safe by keeping the following in mind:
- The first to arrive at the intersection has the right of way to proceed first.
- If motorists arrive at the intersection simultaneously, drivers should yield the right of way to any vehicle on their right.
- Whether or not the intersection features a marked crosswalk, motorists and cyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the street. They should not proceed until the pedestrian has crossed the street or cleared the driver’s side of the road, remembering to yield the right of way to approaching vehicles.
Motorists who fail to observe these rules can be held legally and financially liable for accidents and injuries caused by an accident.
Who Can I Call to Report the Traffic Light?
If you encounter a malfunctioning traffic light, you should report it promptly to ensure the safety of all road users. In Georgia, you have several options for reporting non-functioning traffic signals:
- Local Police Department – Contact your local police department’s non-emergency number to report the issue.
- Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) – Call GDOT at 511 or visit their website to submit a report.
- County or City Traffic Engineering Department – Many local governments have dedicated departments for traffic signal maintenance.
Remember to provide the exact location of the malfunctioning light, including cross streets or nearby landmarks. This information helps authorities respond more quickly and efficiently.
What Should I Do If I Am in an Accident at an Intersection Where the Lights Are Out?
If you are involved in an accident at an intersection with non-functioning traffic lights, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and strengthen any potential legal claim. These steps include:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention.
- If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location, but do not leave the scene.
- Call the police to report the accident and the malfunctioning traffic light.
- Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, the intersection, and the non-functioning traffic light.
- Gather contact and insurance information from other involved parties.
- Obtain contact information from any witnesses.
- Seek medical attention, even if you do not think you have sustained significant injuries.
- Contact a qualified Georgia car accident attorney to discuss your rights and options.
Who Could Be Held at Fault for an Intersection Accident?
Fault determinations can be particularly complex in cases involving an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic light. Several parties might bear responsibility, including:
- Other Drivers – Motorists may be liable if they fail to treat the intersection as a four-way stop or violate right-of-way rules.
- Government Entities – The responsible government agency might be liable if the traffic light malfunction was due to poor maintenance or negligence
- Contractors – Companies hired to maintain traffic signals could be at fault if their negligence led to the malfunction.
- Manufacturers – The manufacturer might be held responsible if a defective traffic light component caused the malfunction.
Fault determinations often require thorough investigation. An experienced car accident attorney can take on this investigation for you to identify potentially liable parties and hold them accountable for their negligence.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Have you been injured in an accident at a malfunctioning traffic light or where a traffic light is out? If so, the responsible party could owe you compensation for the harm they’ve caused you, including your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and property damage. An experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident, determine everyone who could be at fault for the collision, and hold them responsible for what you’ve suffered.
At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., our seasoned legal team has filed successful car accident claims on behalf of injured Georgians for over 30 years. We have a thorough understanding of Georgia traffic laws, and our skilled negotiators know how to take on insurance companies and win. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us give you the support and advocacy you need at this challenging time.
