Setareh Law
January 23, 2026
Traffic signal malfunctions create extremely dangerous conditions at intersections throughout California, as drivers rely on these automated systems to safely navigate complex traffic patterns and avoid collisions with vehicles approaching from multiple directions. When traffic lights fail to operate correctly, display conflicting signals, or go dark entirely, the resulting confusion can lead to devastating accidents involving multiple vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists who may not realize that normal traffic control has been compromised until it’s too late to avoid a crash.
At Setareh Law, we understand how traffic signal failures can cause serious auto accidents that leave victims facing significant injuries, medical expenses, and questions about liability when government infrastructure plays a role in their collision. Our experienced legal team knows how to investigate these complex cases, identify all responsible parties, and pursue maximum compensation for clients whose lives have been disrupted by preventable intersection accidents caused by malfunctioning traffic control systems.
Common Causes of Traffic Signal Malfunctions
Traffic signals can malfunction due to various technical problems including power outages, aging equipment, software glitches, and physical damage from weather events or vehicle collisions that compromise the system’s ability to function properly. Power surges during storms often cause signal controllers to reset improperly or display incorrect light sequences, while outdated equipment may fail without warning due to worn components that haven’t received adequate maintenance or timely replacement.
Communication failures between signal controllers and traffic management centers can also create dangerous situations where signals operate on backup timing patterns that don’t match current traffic conditions or coordination with nearby intersections. Physical damage to signal heads, wiring, or detection systems from accidents, vandalism, or severe weather can cause signals to display wrong colors, fail to change appropriately, or stop working entirely, leaving drivers without clear guidance about right-of-way rules at busy intersections.
How Signal Failures Create Accident Scenarios
When traffic signals malfunction, drivers often receive conflicting information about who has the right of way, leading to situations where multiple vehicles enter an intersection simultaneously under the belief that they have a green light or protected turn arrow. These scenarios frequently result in high-speed side-impact collisions that cause severe injuries, as drivers approaching from perpendicular directions may not have time to react when they realize the signal system has failed.
Malfunctioning signals also create hazardous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists who depend on walk signals and traffic light timing to safely cross busy intersections. When signals display incorrect information or fail to provide adequate crossing time, vulnerable road users may find themselves stranded in the middle of intersections when vehicle traffic begins moving unexpectedly, leading to pedestrian accidents and bicycle crashes that could have been prevented with properly functioning traffic control systems.
Determining Liability in Signal Malfunction Cases
Government entities responsible for maintaining traffic signals can be held liable for accidents caused by malfunctioning equipment when they fail to properly maintain, inspect, or repair traffic control systems within reasonable timeframes after becoming aware of problems. California law requires public agencies to exercise reasonable care in maintaining traffic infrastructure, which includes conducting regular inspections, responding promptly to malfunction reports, and ensuring that backup systems function correctly when primary signals fail.
Establishing government liability requires proving that the responsible agency had actual or constructive notice of the signal problem and failed to take appropriate corrective action within a reasonable time. This often involves investigating maintenance records, incident reports, and communication logs to demonstrate that officials knew or should have known about the malfunction before it caused your accident, while also showing that proper maintenance or repair procedures could have prevented the dangerous condition.
Steps to Take After a Signal Malfunction Accident
Document the traffic signal’s condition immediately after your accident by taking photographs that show the current signal display, any obvious damage to equipment, and the overall intersection layout that contributed to the collision. Contact police to file an official accident report and specifically mention the signal malfunction to the responding officer, as this information becomes part of the official record and may prompt immediate repair efforts that eliminate evidence of the dangerous condition.
Gather witness statements from other drivers, pedestrians, or nearby business owners who observed the signal malfunction before or during your accident, as their testimony can provide crucial evidence about the duration and nature of the equipment failure. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries and begin documenting all accident-related expenses and impacts on your daily life, as personal injury cases against government entities often involve complex procedural requirements and strict filing deadlines that require prompt legal action to preserve your rights.
Contact Setareh Law for Traffic Signal Accident Cases
Traffic signal malfunction accidents involve complex liability issues that require thorough investigation of government maintenance practices, technical equipment failures, and the specific circumstances that led to your collision. These cases demand extensive knowledge of both traffic engineering principles and the legal standards that apply to government liability for infrastructure failures that cause preventable accidents.
Our team at Setareh Law has the resources and experience necessary to take on government entities and their insurance carriers in pursuit of fair compensation for traffic signal malfunction victims throughout California. We work with traffic engineering professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and government accountability advocates to build compelling cases that hold public agencies responsible for maintaining safe intersection conditions for all road users. With over $250 million recovered for our clients and more than 400 five-star reviews, we understand how to navigate the complex legal procedures required for claims against government entities while protecting our clients’ rights throughout the process. Contact us today at (310) 659-1826 or through our contact form to discuss your traffic signal accident case and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
