You may be able to sue after an accident caused by a malfunctioning traffic light, and we can determine who is ultimately liable. These cases can be more complicated depending on the defendant, so seek help from our experienced attorneys.
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is responsible for traffic lights in Chicago, but you can only sue a public entity for willful and wanton conduct, not ordinary negligence. The manufacturer of the traffic light may be liable for a defective design, and another driver might be liable for reckless behavior in an intersection with a malfunctioning traffic light.
For a free case review, call our Chicago car accident lawyers at the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
Who Can You Sue for an Accident Caused by Malfunctioning Traffic Lights in Chicago?
If a malfunctioning traffic light causes a T-bone, head-on, or other type of collision, contact our Evanston, IL car accident lawyers for help getting compensation. While the Chicago Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining traffic lights in the area, other parties may still be liable for your crash.
CDOT
Illinois significantly limits liability for governmental entities, such as the Chicago Department of Transportation. Generally, public entities and public employees are only liable for injury if their conduct is willful and wanton.
Not repairing a known defective traffic light, especially one that has caused accidents recently, may constitute willful and wanton conduct, allowing you to file a lawsuit against CDOT.
Traffic Light Manufacturer
If the traffic light was badly designed or produced, it might malfunction and cause a multi-vehicle crash. In this scenario, the traffic light manufacturer may be liable in a lawsuit. Exploring this possibility is crucial, since governmental liability is so restricted in Illinois.
Another Driver
Even if a traffic light is defective, another driver can be negligent and cause an accident. All drivers must drive responsibly and exercise caution, especially when approaching a malfunctioning traffic light. If lights are actively malfunctioning, drivers should approach the intersection as if it were a four-way stop and yield to the right-of-way. If they don’t do this and instead speed through the intersection, injuring a victim, they are liable for the victim’s damages.
How Long Can You Sue for an Accident Caused by Malfunctioning Traffic Lights in Chicago?
Depending on who the defendant is in your malfunctioning traffic light accident, the statute of limitations may differ. Let our attorneys determine your filing deadline and take the necessary steps to meet it.
For negligence lawsuits against traffic light manufacturers or at-fault drivers, the statute of limitations is two years. If you plan to file a claim for willful and wanton misconduct against CDOT, you must file within one year.
What Damages Can You Recover if You Sue for an Accident Caused by Malfunctioning Traffic Lights?
Let us explain the damages you can recover if a malfunctioning traffic light caused your recent car crash in Chicago.
Economic Damages
Car accidents yield costly economic damages. Vehicle repair costs, medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses should be covered, and we can calculate them for you. Report all newly incurred expenses to our attorneys, even if you’re unsure whether or not they’re compensable.
Non-Economic Damages
You may also recover non-economic damages in a lawsuit for a crash caused by malfunctioning traffic lights. T-bone accidents are the most common type due to faulty traffic lights and put victims at a high risk of serious or fatal injury. Such injuries can be disfiguring and life-altering, causing significant pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are unavailable in lawsuits against CDOT for malfunctioning traffic lights. Punitive damages are available in lawsuits against other defendants whose conduct is egregious, however, such as traffic light manufacturers or those who drive recklessly despite malfunctioning traffic lights.
What Should You Do After an Accident Caused by Malfunctioning Traffic Lights?
What you do after any car accident can significantly impact your future recovery. Accidents involving malfunctioning traffic lights are not always straightforward, so focus on preserving evidence and documenting the scene immediately afterward.
Call the Police
Call the police after any motor vehicle accident, especially if you’re injured. Tell officers what you can remember, such as if the traffic light suddenly malfunctioned or if it was clearly not working when you approached the intersection, but another driver failed to treat it as a four-way stop.
Officers can write an accident report, which we can get and review with you in the following days. When reading the report, point out any inaccuracies or missing information.
Document the Scene
You can also document the scene by taking pictures. Photographs of the final landing position of all involved vehicles can tell us how fast each vehicle was moving and in what direction they were traveling. You can also take pictures or videos of the malfunctioning traffic light and any other relevant items.
Prioritize Your Health
Always prioritize your health after an injury. Accidents in intersections are often T-bone collisions, which pose a high risk of serious and fatal injuries. Going to the hospital can help your lawsuit, regardless of who is liable, so always seek medical care. We can request and organize medical records to use in your lawsuit.
Call Our Lawyers
Contact our lawyers after an accident caused by a malfunctioning traffic light. Not only can we determine who is liable, but we can file your lawsuit against them before the statute of limitations runs out. Furthermore, we can accurately calculate your damages, explain your deserved recovery, and assist you in navigating settlement negotiations or a trial.
Get Help from Our Chicago Accident Attorneys Today
For a free case assessment, call the Lincoln Park, IL car accident lawyers of the Rhatigan Law Offices at (312) 578-8502.
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