We all know how we should behave at traffic lights, but what happens when they don’t work correctly? Faulty traffic signals can cause a lot of confusion and that confusion can lead to crashes. If you got hurt in a car accident and you think that the traffic lights were partly to blame, you may have a compelling case for compensation. Our Monmouth County car accident attorneys want to help you.
Who Should Be Sued When Faulty Traffic Signals Cause an Accident?
The New Jersey Department of Transportation is responsible for running many of the traffic lights in the state, but local governments can also take responsibility for their traffic signals. So when faulty traffic signals cause an accident, it’s important to know which government entity should be held responsible.
The government may not be the only culprit here though. Faulty traffic signals can cause confusion, but they can sometimes be navigated through safely if everyone acts responsibly. If another driver speeds through the intersection or tries to get around everyone else, they can cause a crash. In cases like these, both the driver and the faulty traffic signals would be to blame. If that describes what happened to you, our lawyers can help you hold both parties accountable.
What Should I Know Before Suing a Government Entity Over Faulty Traffic Signals?
If you decide to sue the government over faulty traffic signals, it’s important to know how the process differs from a regular personal injury suit. You don’t just sue the government. You first send them a notice of claim, complete with details about your accident and the damages you incurred. This notifies them that you are suing, and you can then make your case against them.
The big issue here is that the time limit for submitting a claim is short, much shorter than the statute of limitations for conventional personal injury cases. You must have your claim filed with the relevant authority within 90 days.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Win?
A fair compensation offer will address things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of enjoyment
- Mental anguish
- Property damage
The economic and non-economic costs of your accident should both be accounted for.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
A lawyer can help you gather evidence and build a more convincing case. They can connect you with expert witnesses and calculate fair compensation. They can also help you navigate the complexities that come with suing a government agency over something like malfunctioning traffic lights. You are not required to hire a lawyer if you want to sue, but one can do so much to help you with your case.
Schedule Your Consultation
So if you were hurt in an accident caused by faulty traffic signals, don’t try to claim compensation on your own. Contact the Wilton Law Firm and learn more about what our experienced personal injury attorneys can do to help you. We’ll help you pursue damages from all negligent parties.
