If you get into a car accident and faulty traffic signals are to blame, you need to figure out who was supposed to be monitoring those signals and keeping them in working order. A San Antonio, Texas auto accident lawyer from our firm can help you figure out who should be held liable, and then we’ll help you sue for the compensation that you deserve.
Who Can Be Sued Over Faulty Traffic Signals?
In Texas, most traffic lights are controlled by a government entity. Depending on where you’re driving, the party responsible for maintaining the lights and keeping them operating safely could be a local government, the Texas Department of Transportation, or the Texas Transportation Commission. Any of these entities can be sued for damages if there was clear neglect. However, it’s important to note that the process for suing a government entity differs a bit from suing a private company or another person.
What Should I Know About Suing a Government Entity?
If faulty traffic lights cause a crash and your injuries, you cannot just sue the government entity responsible. Instead, you first have to submit a notice of claim to the relevant agency. This essentially informs them that you are going to sue them. You include details like what happened, when and where the accident happened, and how you were injured. Then you wait for a response.
The other issue is that the deadline for submitting your claim is shorter than it would be in a typical personal injury case. If you sue a corporation or person for damages, you usually have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action. When you sue the government, the time you have to submit a notice of claim is much shorter. Most of the time, you have 180 days to file your claim in Texas, but local governments can give you even less time to file. This is why it’s important to talk to a lawyer right away.
What if the Faulty Traffic Signals Weren’t the Only Issue?
Cases like these can also get more complicated when more than one party is to blame. Faulty traffic lights can cause confusion and stress, but that doesn’t mean that drivers get a license to engage in dangerous behavior.
Let’s say someone sees the broken traffic lights and just speeds right through an intersection, hitting someone else. The faulty traffic lights were an issue, but so was the driver’s behavior. We can help you determine all of the liable parties involved in your crash and sue them all for damages that can make up for things like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Law Firm
So if you were in a crash due to faulty traffic signals and you’re not sure what to do next, contact Sahadi Legal Group. We can schedule a free case consultation for you and tell you more about your options.
