What If Your Crash Was Caused by a Malfunctioning Traffic Signal?
Traffic signals are designed to keep Tempe’s roads safe and orderly—but what happens when the signals don’t work? Malfunctioning lights can quickly turn intersections into chaos, leading to serious car accidents, confusion over right-of-way, and life-changing injuries. If your crash was caused by a signal that was flashing, frozen, or completely dark, you might be wondering who is responsible—and whether you can recover damages.
At Tempe Car Accident Attorney, our team regularly investigates these types of claims. Fault isn't always obvious, and recovering compensation may involve pursuing a claim against the city or a private contractor.
Why Signal Malfunctions Are So Dangerous
In a city like Tempe—especially in areas like Downtown or near ASU—traffic moves fast and intersections stay busy. When a signal fails, even briefly, the results can be catastrophic:
Drivers from multiple directions may believe they have the right of way
Red and green lights may display simultaneously
A light may blink yellow for one direction but red for another
Intersections may go completely dark during power outages
When this happens during rush hour or in tight quarters near South Tempe, drivers may not have enough time to react—and accidents often follow.
Who Is at Fault in a Signal Malfunction Crash?
Liability for these types of crashes can be tricky. You’ll need to prove not just that a signal was malfunctioning, but that the malfunction caused the accident and could have been prevented by the responsible entity.
There are several possibilities:
1. Another Driver May Still Be Liable
If the light was flashing or out completely, Arizona drivers are expected to treat the intersection like a four-way stop. If someone ignored that rule and struck you, they may still be found liable—even if the signal wasn’t working.
This is often the case in T-bone collisions or hit-and-run crashes, where one driver simply sped through the intersection without yielding.
2. The City of Tempe Might Be Responsible
If the crash occurred because a signal was improperly maintained, outdated, or failed without a proper response from the city, the City of Tempe may be liable. These cases are governed by Arizona’s strict procedures for suing public entities.
As discussed in our guide on filing a claim against the city, you'll need to submit a Notice of Claim within 180 days of the accident, or you may lose your right to pursue compensation.
What You Need to Prove
Crashes involving malfunctioning traffic signals are highly fact-dependent. To build a successful claim, you'll likely need to show:
That the signal was visibly malfunctioning at the time of the crash
That the malfunction contributed directly to how the crash happened
That a public agency or contractor knew or should have known about the defect
That you suffered injuries or financial losses as a result
Photographs, witness statements, police reports, and even prior complaints about the same intersection can all help establish your case. If the crash happened near Escalante or Holdeman, you might also request nearby surveillance footage.
Injuries in Signal-Related Crashes Can Be Serious
When a signal malfunctions, high-speed impacts are common—especially when drivers expect a green light and are blindsided by cross-traffic. These accidents frequently result in:
Broken bones, internal bleeding, and long-term disability
Even if you're unsure who was at fault, it’s critical to seek immediate medical care and begin documenting how the crash has impacted your life.
What If the Signal Was Temporarily Out During a Storm?
In some cases, traffic lights malfunction temporarily during storms, blackouts, or road construction. The city or utility company may not be immediately liable if they weren’t aware of the outage or didn’t have time to respond.
However, if the problem was known and unaddressed—such as a light stuck red for hours or a downed control box ignored by maintenance crews—you may have a strong negligence claim.
If the crash happened near a construction zone or a temporary signal setup, and a third-party contractor was involved, they may share or carry full liability.
Can You Still Recover Compensation?
Yes. Whether you file a claim with another driver’s insurance, use your own policy, or pursue a claim against the City of Tempe, you may be entitled to recover for:
Medical bills and rehabilitation
Lost income and reduced earning potential
Pain and suffering
Vehicle damage or total loss
Long-term disability or life-care costs
These cases sometimes involve comparative fault, especially when multiple drivers reacted differently to the outage. If you’re found 10% at fault, for example, your settlement would be reduced by that amount—but you can still recover damages.
Steps to Take After a Malfunction-Related Crash
Call 911 and report the crash immediately
Take photos or video of the malfunctioning signal and intersection
Get names and contact info for witnesses
Seek medical attention, even if symptoms seem minor
File a public records request for prior complaints about the intersection
Report the malfunction to the city via 311 or the Tempe traffic operations division
Track all expenses, including lost work and repair bills
Final Thoughts: These Cases Require Fast Action
If your crash was caused or worsened by a broken traffic light, don’t assume it’s just bad luck. Tempe has a duty to keep intersections functioning safely—and if that duty is breached, you may have legal grounds to seek compensation.
Malfunctioning signal crashes often intersect with city liability, road hazard issues, or multiple drivers disputing fault. If you need help navigating the process, our team provides helpful legal resources to support your next steps.
