Malfunctioning traffic signals at Fort Lauderdale intersections create dangerous conditions that lead to car accidents, truck collisions, pedestrian injuries, and bicycle crashes. Proving liability in these cases is more involved than a typical accident claim because government entities are often responsible for maintaining the signals. When defective traffic signals cause accidents at Fort Lauderdale intersections, victims need to understand the specific legal rules that apply to government negligence claims. Winston Law has represented injury victims throughout South Florida since 1989.
Why Acting Quickly Matters in Defective Signal Cases
Evidence in signal cases has a short shelf life. Maintenance logs may be overwritten during routine data management. Government agencies often repair or replace a malfunctioning signal before an independent inspection can take place. Surveillance and dashcam footage is frequently recorded over within days or weeks. Witness memories fade quickly.
Our car accident attorneys at Winston Law can send a spoliation letter to the responsible agency, legally requiring preservation of all evidence related to the signal. Prompt action also ensures compliance with pre-suit notice deadlines that apply specifically to government negligence claims.
Types of Traffic Signal Defects That Cause Intersection Crashes
Signal malfunctions take many forms across Broward County intersections:
- Traffic signals stuck on green for conflicting directions at the same time
- Yellow intervals shortened below safe thresholds, causing red-light-running
- Complete power outages, with no backup system in place
- Obscured or damaged signal heads make them difficult to see in time
- Failed detection sensors, triggering incorrect signal changes
All of these defects contribute to preventable crashes involving passenger vehicles, motorcycles, commercial trucks, bicyclists, and pedestrians across Broward County.
Government Entities Responsible for Signal Maintenance in Broward County
Responsibility for traffic signals in the Fort Lauderdale area is split among multiple agencies. The Florida Department of Transportation maintains signals on state roads. Broward County Traffic Engineering handles county intersections. The City of Fort Lauderdale maintains signals on city streets. Private contractors are often hired for installation, repair, and electrical maintenance.
Determining which entity is responsible requires identifying who owned and maintained the specific signal at the intersection where the accident occurred. Shared responsibility among agencies often leads to disputes over accountability, delaying resolution for injured victims.
Filing a Claim Against a Government Entity Under Fla. Stat. Section 768.28
Florida’s sovereign immunity doctrine limits when you can sue a government entity, but Fla. Stat. Section 768.28 waives that immunity for negligence under specific conditions. Damage caps currently limit recovery to $200,000 per individual claim and $300,000 per incident, though these figures are set by the legislature and subject to change. Our car accident attorneys can confirm the current limits that apply to your specific case.
A mandatory pre-suit notice must be sent to the responsible agency before filing a lawsuit, and there are strict deadlines for doing so. Missing the notice deadline can bar your claim entirely, even if you are still within the two-year filing window. Since HB 837 took effect in March 2023, the statute of limitations for negligence claims is two years from the date of injury. For damages exceeding the cap, a special claims bill through the Florida Legislature may be required, though these are rarely granted.
Evidence That Proves a Traffic Signal Was Defective
Building a case against a government entity requires specific, time-sensitive evidence:
- Signal maintenance and repair logs showing known issues or overdue service
- Traffic camera footage capturing the malfunction in real time
- 911 call records from other drivers reporting the same signal problem
- Accident reconstruction analysis connecting the signal failure to the collision
- Electrical inspection records and prior work orders from the responsible agency
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers can issue preservation demands to prevent this evidence from being overwritten, destroyed, or lost during routine government recordkeeping.
Compensation Available After a Signal-Related Accident
Victims can pursue compensation for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Lost income and diminished earning capacity are recoverable when injuries prevent you from working. Pain and suffering damages account for physical and emotional harm. Under Florida’s no-fault system, PIP benefits under Fla. Stat. Section 627.736 cover initial medical costs regardless of fault, but PIP benefits are capped and often insufficient for serious injuries.
Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys can pursue additional compensation beyond PIP when injuries meet the threshold for serious injury. Wrongful death claims apply when a signal failure results in a fatal crash. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Get a Free Consultation With a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer After Your Crash
After a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, speaking with an attorney early When defective traffic signals cause Fort Lauderdale intersection accidents, victims deserve a personal injury lawyer who knows how to hold government agencies accountable. Our team can give you a clearer picture of what your claim may be worth and what steps to take before the insurance company makes its first move.
A free consultation costs you nothing and puts the facts of your case in front of someone who handles these situations every day. Contact Winston Law online for a free consultation.
