Key Takeaways:
- Pedestrians hit while using a faulty crosswalk signal may still have a strong injury claim.
- Liability could fall on the driver, city, or state—depending on who was negligent.
- Prompt investigation and legal help are key to preserving evidence and identifying fault.
Table of Contents
- Can I file a claim if the crosswalk signal wasn’t working?
- Who could be liable—driver or city?
- What kind of evidence strengthens my case?
- What if I was partially at fault?
- How can a personal injury attorney help?
- FAQ: Pedestrian Injuries & Signal Malfunctions
Can I file a claim if the crosswalk signal wasn’t working?
Yes. Even if the signal was broken, you may still be entitled to compensation if:
- You were in a marked crosswalk
- You followed other visible traffic cues
- A driver failed to yield, speeded, or was distracted
Georgia law generally protects pedestrians in crosswalks—even when traffic devices malfunction.
Who could be liable—driver or city?
Potentially both. Liability depends on the facts:
- The driver may be at fault for failing to yield or driving recklessly.
- The city or state may share fault if they failed to maintain the traffic signal after knowing it was malfunctioning.
Sometimes, more than one party is responsible, especially if poor infrastructure and driver negligence combine.
What kind of evidence strengthens my case?
To build a strong claim, your attorney may gather:
- Witness statements
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Police reports
- Photos of the broken signal or missing signage
- Maintenance logs from the city
- 911 call records
Act quickly—evidence can disappear and deadlines apply.
What if I was partially at fault?
Georgia follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault, but your award will be reduced proportionally.
For example, if you crossed on a flashing hand but the driver was speeding and texting, both may share fault.
How can a personal injury attorney help?
An experienced lawyer can:
- Investigate the malfunctioning signal and secure records
- Identify all responsible parties
- Handle claims against government entities (which have shorter deadlines)
- Deal with insurance companies
- Fight for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain
FAQ: Pedestrian Injuries & Signal Malfunctions
How long do I have to file a claim against the city?
In Georgia, you must send an ante litem notice within 6 months for city claims and 12 months for state claims.
What if the signal was out for days before the crash?
That could strengthen your claim against the city, showing they had time to fix it.
Do pedestrian rights still apply if the signal didn’t say “WALK”?
Yes, especially in marked crosswalks. Drivers must still yield to pedestrians when safe to do so.
Can I sue both the driver and the city?
Yes. Your attorney can help you file claims against multiple parties.
What compensation can I recover?
You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Don’t let a broken crosswalk signal ruin your future.
Hines Law helps injured pedestrians get justice—even when cities or drivers fail to protect them. Request a free consultation today at 404-226-4236.