Motorists rely on stoplights to let them know when they should come to a stop at an intersection. However, when there is a power outage, the lights might suddenly be out and you will instead need to treat the intersection like it's a four-way stop. Unfortunately, some motorists become confused and end up causing accidents at four-way stops. If this is the case, you'll need to consult with an auto accident attorney if you're not sure who is at fault for the accident.

When a Traffic Light Becomes a Four-Way Stop

When you arrive at an intersection where the traffic lights are not working, you will need to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Whoever arrives at the four-way stop has the right-of-way.

If two cars arrive at the same time and both are going the same way, they can proceed. However, if one driver is turning left and the other is going straight, the driver going straight has the right-of-way.

Unfortunately, some drivers do not understand how to handle an intersection with a stoplight that is not working. They simply blow through the stoplight and might end up getting into an accident. You might experience a t-bone accident, which is when a driver strikes the side of your vehicle with the front of their car.

You Might Be Entitled to Compensation

After the accident, you might be entitled to compensation for the damage that was done to your car, any medical expenses you might owe if you were injured, lost wages if you are unable to work due to the accident, and pain and suffering. However, to be able to receive compensation for the damages, you will need to prove that the other party is at fault for the accident.

Call an Auto Accident Attorney

Rather than negotiating with the other driver's insurance provider yourself, it's better to work with an experienced auto accident attorney. They will help you build a strong legal case for why you should be entitled to compensation for your damages. They will also assist you in filing a lawsuit if necessary.

You might not want to go to trial given how expensive and time-consuming they can be, but this is sometimes the best way to maximize your compensation. When the trial is approaching, the insurance provider might be more willing to negotiate a better settlement to avoid an expensive trial that they might lose. 

For more info, contact a local auto accident attorney.