A power outage can wreak havoc on the flow of traffic in Colorado Springs. When traffic signals go out completely or a yellow light starts flashing in every direction at a busy intersection, drivers can get confused, and that can lead to accidents. Devastating side-impact crashes can occur when vehicles traveling east and west plow into vehicles traveling north and south, or vice versa. To better avoid these dangerous intersections, you can check power outages online on the Storm Center page of Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU).
What Is the Responsibility of Colorado Springs Utilities During a Power Outage?
Utility companies such as Colorado Springs Utilities are responsible for damages caused as a direct result of negligence on the part of the company or its employees. However, when storms cause power outages or force emergency shutdowns, or when a tree falls and hits a power line, utilities companies will not accept responsibility. These are considered “acts of God.”
What Responsibility Do Drivers Have During a Power Outage?
When traffic lights stop functioning normally because of a power outage, drivers have a responsibility to exercise reasonable care to keep others safe. They may need to brush up on how to proceed through an intersection if the lights go out completely or when lights are flashing yellow or red in all directions.
- Drivers should treat flashing yellow lights as a yield sign and always be prepared to stop in case other drivers become confused.
- They must make a complete stop at a flashing red light, as they would at a stop sign.
- When traffic lights are out completely, drivers should treat it as a four-way stop and yield to the right when vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time.
When May Other Drivers Be Found Negligent During a Power Outage?
Drivers who act negligently or fail to obey the rules of the road can be held responsible for the damage they cause during power outages. When traffic lights fail, drivers should treat that intersection essentially as a four-way stop. If they are uneducated or become confused about how to proceed, it creates a risk of injury or death for other motorists. Drivers can also be found negligent if they are driving impaired, distracted, or aggressively.
What Compensation Are Victims Entitled to Pursue After a Power Outage Accident?
Victims of power outage accidents are entitled to pursue compensation for the losses they have suffered as a result of the crash. Depending on the circumstance of the case, damages may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or earnings
- Loss of future earning potential
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent impairment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Mental anguish
How Can a Colorado Springs Personal Injury Attorney Help?
Our Colorado Springs personal injury lawyers at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. can evaluate the accident to pursue all forms of compensation for you or your injured loved one. We could assess the full extent of your damages, build a strong case based on the evidence, negotiate skillfully with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight for your rights in court if necessary.
Founding attorney Timothy Bussey has been awarded membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He has been named as a Top Attorney in Colorado by peer review, as published in the Denver Post. Our firm has a successful track record recovering substantial settlements and awards for our clients. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident during a Colorado Springs power outage, call us at (719) 475-2555 to find out how we can help.