Driving on bridges can be particularly dangerous. Accidents can happen anywhere, but when they happen on a bridge there are additional hazards that drivers need to worry about. If you get hurt in such an accident, our Washington, D.C. auto accident lawyers can help you sort through the noise and build a case, no matter how complicated your crash seems.
Are Crashes More Likely On Bridges?
It’s difficult to say if crashes are more likely on bridges, but there are elements that can make bridges more dangerous in certain situations. Drivers need to look out for:
Ice: Bridges can freeze over before any other nearby roads do. Drivers who are not aware of this can end up sliding and colliding with other vehicles or barriers.
Barriers: Speaking of barriers, bridges usually have solidly constructed partitions that are meant to stop drivers from veering into oncoming traffic or falling off of the bridge. Unfortunately, these hard barriers can also cause plenty of damage and serious injuries when they get hit.
Chain reactions: When an accident occurs between two vehicles, sometimes other cars end up crashing into those vehicles because they cannot stop or slow down in time. These type of “chain reaction” collisions can be more likely on bridges because there is often less space for drivers to get around an accident.
What Can People Do After Accidents on Bridges?
When accidents happen on bridges, it is imperative that the drivers get their cars moved to the safest location possible, like the shoulder. Putting down road flares and turning on hazard lights can be a good idea at night. Then take the steps you normally would after any accident, including:
- Calling the police
- Photographing the accident scene
- Exchanging info with other drivers
Then you should get medical care as soon as possible.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Pursue After an Accident?
If you were seriously hurt in an accident, you may be able to pursue compensation. You must be able to show that another driver was negligent and that this negligence caused the accident and your injuries. Then you can fight for two types of compensation:
Economic damages: These reimburse you for the actual costs of the accident, like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic damages: These are designed to make up for the effects of an accident that are harder to quantify. Compensation for mental anguish, pain from disfigurement, psychological trauma, and other pain and suffering can all be a part of your settlement.
Will I Have to Go to Trial?
Going to trial is unlikely in a case like this. A lawyer from our firm can help you negotiate a fair settlement before things reach that point. If we cannot secure a compensation offer, then we will gladly go to trial for you and build a case that can succeed in front of a judge and jury.
Schedule a Consultation
When you are ready to move forward with your car accident case, contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC. We can schedule a free consultation and take a closer look at your case for you. Learn more about what an experienced attorney can do for you today.
