Studies have reported that driving over bridges is 10 times more dangerous than driving on regular roads. This may be due to many external factors, along with many negligent third parties on or around the bridge at the time of an auto accident. Follow along to find out who is potentially at fault for your bridge accident and how one of the proficient Panama City auto accidents attorneys at Manuel & Thompson, PA can help you hold them accountable.

Who is potentially at fault for an auto accident on a bridge?

The road on a bridge may get icy more quickly and more easily than on a regular road. This is because the underside of a bridge is not protected from weather-related elements, along with likely being over a body of water that freezes faster than concrete. So, such weather-related elements may cause you to have an auto accident without the involvement of any other external party.

On the other hand, in an extremely rare occurrence, there may be faults in the structural build of the bridge itself that may cause a catastrophic auto accident. For example, the structure may be unable to support the weight of all the automobiles on the bridge and ultimately collapse on itself.

However, your auto accident may have been more likely caused by a third party on or near the bridge at the same time you were. More specific examples read as follows:

  • Another driver on the bridge may be at fault if:
    • They fail to hold their lane and cause a sideswipe against.
    • They drive too fast or too slow and cause a chain reaction collision.
    • They fail to notice they are above the height limit to cross over the bridge and cause a collision in the underpass.
  • A construction worker on the bridge may be at fault if:
    • They leave equipment and tools outside their designated construction zone and cause a traffic obstruction.
    • They fail to create a wide-enough lane around their designated construction zone and cause a sideswipe collision.
  • A cargo ship captain near the bridge may be at fault if:
    • They fail to notice they are above the height limit to pass under the bridge and cause a structural collapse.

How do I hold an at-fault party accountable for a bridge accident?

No matter who you identify as the at-fault party for your auto accident on a bridge, you must hold them accountable the same way. Specifically, this is by initiating a personal injury claim against them. Here, you may petition the New York State court to have them pay compensatory damages, punitive damages, and more.

In conclusion, there is no time like the present to kickstart your legal claim. So, at your earliest possible convenience, please get in touch with one of the talented Panama City personal injury attorneys from Manuel & Thompson, PA.