While bridges are vital to New York’s infrastructure, they are particularly dangerous for drivers. Due to their limited space, bridges restrict driver’s movement, making it harder to avoid reckless drivers, potential road hazards, and accidents. If you have been injured in a bridge accident due to another driver or entity’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Knowing the potential risks of driving on a bridge can help you determine the most defensive way to ensure your safety. Please continue reading to learn the dangers of driving on bridges in New York and how a trusted New York City Auto Accident Attorney can help you navigate your legal options.
What Are the Risks Associated With Driving on Bridges in New York?
Bridges connect communities, reduce long commutes, and transport goods in and out of the city. However, despite their benefits, they pose a unique risk to drivers. Due to the confined space on a bridge, there is little to no room to maneuver a vehicle to avoid an accident. When a crash occurs, oncoming drivers will also have limited space to maneuver around the wreck. This can result in a chain reaction accident that involves multiple vehicles colliding with each other. A chain reaction accident is hazardous on a bridge because a car may be forced over the edge, causing the vehicle to plummet into the water, crash into an underpass, or fall into a ditch.
In addition, bridge barriers protect vehicles from accidentally driving off the sides and into water or an underpass. However, drivers who operate their cars in the lanes nearest to the side of the bridge may collide with the side barrier, causing extreme side-door impact. This can result in catastrophic injuries and passengers becoming pinned between the barrier and other vehicles. Furthermore, while this is incredibly rare, some bridges have been known to collapse when too much weight or irregular vibrations affect their structural stability. The negligent acts of impaired, aggressive, or distracted drivers can make navigating bridges even more dangerous.
What Should I Do If I’m Injured?
If you have been involved in an accident on a bridge, it can be a traumatic experience. However, it’s crucial to remember the steps to take to safeguard your legal rights. In this situation, the most important thing you can do is contact emergency services to report the accident and seek immediate medical attention. Even if you believe you’re uninjured, it’s essential to have your injuries examined and treated by a medical professional to ensure your health and well-being. If you’re physically capable, you should gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This includes filing a police report, photographing the vehicle damage and your injuries, and getting contact information from witnesses who may be able to corroborate your claim later.
If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a trusted attorney as soon as possible. At Swerling Law, we understand how complex a bridge accident can be, so we are dedicated to vigorously fighting to protect our client’s rights and interests. Contact us today to discuss your case.
