Bridges often pose distinctive challenges for drivers due to narrow lanes, limited visibility, and traffic. All of those factors can heighten the risk of collisions. Car accidents on bridges can be especially distressing for drivers because they can be stuck there for extended periods of time until help arrives. Besides that, determining liability can be especially challenging because of other forces at play.
If you are involved in a car accident on a bridge, prioritize your safety and the safety of others involved. Follow these steps:
- Call the Authorities: Contact law enforcement to report the accident and request assistance. Be sure to provide them with your location and any relevant details about the incident.
- Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and others for injuries and ask for an ambulance if necessary. If the injuries are not severe, follow up afterward with a physician or urgent care.
- Move to a Safe Location: If possible, move your vehicle to the shoulder or a nearby safe area to avoid blocking traffic.
- Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved in the accident. It is essential to gather as much information as possible for insurance purposes.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant signage or markings on the bridge.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process. Do not offer extra information or opinions since that could jeopardize your claim.
Following these steps can help you handle the situation appropriately and protect your rights after a car accident on a bridge.
Who Is Liable for My Car Accident on a Bridge?
Determining liability for a car accident on a bridge involves several factors, including the circumstances leading up to the collision. Liability may rest with the driver who acted negligently or recklessly by speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield.
If poor road conditions or inadequate signage contributed to the accident, the entity responsible for maintaining the bridge could be liable. A thorough investigation, including gathering evidence and assessing witness statements, is essential for establishing liability and pursuing compensation for injuries and damages. An experienced car accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance throughout this process, helping to protect your rights.
Can I Pursue Compensation if I Am Injured in a Car Accident on a Bridge?
If you are injured in a car accident on a bridge due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. In Pennsylvania, injured parties can pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
To pursue compensation, you will need to establish that the other driver was at fault for the accident and that their negligence directly contributed to your injuries. That may require gathering evidence like accident reports, witness statements, and medical records to support your claim.
In addition to compensation for medical expenses and property damage, you may also be eligible for compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses.
Contact the Chester County Car Accident Lawyers at Eckell Sparks for a Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident on a bridge, do not hesitate to seek legal guidance from the knowledgeable Chester County car accident lawyers at Eckell, Sparks, Levy, Auerbach, Monte, Sloane, Matthews & Auslander, P.C. Call us at 610-565-3701 or complete our online form today. Located in Media and West Chester, Pennsylvania, we serve clients in Delaware County, Chester County, and Montgomery County.