Limited space makes bridge accidents some of the most dangerous car crashes. Avoiding other drivers and road hazards is harder on bridges, and anticipating weather conditions is more challenging. While bridge accidents are an unfortunate reality of driving in New York, you can still take steps to protect yourself.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident on a bridge, Richmond Vona can help you pursue fair compensation for your losses. Contact us online or call (716) 453-2815 to schedule a free consultation today.
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What Should You Do After a Car Accident on a Bridge?
Your actions immediately after a bridge car accident can affect your case’s strength if you decide to file a claim. Following these steps can protect your right to compensation.
Immediately After the Accident
- Move to a safe location – Pulling over on a bridge isn’t always possible. However, you should stop your vehicle as soon as it’s safe. If your vehicle is still running, try to get off the bridge and pull over on the side of the road. If your vehicle is not operable, turn on your hazard lights and find a safe location to wait for help.
- Call 911 – Be sure to get emergency medical help for injured people. Even if there are no injuries, you should notify law enforcement to get an official accident report.
- Exchange information – Get the other driver’s insurance and license plate information. Share your information with them as well.
- Document the scene – Take photos and videos of the accident scene and aftermath while it’s fresh, including property damage and visible injuries. Gather witnesses’ contact information if possible.
After You've Left the Scene
After you’ve left the scene, get prompt medical care even if you don’t think you’re injured. Some injuries take time to develop symptoms. Diagnosing these hidden injuries quickly helps you prove that they resulted from the accident.
You’ll also want to report the accident to your insurance company. Provide the accident’s basic facts, including time and location, but don’t share other details until you’ve spoken with an attorney. Insurance companies use a variety of tactics to minimize victims’ compensation, such as using your own words against you.
Under the New York personal injury statute of limitations, you normally have three years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation. However, the sooner you reach out to an attorney, the more time they will have to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. Contact our skilled car accident lawyers as soon as possible for advice on your next steps.
How Do You Determine Who Is At Fault For a Bridge Car Accident?
New York is a no-fault car accident state, meaning your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance covers your car accident damages up to the policy limits, no matter who is at fault. However, if your damages exceed your insurance limits or you’ve suffered a “serious injury,” you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Determining exactly who is at fault for a car accident on a bridge can be tricky. Drivers are often focused on navigating the bridge and may miss important details about the events leading up to the accident. This is where you need strong evidence. Surveillance footage, dashcams, and witness testimony often play a crucial role in determining fault.
Sometimes, only one driver is at fault. For example, if another driver cuts into your lane and causes you to swerve into a bridge barrier, the other driver may be 100 percent at fault.
Multiple drivers—including injury victims—may also share fault in a bridge car accident. Here’s an example: Driver A is recklessly weaving in and out of lanes while approaching a bridge and hits Driver B, but Driver B was texting while driving. Driver B may still be eligible for compensation even if they are partially at fault, but their compensation will be reduced according to their percentage of fault.
How Common Are Car Accidents on a Bridge in New York?
Rivers, lakes, and other waterways are abundant in New York, making bridges—and bridge accidents—part of daily life.
The Grand Island Bridges, for example, have an ongoing history of collisions with semi-trucks. The bridges are vital connectors between Niagara Falls, Grand Island, and Buffalo. The constant flow of vehicles, especially during peak congestion hours, increases the likelihood of accidents. Their narrow lanes make it difficult for large trucks to maneuver. They also have a steep incline and are exposed to strong crosswinds. During harsh weather conditions, traction is often reduced.
The Buffalo Skyway Bridge, which connects downtown Buffalo to areas south of the city along Lake Erie, is another location notorious for accidents. The Skyway handles significant traffic, including daily commuters, trucks, and tourists. This leads to congestion and sudden stops during peak hours. The Skyway features steep inclines, declines, and narrow lanes with sharp curves that lack significant shoulders in many sections. Located in the Snowbelt, the Skyway is exposed to the harshest weather conditions of the Buffalo area—strong winds, snow, ice, and freezing rain—which all increase the risk of auto accidents.
Let Us Help You Get Justice–Contact Us Today
You have enough to deal with after a car accident on a bridge. Richmond Vona is ready to handle the legal details while you focus on recovering from the crash. Whether your accident occurred on the Brooklyn Bridge or Buffalo Skyway Bridge, our New York car accident attorneys can help you secure full and fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us online or call (716) 453-2815 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
