As a passenger, the next time you get into a car, count the number of overpasses you go under, or over, during a 30-minute drive. You may be surprised if you travel on a highway because there are likely dozens of overpasses that a typical commuter encounters on his or her way to work each morning. Similarly, there are dozens of overhead signs, as well as numerous bridges, ramps, or elevated roadways on the typical highway. Overpasses, bridges, and narrowing elevated ramps or roadways all pose hazards to drivers when others do not pay attention, speed, or drive aggressively or impatiently.
Crashes Caused by Trucks Hitting a Bridge, Sign, or Overpass
Semi trucks, dump trucks with their beds raised, and other tall vehicles often strike overpasses, signs, and bridges, causing extreme danger for other road users. According to Vox, a low bridge in North Carolina has been hit by trucks more than 100 times and authorities have still not fixed the problem. The federal government encourages that bridges and overpasses be at least 14-feet tall to allow high vehicles like semi trucks, which are maxed out at 13.5-feet tall, safe passage. This bridge is just over 11-feet tall.
Crashes Resulting in Fallen Vehicle
Possibly the most dangerous scenario involving a bridge or overpass is going over the side. When enough momentum is present, a vehicle may be launched over or through a guardrail. This type of collision is often fatal or involves traumatic injury for the occupant.
Hitting the Guard Rail on a Bridge
Whenever a vehicle impacts a static object, such as a tree, building, or guard rail, the driver and their vehicle are put under a massive amount of force. When bridges or overpasses narrow, distracted, speeding, or drunk drivers may cause other drivers to veer into guard rails, causing serious injury.
Colliding With an Overpass Pier
A pier is the column of cement that holds up an overpass. Colliding with a pier is extremely dangerous, and can happen when another vehicle causes the victim’s vehicle to swerve, lose control, or roll over.
Collisions Caused by Bridge or Overpass Disrepair
Unfortunately, more than 50,000 U.S. bridges have recently been deemed structurally deficient, according to US News. Deteriorating road surface, unstable piers, damaged guardrails, rusting hardware, and cracked concrete are all horrifying hazards that millions of Americans are faced with every day on their daily drives.
If the single- or multi-car collision that you were involved in was caused by a defective bridge, overpass, or another piece of road infrastructure, you may be able to successfully sue the municipality, state, or federal government that was responsible for upkeep and maintenance.
Contact Our Kansas City, Missouri Traffic Collision Attorneys
Bridge and overpass collisions are often severe in nature and involve traumatic injuries and other damages. As a victim, you deserve to be compensated by the negligent driver that caused the crash. In order for fair compensation, you must work with an experienced Kansas City car accident attorney. Call the law offices of the Krause & Kinsman Law Firm today 816-399-3356 to schedule a free consultation.
