Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Florida has about 12,592 bridges, and while these help us get to and from Hollywood, Miami, and other communities, accidents on these structures have unique risks. There are fewer places to go on a bridge, for example and it can be harder to get out of the way to avoid a crash.
If you’ve been in a collision on one of Florida’s many bridges, chances are you’ve suffered serious injury, or your car has sustained significant damage. In these situations, we invite you to contact us at Flaxman Law Group. Our family-founded law firm would be pleased to offer you a free accident consultation with a Hollywood car accident attorney, so you can learn more about your rights.
Why Might I Want to Contact a Hollywood Car Accident Attorney After a Car Crash on a Bridge?
There are a few things that make collisions on bridges especially hazardous:
They’re More Likely to Cause Chain Reaction Crashes
There’s confined space on a bridge, with no shoulder to maneuver. In case of an accident, you may not be able to get away and it’s more likely that multiple cars will crash into each other, simply because there’s nowhere to go.
Multiple vehicle accidents are more complex, with multiple claimants and multiple potential liable parties. There are different insurance companies involved, too, all looking out for their best interests. It’s easy to get lost in the confusion, which is why you might want to speak to a Hollywood car accident lawyer. Your attorney looks out for your best interests.
You May Be Forced Overboard
One of the dangers of an accident on a bridge is that your car may be pushed into the water or into the space or underpass under you. This can create multiple points of impact and can leave you trapped in your car until help arrives, increasing the risk of catastrophic injury.
You’re More Likely to be in a Side Impact Collision
Bridges have barriers to keep you from going over the side. In a collision, though, your car can crash into these barriers. There is less of a crumple zone on the sides of your car than in the front or rear of the vehicle, and not all cars have side impact airbags. In case of a side impact crash, therefore, your injuries are more likely to be severe. You may even get pinned by the bridge barrier, increasing your risk of catastrophic injury.
There is a Small Risk of Bridge Collapse
The impact of a large accident can be enough to destabilize a bridge and, in rare instances, can be enough to cause structural collapse. This can cause a devastating accident where your car can crash into multiple other vehicles on the way down.
In this situation, there are more likely to be multiple claimants and liable parties and insurance companies will be interested in protecting themselves from large claims. In addition, one of the liable parties is likely to be the government responsible for the bridge, and in Florida governments enjoy broad protections against civil action. Again, you may want to work with a Hollywood car accident attorney to make sure your right to fair compensation is protected.
Have you been injured in a car accident? You can reach out to Flaxman Law Group anytime at 866-352-9626 or you can contact us online to schedule a free accident consultation with a Hollywood car accident claims attorney. Our offices are located in Hollywood, Homestead, and Miami to serve the entire South Florida community.