What Causes a Bridge Collapse?
Bridge collapses, though rare, can result in devastating loss of life, injuries, and significant property damage. In Texas, where bridges are vital for transportation, understanding what causes a bridge collapse is essential for both public safety and legal protection. Knowing the potential risks can help you stay safe and understand your legal rights if you’re affected by such an event.
In this post, we will explore the main causes of bridge collapses, explain what steps you should take if you are injured or impacted by a collapse, and hoy a personal injury attorney may help you.
Structural Failure Due to Design or Construction Defects
A major cause of bridge collapses is structural failure, often stemming from design or construction flaws. Bridges are complex structures requiring precise engineering and quality materials. If a bridge is poorly designed or constructed, it can eventually collapse.
Common causes include:
- Design flaws: Inadequate load-bearing calculations or incorrect structural analysis.
- Construction defects: Use of substandard materials or poor workmanship.
- Aging infrastructure: Older bridges may no longer meet modern safety standards.
Failure to meet safety standards can lead to legal liability for engineers, contractors, or government entities.
Overloading and Excessive Weight
When a bridge is overloaded, it may be subjected to stress that exceeds its design capacity, causing structural failure. This typically happens when trucks carry loads that exceed weight limits posted on bridges.
Natural Disasters and Weather Conditions
Severe weather and natural disasters are significant contributors to bridge collapses. Texas experiences extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes, which can weaken bridges over time.
Weather-related causes include:
- Flooding: Floodwaters can erode the foundation of a bridge, weakening its supports.
- High winds and storms: Tornadoes or heavy winds can damage or dislodge critical bridge components.
- Earthquakes: Though rare, seismic activity can damage bridges not built to withstand such forces.
In these cases, the responsible party may not always be liable, as natural disasters are often considered “Acts of God.” However, if the bridge had pre-existing vulnerabilities due to lack of maintenance, legal action may still be possible.
Corrosion and Lack of Maintenance
Over time, corrosion from salt, moisture, and other environmental factors can weaken the materials of a bridge, especially steel or reinforced concrete. Lack of regular maintenance can worsen this issue. If a bridge collapse occurs due to a lack of maintenance or failure to identify structural weaknesses, the agency or contractor responsible may be liable.
Motor Vehicle Collisions
In some cases, a vehicle crash can cause a bridge to collapse, especially if a large truck or high-speed vehicle damages a key support structure. If a collision weakens the bridge’s supports, the structure may give way.
Under Texas law, government entities like TxDOT can be held liable for injuries or damages from a bridge collapse caused by poor maintenance, design, or failure to prevent accidents.
What to Do if You Are Affected by a Bridge Collapse in Texas
If you or someone you know is involved in an accident caused by a bridge collapse, the first step is to seek immediate medical attention for any injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering if the collapse was due to negligence.
If you were injured or your property was damaged due to a bridge collapse, consulting a personal injury attorney is crucial. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and pursue claims against the responsible parties, such as contractors, engineers, or government agencies. If negligence was involved—whether due to design flaws, poor maintenance, or overloading—you may be entitled to significant compensation.
Staying Informed About Potential Risks Can Help Keep You Safe
Bridge collapses in Texas can happen due to several factors, including design flaws, overloading, weather conditions, lack of maintenance, and vehicle collisions. Understanding these causes can help you stay informed about the risks and take precautions to protect yourself in the unfortunate event of a bridge collapse.
Contact the Texas Personal Injury Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers. Call us at (409) 207-9299 for Help Today
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas. Call us at (281) 612-7550.
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
409-904-0753
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
