Single-Lane Bridge Car Accidents In Buffalo, New York

At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., Our Top Rated Car Accident Lawyers in Buffalo, New York, Will Work to Obtain Satisfaction for Individuals Who Have Been Injured as a Result of Single-Lane Bridge Car Accidents Across Western New York.

Country roads account for roughly 68% of the total road miles in the United States. Given that less than a quarter of the population lives in rural areas, it is surprising to consider how many individuals rely on country roads for their daily commutes. Yet, when most of us hear the word country, we think of quiet roads lined by cornfields or cow pastures. We are unlikely to think of them as areas with a high potential for accidents. However, rural roads account for nearly 50% of fatal roadway incidents across the country.

As a New York Super Lawyer, Jed Dietrich, Esq. is well acquainted with the often calamitous effects of personal injury. Over the years, he has represented countless car accident victims, attaining over $175,000,000 in settlements and verdicts for his personal injury clients. So, if you or a loved one have been injured in Western New York, do not hesitate to reach out to the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. at 716-839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form.

Single-lane or single-track bridges are far more common in rural areas. A single-lane bridge is any bridge crossing where the road narrows to one car’s width, permitting a single lane of traffic at a given time. The low volume of traffic in the country makes it possible to build one-lane roads without impeding travel. In addition, it is frugal to construct one-lane roads or bridges, as it is more expensive to build two-lane bridges and, out in the country, often unnecessary.

A single-lane bridge will be indicated by the presence of signs at the side of the road. These signs can appear as:

1. A yellow diamond with “One Lane Bridge” in black lettering;
2. A yellow rectangle with “Slow: One Lane Bridge Ahead;” and
3. A yellow diamond with two concaving parallel lines.

In some instances, a sign for a single-lane bridge will include a timed traffic light that indicates when it is safe to cross. Around the Western New York area, commuters are likely to find one-lane bridges in rural areas such as Medina, Middleport, Gasport, Wilson, Newfane, and Barker. A single-lane bridge can also be a temporary structure, such as when part of a bridge is under construction. Generally, temporary traffic signals or a flag person are in place to direct the course of traffic during construction.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has been helping accident victims throughout Western New York for over a decade. In that time, it has championed countless personal injury claims for car accident victims. If you are looking for a team of dedicated, hardworking, and skilled lawyers to represent you, the Dietrich Law Firm, P.C., is your top choice. For more information on how we might best represent you, call us today for your free consultation at (716) 839-3939 or contact us online.

The positive side to single-lane bridges is that they are often in areas where traffic is light. However, a single-lane bridge should be crossed with extreme caution.

1. When approaching a single-lane bridge, slow down. Look for any stop signs or traffic lights that will indicate what action you should take.
2. Before crossing a single-lane bridge, come to a complete stop. If there is a crossing light, wait for it to turn green before driving onto the bridge. If there is no crossing light, wait to ensure that the bridge is clear and there is no oncoming traffic attempting to cross.
3. Proceed slowly across the bridge. Once you are across and the road returns to two lanes, it is safe to resume the posted speed limit.

When crossing a one-lane bridge, it is extremely important to continue to exercise caution. Even when you are driving with the signal, there is always the possibility that an oncoming driver failed to heed the warning signs. Therefore, proceed with caution until you exit the bridge and two-lane traffic resumes. Do not be afraid to honk to indicate your presence to other drivers. If there is no traffic signal and another car is waiting to cross simultaneously, behave as you would at a stop sign. The first car to come to a complete stop has the right of way. If multiple cars on either side of the bridge are waiting to cross, alternate so that each side takes turns crossing.

If you start to cross a bridge and another car appears from the opposite direction, two options are available. If you are almost across the bridge, slow down and continue to finish crossing. If the other car is almost across, try to safely reverse until the road is wide enough for them to get around you. If you do not feel comfortable backing up, you might need to negotiate a passing with the other driver.

Determined and disciplined, Jed Dietrich, Esq. believes that the client’s needs should come first in a personal injury claim. At the Dietrich Law Firm P.C., our lawyers are highly educated and experienced and your best resource for determining the steps to take in a car accident case. We can be reached twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week at (716) 839-3939 or by contacting us online, and we are ready to assist you in the best possible way.

When an accident occurs on a one-lane bridge, your priority is always to ensure all parties’ safety. Once all individuals are safe, send for an ambulance and administer emergency medical assistance, if necessary. Sometimes, it can be difficult to know whom to bring a claim against in a single-lane bridge accident. In such instances, it is helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Did another driver’s negligence cause my accident? If your accident resulted from another driver’s carelessness, you would file a claim against that individual. Examples can include the other driver failing to yield the right of way, attempting to pass against a double-line, or driving against the traffic signal.
2. Was my accident the result of the county’s negligence? If your accident was the result of inadequate signage, a lack of a traffic light, or unsafe road conditions, then you will want to file a claim against the local government or municipality.

In New York State, any individuals wishing to file a personal injury claim against a local government or municipality must first file a Notice of Claim. This preemptive document informs an agency that you intend to sue for damages.

When it comes to accidents of any type, there are always unexpected questions and uncertainty following the catastrophe. For this reason, many individuals choose to engage the services of a professional personal injury attorney to assist them with their accident claim. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is renowned throughout Buffalo, New York, and the Greater New York Area for its expert and timely legal advice. With our team of personal injury lawyers available twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week, we are always available to answer your call.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!