Every accident is scary. However, accidents on bridges and in other dangerous locations are particularly frightening. In addition to dealing with the stress of the impact, you need to act quickly to prevent further damage. Here are a few tips for dealing with an accident on the Tampa Skyway Bridge and other hazardous locations.
What Should You Do?
At over 29,040 feet long, the Skyway Bridge is the longest bridge of its type. If you have an accident on the Tampa Skyway Bridge, you need to be cautious. Your safety hangs in the balance. Failing to follow the right procedure puts you and other drivers at risk. Here’s an overview of what you should do:
1. Contact the Police
Before you do anything else, you need to contact the police. The sooner you call them, the sooner they can get to the scene of the accident. Once the police arrive, they will be able to take all of the proper precautions to keep you and everyone else safe. They will also notify other emergency services, such as the EMS.
Typically, this is the most dangerous time of an accident on the Skyway Bridge. Before the police arrive, other cars can hit your vehicle or you. The narrowness of the bridge makes it difficult for vehicles to react to an accident.
2. Assess for Fire Potential
If your vehicle has enough damage to form a fuel leak, you need to get out of your car. You don’t want to risk your car catching on fire and leaving you and your passengers vulnerable.
However, if there’s no fire risk, you and your passengers should remain in your vehicle. If another vehicle does hit you, your car will provide you with some safety. Be sure that everyone wears their seatbelts to keep them braced for another impact.
In 2015, one man was in a car accident next to the Skyway Bridge. He got out of his vehicle and attempted to change his tire. However, he stumbled and fell over the side of the bridge. Although the man survived, the outcome could have been worse.
3. Wait for the Police
When the police arrive, they will control the sign. They will block the traffic in your lane, which gives you a safe way to exit the car.
Before you get out of your vehicle, ask the police officers on the scene if you can exit. This ensures that the scene is completely safe for you and your passengers.
4. Contact a Lawyer
In most bridge accidents, one driver is to blame. If another driver caused your accident, you could be eligible for compensation. You shouldn’t rely on the insurance company to take care of the claim.
Instead, you should call a Tampa car accident attorney. A lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Other Hazardous Accident Spots
The Tampa area has many other hazardous areas for accidents. If you find yourself in an accident on another bridge or along a busy highway, you need to act with care.
Follow the tips above and be sure to contact a car accident lawyer in Tampa. When you work with someone who understands car accident law in Florida, you can get the help you need with your claim.
