Around 1:30 am on Tuesday, March 26th, the cargo ship Dali hit a pylon that supported Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. The collision caused the bridge to collapse, claiming the lives of six construction workers and sending shockwaves through the country.

The Dali, a 985-foot container ship leased by Maersk and traveling under the Singaporean flag, was leaving Baltimore Harbor en route to Sri Lanka. In footage of the incident, the Dali appears to lose power twice, just seconds before hitting the bridge’s support structure at a relatively brisk 8 knots (about 9 mph). Of the eight workers on the bridge at the time, only two were rescued alive from the water. The ship’s crew was unharmed.

In response, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation of the Dali’s electronics and the bridge’s structural integrity. The Coast Guard disclosed that the Dali underwent routine engine maintenance not long before the accident. So far, there is no indication of outstanding mechanical issues at the time of the incident.

The federal government recently announced an initial round of emergency funding, although it may take years before traffic and shipping routes will operate normally.

Despite media sensationalism and political maneuvering, it is first and foremost a story of human tragedy. We offer our condolences and deepest sympathies to the families of those workers who died in this bizarre and frightening event.

Legally speaking, infrastructure incidents are as nuanced as they are devastating. This is complex legal territory at the intersection of personal injury law, maritime law, construction regulations, and so forth.

Personal injury claims due to infrastructure failures involve a web of stakeholders. Eventually, multiple insurance companies, local public authorities, and the shipping firm could all be held liable to varying degrees. Those findings will not only affect the amounts of claims due to the families of the deceased, but will determine who must pay and in what manner. There may be avenues for prompt compensation, but full legal proceedings and/or settlements are likely to take years. Until then, we can only speculate as to who is liable for what.

Here in the Seattle area, we observe and mourn this tragedy from a distance, but many in our own community have also suffered harm due to others’ actions.

If that’s you, or someone you love, then Bridge Personal Injury Law Firm offers hope and support.

You may be staring down a long path to recovery—physically, mentally, and financially. Even if your compensation claim sounds straightforward, you need the support of a veteran legal team who knows the system and will navigate it for you.

At Bridge Law, we help people like you to get fair compensation for harm caused by others.

These cases—known as compensation claims—can involve anything from everyday negligence to egregious malpractice or wrongful death.

If you think you might deserve compensation, then here’s a general overview of what to expect.

We’ll show how your claim meets these criteria

To win a claim, you need to demonstrate that the other party harmed you by acting inappropriately.

More precisely, you (or rather your legal team) must show how:

1. The other party was obligated to maintain a certain level of care.
2. The other party failed to do so, either intentionally or negligently.
3. You suffered objective harm.
4. Your harm was the direct result of their lack of care (as opposed to some other event or coincidence).

More detailed criteria might apply to your specific situation. To give a few examples:

• A workers’ compensation claim requires showing that harm occurred in the course of doing your actual job.
• A product liability claim may depend on what safety guarantees the manufacturer made or implied.
• A public liability claim might revolve around what you were doing on the premises in the first place.

Once the details are clear and legally sound, your attorney will figure out exactly what the claim is worth.

Three types of compensation may be awarded

If the incident hadn’t happened, what physical condition would you be in? How much money would you have? What opportunities would be available? What good or experiences would you enjoy, and what bad ones would you avoid?

Courts can’t turn back the clock, but they can come up with numbers (“damages”) that compensate you (“make you whole”) for factors like these.

In practice, we think of damages in three different categories, corresponding to the kind of harm they address.

• Special damages cover monetary losses. They try to capture the expected lifelong cost of medical care, lost wages, property damage, and so forth.
• General damages cover non-monetary losses. They’re extremely difficult to calculate, since they try to account for psychological and social losses.
• Punitive damages are rarer. They’re primarily intended to punish the other party and to discourage them (or anyone else) from similar actions. Punitive damages are more arbitrary, but they’re typically capped at a certain multiple of special/general damages.

Your attorney might recommend outside experts who can explore and attest to the full extent of your harm. We understand how invasive and uncomfortable this can feel after a traumatic event. Even so, outside expertise is often the surest way to establish and win broader damages in complex cases.

Once damages are settled, the last major step is to negotiate payment terms.

You’ll be paid in one of two ways

If applicable, your insurer will directly pay expenses like medical and auto repair bills. These so-called “direct recovery” payments are deducted from the total compensation amount.

The remainder is subject to legal fees—conventionally 33%— after which the rest is paid out to you. It may come as either a lump sum (single payout) or a structured settlement (ongoing payments).

There are pros and cons to each.

Lump sums are simple. You get immediate resources to pay the bills, cover medical costs, and so forth. They often make sense for modest amounts.

Structured settlements, on the other hand, provide a steady income stream. But they’re more complicated to arrange, and they may not be enough to cover short-term expenses.

Both arrangements are usually tax-free, outside of unusual situations involving punitive damages.

For modest amounts, it’s often wise to settle for a lump sum. For larger damages, work closely with your legal team and with a financial planning professional. They’ll fight to ensure your needs are covered in a way that minimizes long-term financial worries.

Regardless, the most important part is to act quickly.

Do you still have time to file a claim?

The clock is ticking on your compensation claim.

Generally speaking, Washington State lets you file a compensation claim for three years after the event. This is known as the “statute of limitations.” Once that period elapses, you are usually not permitted to file a claim.

(There are a few exceptions. Most commonly, you may have more time if the harm didn’t appear for some time, or if it was so severe that you were left incapacitated.)

Three years may sound generous, but it passes more quickly than you’d think. Dealing with insurers, coordinating outside experts, navigating court proceedings, negotiating a settlement—each can take months or years.

Take the first step toward compensation

Money can’t make up for what you’ve been through.

But if you act quickly, it can help with the financial burden or lost opportunities you may be navigating.

Bridge Law has a track record of winning full, fair compensation for people who have suffered from another’s actions.

People like you.

Whether we’re assembling overwhelming evidence, uncovering additional insurance, contesting unfair settlements, or even going to court, we fight for you—period.

Reach out today to discuss your claim confidentially.

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At a glance:

• Washington State saw 75,941 car crashes in 2023, a reduction of more than 26% from 2022.
• There was a record high of 694 fatal crashes, despite fewer overall incidents.
• The percentage of crashes involving drunk driving (6%) or a teenage driver (14%) did not meaningfully change.

Every crash represents not just statistics, but real people and real families—often impacted in life-altering ways. This annual report is our way of supporting and empowering our community with information.

We believe that understanding these trends helps us to fully appreciate and better handle the risks of driving. It reminds us to be more prudent and more defensive behind the wheel—even when others choose not to be.

Keep our collision checklist handy, and don’t hesitate to reach out for quick, confidential guidance.

2023 Washington State Car Crash Summary

The past year’s trends were cause for optimism, as total crashes and total injury crashes fell markedly from 2022 to 2023.

However, the crashes that did occur were slightly more likely to be severe. An injury or fatality occurred in 31% of crashes, compared to 29% in 2022. Most concerningly, fatal crashes increased both in count (694, up from 690) and as a percentage of total crashes (0.9%, up from 0.7%).

All data come from the WSDOT Crash Data Portal and are subject to adjustment by the agency.

Total crashes decreased over 26%

To begin with a bright spot, Washington saw a 26% drop to 75,941 total recorded crashes in 2023.

This is easily the lowest figure in the state’s current data set, which goes back to 2014.

Fatal crashes increased 1%

Despite the decrease in total crashes, a record 694 of them caused a fatality. That’s an increase of about 1% from the 690 fatal crashes observed in 2022.

This means about 0.9% of all crashes in 2023 were fatal, compared with under 0.7% in 2022.

If someone close to you was involved in a fatal collision, we offer our sincere condolences first and foremost. While nothing in the world can turn back the hands of time, we can offer compassionate and tireless legal support after such a tragic loss.

Serious injuries increased 6%

Suspected serious injuries rose to a record-high 2,822, roughly a 6% increase over the previous year’s 2,653. The proportion of crashes with serious injuries rose by nearly half, from 2.6% to 3.7% of all crashes.

The legal and financial repercussions of a major collision injury can play out over months or even years. Our team is here to fight for your rightful compensation while you focus on recovering and readjusting to regular life.

Lesser injuries decreased nearly 26%

Crashes with minor or possible injuries dropped to 20,033, down almost 26% from 26,955 in 2022, and in line with the drop in total crashes.

Keep in mind that injuries often emerge later—potentially multiple days following a collision. It’s essential to get checked by a doctor even if you don’t suspect an injury. Remember: if it’s not documented, then it may not be compensated, either.

Non-injury crashes remained the norm

In 2023, 52,392 crashes caused no apparent injuries. That figure is consistent with the overall decrease in crashes.

However, non-injury crashes accounted for about 69% of all incidents, a lower percentage than the previous year’s 71%. This indicates that, among those crashes that did occur, the injury rate rose to 31% (vs. 29%).

Even though most crashes aren’t severe, insurance and liability can still be complicated and overwhelming. Our auto accident specialists will navigate these stressful matters on your behalf.

Your trusted partner after a collision

At Bridge Law, we help Washingtonians win compensation, deal with insurance and medical challenges, and move forward with life.

If you or someone you care about has suffered personal or financial harm in a collision, then we’re here to offer you effective representation and a compassionate ear.

Reach out today to learn more about your options for fast, maximum compensation.

This article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice.

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From checking for injuries and calling emergency services to documenting the scene and exchanging information with other parties involved, this checklist is designed to help you navigate the often chaotic and stressful moments after an accident.

STAY CALM

☐ Breathe slowly and deeply.
☐ Avoid conflict. Now’s not the time for arguments or blame.

ASSESS INJURIES

☐ Check yourself.
☐ Check any passengers.
☐ Don’t move anyones with severe injuries. Wait for emergency responders instead.

ENSURE SAFETY

☐ Turn on hazard lights, even if it’s daylight.
☐ Take photos of the scene, but only if it’s safe.
☐ Move your car out of traffic if possible.

GET HELP

☐ Dial 911 from a safe place.
☐ Provide as much detail as possible.
☐ Follow the dispatcher’s instruction, including for first aid.

GET THE OTHER DRIVER’S INFO

☐ Name.
☐ Address.
☐ Phone number.
☐ Insurance company.
☐ Insurance policy number.
☐ Driver’s license number.
☐ License plate number.

DOCUMENT THE SCENE

☐ Photograph all vehicles from all angles.
☐ Photograph road conditions.
☐ Photograph traffic signs and signals.
☐ Write down the time, date and weather.
☐ Write down your description of what happen. The more detail, the better.

IDENTIFY WITNESSES

☐ Names.
☐ Phone numbers.

CONTACT YOUR INSURER

☐ Call their emergency number.
☐ Provide all documentation and witness information.

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

☐ Get a check-up. You may feel fine now, but some injuries manifest later.
☐ Document all medical interactions.

MAINTAIN RECORDS

☐ Reports and documentation from the scene.
☐ Insurance communication.
☐ Repair costs.
☐ Medical records and expenses.

CONSULT A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

☐ Deal with insurance.
☐ Understand your options.
☐ Ensure fair compensation.
☐ Address liability.

FOLLOW UP

☐ Stay in contact with your insurer.
☐ Attend all medical check-ups.

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Black ice is the bane of winter driving and the epitome of hidden danger. And it’s virtually impossible to avoid.

After all, most American roads—including nearly every inch of roadway in Washington—are susceptible to ice during the colder months.

What makes black ice so uniquely dangerous, and what can you do to stay safe?

How black ice causes car accidents

Black ice provides next to no traction, rendering steering and braking nearly useless. Vehicles tend to slide and lose control even at low speeds.

It’s also next to invisible. Despite its name, “black” ice is actually clear or grayish, and only appears black because of the road surface showing through.

Incidents often play out as follows:

1. A driver can’t see black ice from a distance, and hits the slick patch at higher-than-ideal speed.
2. The wheels lose traction and the vehicle slides freely.
3. Amid the sheer panic, the driver may overreact by braking hard or steering suddenly. This causes a spin—or worse—once the tires regain traction.

We don’t know exactly how many accidents black ice causes. We do know that icy or snowy roads in general account for about a quarter of weather-related accidents every year. Roughly speaking, ice probably contributes to hundreds of fatalities and tens of thousands injuries at minimum.

How to avoid car accidents on black ice

It’s impossible to avoid black ice altogether, but it’s within your power to adopt potentially life-saving habits of caution.

Keep your momentum in check

Momentum is the enemy on black ice. Limit it, and stay safe, by driving at low speed and exercising an abundance of caution at all times.

Don’t try to keep up with faster drivers, many of whom foolishly ignore the possibility of black ice.

Mind corners, in particular

Slow, steady driving is doubly important in corners. In icy conditions, it’s prudent to assume that every corner contains black ice, and reduce your speed accordingly.

Brake early, brake gently

Soft, preemptive braking is a good winter driving practice in general. It helps take advantage of whatever traction is available, and minimizes impact if the worst should happen.

Take signs seriously

Finally, heed ice warning signs. Local authorities often place them in potentially slick areas, but motorists often fail to take them seriously.

Consider the conditions

There’s always some risk of black ice in the winter, but a few conditions greatly raise the odds:

• Calm, clear nights and early mornings.
• Light precipitation when temperatures are near or below freezing.
• Shady areas, e.g., the shadows of buildings or woods.
• Bridges and underpasses, where freezing-cold air circulates beneath the roadway.

Keep in mind that ice that is visible during the day may become invisible after dark or during low light. Unfortunately, that makes up for a large part of our driving time during those short winter days.

What to do if you’re in a black ice accident

We’ve previously covered what to do following a car accident in more detail. The same guidelines apply following an incident on black ice, too.

Once you’re out of the heat of the moment, consider contacting the auto accident specialists at Bridge Law to evaluate your legal options. Many drivers are unaware of the insurance complexities and liability questions that may arise from seemingly simple incidents.

If you’ve crashed on black ice, then reach out today for a confidential consultation.

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