The George Washington Bridge is a historical fixture connecting New York City and New Jersey–for nearly a century (since 1931) it has linked Manhattan and Bergen, New Jersey.
As you can imagine, it would have been nearly impossible for the crew that constructed the bridge to predict the ever-increasing flow of traffic that these cities see today. Largely due to its construction, the George Washington Bridge is the site of more accidents than most bridges in the U.S. In this blog, I’ll discuss the history of these accidents, and when a Northern New Jersey car accident attorney may be able to help after a crash on the bridge.
If you need a car accident lawyer, call Buttafuoco & Associates for a free consultation at 1-800-NOW-HURT or contact us using this case review form.
A Long History of Accidents
Since its construction in 1931, the George Washington Bridge has only become more dangerous. In large part, this is due to the fact that the bridge cannot safely accommodate the number of cars that pass over it daily. Heavy traffic itself results in multiple serious accidents every year. In 2022, five people were seriously injured after their vehicles overturned after colliding with a tanker. The impact was so severe that two of the victims had to be pulled out of their vehicles. In February 2024, a New York man died in an early morning crash when a car collided with a tractor trailer and then burst into flames. In another horrific example from 2011, a 32-year-old woman from Manhattan was pronounced dead at the scene after losing control of her minivan, which then flipped several times and landed on its roof.
These are just a few examples of the many serious accidents the bridge has seen in recent decades. If you frequently use the bridge, it is essential that you practice driving with caution by traveling at safe speeds and paying attention to other vehicles around you, especially during lane changes. Even if you take these precautions, however, accidents still happen.
If you have experienced an accident due to another driver’s negligence, it is essential that you report it to police immediately. It may also be helpful to contact a car accident lawyer serving Northern New Jersey, who can apprise you of your rights and may be able to assist you in maximizing your settlement for any medical treatment you need to recover.
Could the George Washington Bridge Collapse?
For much of its life, the George Washington Bridge saw only two major updates, including the addition of a median in the 1970s and lights on the suspension towers in the early 2000s. Concerns about the bridge’s safety have skyrocketed since the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, which went down after a container ship struck a pier, killing six maintenance workers and injuring two others.
Shortly after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, a Facebook post detailing what looked to be unsafe pillars on the George Washington Bridge went viral. The New York Port Authority assured the public that the bridge was not in danger of collapse, but people are still concerned.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse also brings into question a variety of other concerns, including the safety of construction workers who work on the bridge. If you have been in an accident, an attorney at Buttafuoco & Associates may be able to help with negotiations and understanding your rights.
Rehabilitation Currently Underway
On a positive note, a $2 billion rehabilitation project known as Restoring the George is currently underway, focused on improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The project will take 10 years to complete, as the bridge cannot be fully shut down during construction. The rehabilitation plan involves repairing and resurfacing the lanes, as well as repairing the piers and abutments. The Port Authority will also clean and inspect the GWB’s cables, replace its suspension ropes, and create an ADA-compliant walkway, among other renovations.
Although it is heartening to know that new renovations are currently in progress, it is too late for people who have lost their lives or suffered life-altering injuries while using the bridge. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed, you deserve appropriate compensation. The Northern New Jersey car accident attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates will fight for your rights and help you recover the damages you need to heal.
Call today at 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free consultation.
