A good Samaritan was thrown off a bridge after a car accident took place. The 34-year-old Idaho man stopped his Jeep on the bridge that crosses between Idaho and Oregon, to help a fellow driver who had slammed into the bridge after losing control on the ice. The victim was standing by the vehicles when a third car lost control and struck his Jeep, forcing the cars forward and knocking him over the edge of the bridge. He was able to hang on to the side of the bridge for a short period of time before plunging 50 feet into the river below. He swam to an island in the middle of the river and was rescued by medical personnel. He is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Everyday motorists that stop along the shoulder of the road are at risk of a car accident. Many drivers speed by without a thought to the person who is inside the vehicle or even standing outside of it. Move over laws are established in all 50 states for police and emergency rescue vehicles and workers. This means if you see a vehicle on the side of the road with the flashing lights on, drivers must move to the next lane if available or slow to a speed that is safe to pass by the stopped vehicles. This should also be a general rule for any stopped vehicle, not just emergency personnel. If you are struck by an oncoming vehicle, it is imperative to contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can assist you or your loved one in obtaining compensation for your injuries while holding the party responsible for the accident accountable for their actions.
The attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC have a century worth of experience in handling personal injury cases. We understand that injuries sustained in roadside accidents can be terrifying. Our team works closely with each client and works diligently to pursue maximum compensation for them. Please contact our St. Louis office for a free consultation and let us help you get on the road to recovery.