Bridges
Liability Claims Services has continued to see an ever increasing number of bridge claims.
In fact, a recent article published by the prominent non-partisan think tank, The Council on Foreign Relations, states, “The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has compiled regular “report cards” on the state of U.S. infrastructure since the 1980s. In its 2017 report, the ASCE finds that the nation’s infrastructure averages a “D,” meaning that conditions are “mostly below standard,” exhibiting “significant deterioration,” with a “strong risk of failure.” The group estimates that there is a total “infrastructure gap” of nearly $1.5 trillion needed by 2025.”
When your insured damages a bridge, there are certain areas that tend to harbor excessive costs:
1. "Passing the buck" for maintenance and pre-existing damage. - Bridge inspections determine ratings based on the current condition of the bridge compared to the current design standards.
2. Subsidizing the lack of adequate funding. - Maintaining an adequate rating is very costly. The state allocated funding is inadequate. Insurance companies are often looked at to pay this bill and the losses are viewed as an opportunity to play catch-up.
3. Paying for structurally deficient and functionally obsolete bridges. - Most bridges are built for a 50 year life span. The current average age of bridges is 43 years old. One out of three urban bridges are deficient. Twelve percent of bridges are structurally deficient and thirteen percent are functionally obsolete. Do not overpay if your insured damages one of these obsolete bridges.
4. Previously repaired areas using low-grade materials and poor workmanship.- Conduct due diligence to assure you are paying what your liable for and not to replace poor construction due to prior damage.
Liability Claims Services has had great success when negotiating with the DOT and their Attorneys for all bridge claims.