Roadway/Highway
Over 40,000 people are fatally injured on our nation's roadways
each year. Accidents occur along the roadway and many at
intersections, which are points of conflict for vehicles. Roadway
accidents can result in injury to drivers and passengers which can
then become involved in the litigation process. When evaluating
roadways it is important to note that many of these pathways have
evolved over time. What was once an animal trail became an Indian
path, which became a dirt road, and then a paved road. An engineering
evaluation of the roadway where the incident occurred, the adjacent
areas, and the vehicles, if required, is essential in the litigation
process. From this evaluation, engineering conclusions and opinions
can be reached regarding the actions of the drivers, vehicles, and the
design, construction, and maintenance of the roadway itself. Roadways
should be designed in accordance with established codes and standards.
Each state has established its own codes and standards. If a roadway
is upgraded or rehabilitated, then certain aspects of that roadway may
be required to be upgraded to the standards and codes in place at the
time of the upgrade or rehabilitation. An engineer trained and
experienced in highway/roadway design is an essential asset in the
evaluation and preparation of the roadway matter that is involved in,
or has the potential for litigation.
Bridges
Bridges are structures, which provide safe passage for vehicular,
railroad and/or pedestrian traffic over areas such as waterways,
roadways, railroad thoroughfares, and topography differences such as
ravines and valleys. On specific occasions, there have been incidents
at these structures, which involved collapses, component failures,
construction, maintenance, condition inspection, and/or traffic on or
under the bridge. These incidents require an evaluation of the
incident circumstances and the bridge structure, which could include
design, construction, maintenance, and/or rehabilitation of the bridge
and the standards and codes in place at the time that each of these
was performed. Bridge inspections can also involve Federal codes and
certain federal requirements for bridges within the United States. An
engineer well versed in bridge design, construction, maintenance,
inspection and/or rehabilitation and also familiar with standards and
codes that govern each aspect of the bridge can assist a client in the
evaluation and preparation of specific bridge matters that are in or
have the potential for future litigation. Consulting Engineers &
Scientists, Inc. has the expertise and experience, as well as the
synergy with other disciplines if required, to evaluate roadway and
bridge incidents. We can provide our clients with direction and
guidance that is understandable, efficient, and cost effective.