# What Causes a Bridge Collapse? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. Structural Defects and Design Flaws 2. Poor Maintenance and Deterioration 3. Overloaded or Excessive Weight 4. Natural Disasters 5. Construction Accidents or Collisions 6. Preventing Bridge Collapses 7. What to Do After a Bridge Collapse 8. Contact the Houston Personal Injury Attorneys at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today ![What Causes a Bridge Collapse? ](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/What-Causes-a-Bridge-Collapse-300x199.jpg) Bridges connect communities across [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/) and throughout [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/), but when one fails, the results can be catastrophic. A bridge collapse can happen suddenly, leaving drivers, passengers, and [pedestrians](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/pedestrian-accident-lawyer/)facing life-threatening injuries or even [death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/houston-wrongful-death-faqs/). These accidents are rare but devastating, raising important questions about what went wrong and who should be held accountable. While some collapses are linked to aging infrastructure, others happen because of poor maintenance, design flaws, or unexpected external forces. Understanding the causes of bridge failures is crucial for protecting victims’ rights and seeking justice after a tragedy. ## Structural Defects and Design Flaws When engineers design bridges, they are incredibly careful to ensure that the structure can withstand daily use. Still, as is true of anyone, their calculations are not always perfect. Sometimes, flaws in the design or construction process lead to failures, which can cause a bridge to collapse unexpectedly while loaded down with hundreds of commuters.  The collapse of the [I-35W bridge in Minnesota](https://www.lrl.mn.gov/guides/guides?issue=bridges) serves as a stark reminder of these dangers. Inadequate load capacity related to a design flaw led to the bridge falling apart, taking 111 vehicles with it. The event was the cause of 13 deaths and another 145 reported injuries. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Poor Maintenance and Deterioration There are hundreds of aging bridges across the country.  Over time, they can deteriorate due to: - Rust and corrosion  - Erosion around the base or foundation  - Cracks in concrete supports - Falling expansion joints and cables  Unfortunately, cost and resource limitations have made it difficult to address these inadequacies in a timely manner.  ## Overloaded or Excessive Weight Though the I-35W bridge collapse was chalked up to an overloading issue, investigators determined that errors during the design of the structure prevented it from withstanding the weight of the vehicles traveling across it. Over time, these overages wore down the infrastructure and led to the collapse.   [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Natural Disasters Weather can take a toll on infrastructure, especially in a state like Texas. Heavy flooding, hurricanes, and high winds can all erode supports or wash away foundations. Events such as Hurricane Harvey showed how flooding can expose vulnerabilities in bridges and roads across the Houston region.  Sudden temperature changes may also expand and contract structural materials, causing stress fractures. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Construction Accidents or Collisions When most people think about a bridge failing, they likely assume that the structure is decades old, and though that is often the case, bridges can also fail as they are being built.  In August 2025, an under-construction [Chinese railway bridge collapsed](https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/23/china/chinese-bridge-collapse-qinghai-intl) when a steel cable unexpectedly snapped. So far, 12 workers have been killed, and at least four others have not been found since. ## Preventing Bridge Collapses Preventing these tragedies requires diligence throughout the design, construction, and maintenance phases of the asset’s lifecycle. Recognizing the risks of bridge failures and proactively addressing warning signs are the best ways to protect people from these tragic events.  ## What to Do After a Bridge Collapse Dealing with the aftermath of a bridge collapse can be overwhelming due to the complex medical and legal processes involved. When a bridge collapses, it can lead to [crushing injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/crushing-injury/), lifelong consequences for victims, and even death.  Couple that with a likely extensive [discovery process](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/discovery-in-personal-injury-case/) to contested liability, and there is no shortage of barriers standing between victims and justice. The key to justice is to seek medical treatment right away and document everything while allowing investigators to determine whether negligence was a factor.  ## Contact the Houston Personal Injury Attorneys at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today If you’ve been injured in a bridge collapse, Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author ![About the Author](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/About-the-Author-241x300.png) [Attorney Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) is the founding partner of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers in [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/), [TX](https://www.texas.gov/). A graduate of [Texas A&M University](https://www.tamu.edu/index.html) and [South Texas College of Law](https://www.stcl.edu/), he is [Board Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) in Personal Injury Trial Law — a distinction held by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys, with years of experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including [car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/), [truck accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/truck-accident-lawyer/), [maritime injuries](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/maritime-injury-lawyer/), [wrongful death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/), and [more](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/practice-areas/). He is dedicated to thorough preparation, strong advocacy, and helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Personal Injury Blog Posts: [![The Role of a Litigation Lawyer in Handling Civil Lawsuits](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-role-of-a-litigation-lawyer-in-handling-civil-lawsuits/) [The Role of a Litigation Lawyer in Handling Civil Lawsuits](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-role-of-a-litigation-lawyer-in-handling-civil-lawsuits/) Litigation is a formal process in which two or more parties engage in legal action against each other in [![Step-by-Step Guide for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Step-by-Step-Guide-for-Filing-a-Personal-Injury-Claim-in-Houston-TX-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/step-by-step-guide-for-filing-a-personal-injury-claim-in-houston-tx/) [Step-by-Step Guide for Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/step-by-step-guide-for-filing-a-personal-injury-claim-in-houston-tx/) Accidents and injuries can happen at any time. The experience is often distressing and disorienting. Many injury [![Breaking Down Attorney-Client Privilege](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/breaking-down-attorney-client-privilege/) [Breaking Down Attorney-Client Privilege](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/breaking-down-attorney-client-privilege/) When you meet with a personal injury attorney to discuss your case, you may disclose sensitive personal information. [![Damages in Jones Act / DOHSA Cases](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/themes/brian-white/assets/app/img/default-thumb.webp)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/damages-in-jones-act-dohsa-cases/) [Damages in Jones Act / DOHSA Cases](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/damages-in-jones-act-dohsa-cases/) Maritime workers and their families may be confused by the different maritime laws that might apply in their --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-causes-a-bridge-collapse/