Injured in an Accident on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge? What Connecticut Drivers Should Know
Injured in an accident on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge? Learn about I-95 construction risks, liability, and your rights under Connecticut law.
November 3, 2026
By McCoy & McCoy
For thousands of Connecticut drivers, crossing the Gold Star Memorial Bridge on I-95 between New London and Groton is part of their daily routine. But with major construction underway, changing traffic patterns, lane shifts, and reduced speed limits are creating new challenges for commuters traveling across the Thames River.
Whether you’re commuting to work in Groton, heading home to New London, or traveling along I-95, an unexpected collision on the bridge can leave you with serious injuries, medical expenses, and questions about who is responsible.
If you were injured in a car accident on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge, you may be entitled to compensation under Connecticut law. Find out how our New London car accident lawyers can help you.
Gold Star Memorial Bridge Construction: What Drivers Need to Know in 2026
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is undertaking a major rehabilitation project on the northbound Gold Star Memorial Bridge, with work expected to continue through 2030. As part of the construction project:
Northbound I-95 traffic has been redirected into a temporary crossover configuration.
Two northbound lanes have been shifted onto the southbound bridge, separated from opposing traffic by a steel barrier.
The speed limit has been reduced to 45 mph within the affected configuration.
Drivers may encounter temporary lane closures, construction equipment, and changing traffic patterns.
According to CTDOT, a new northbound traffic pattern was also implemented on August 28, 2026, moving traffic into two center lanes on the northbound bridge.
These changes are intended to allow crews to complete important improvements while keeping traffic moving. However, drivers must remain alert, follow posted signs, and adjust their speed to changing roadway conditions.
What Types of Car Accidents Have Been Happening on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge?
Rear-End Collisions. Sudden traffic slowdowns, distracted driving, and following too closely can lead to rear-end accidents on I-95. Drivers approaching construction-related congestion may not have enough time to stop if they are speeding or failing to pay attention.
Sideswipe and Lane-Change Accidents. Temporary lane configurations and merging traffic can increase the potential for sideswipe collisions. Drivers who fail to check blind spots, signal, or yield before changing lanes may cause serious accidents.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents. When traffic suddenly slows on a busy highway, one collision can involve several vehicles. Determining liability in a multi-vehicle crash may require reviewing police reports, witness statements, photographs, and other evidence.
Truck Accidents. Commercial trucks regularly travel along I-95 between New London and Groton. Their size and weight can make sudden stops and tight lane changes especially dangerous. Collisions involving tractor-trailers may result in severe injuries and complicated insurance claims.
Injuries Resulting From a Gold Star Memorial Bridge Accident
Even a collision at reduced speeds can cause injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Common injuries associated with highway accidents include:
Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden impacts can damage muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
Back and spinal injuries: Serious collisions may cause herniated discs, nerve damage, or spinal cord injuries.
Concussions and traumatic brain injuries: A person’s head may strike a window, steering wheel, or another part of the vehicle during a crash.
Broken bones: Fractures involving the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis may require surgery and rehabilitation.
Shoulder and knee injuries: The force of a collision can cause torn ligaments, joint damage, and chronic pain.
Some accident-related symptoms may not appear immediately. Seeking prompt medical attention is important for your health and for documenting your injuries.
Who is Responsible for an Accident on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge?
Liability depends on how the accident happened and whether someone’s negligence contributed to the collision.
Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties may include:
- Another Driver. A motorist who was speeding, distracted, following too closely, or making an unsafe lane change may be liable for injuries caused by the crash.
- A commercial trucking company. If a truck driver caused the collision, the trucking company may also bear responsibility under applicable law. A Connecticut trucking accident lawyer can help seek justice.
- A contractor or other responsible entity. If improperly maintained work-zone conditions or negligent construction operations contributed to an accident, additional parties may need to be investigated.
Claims involving government agencies or public infrastructure can involve special legal requirements, immunity issues, and shorter notice deadlines. A New London personal injury attorney can help determine which rules apply.
What Should I Do if I'm Injured in a Crash on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge?
If you’re involved in a collision on the bridge or its approaches, taking the following steps can help protect your safety and your legal rights.
Call 911. Report the accident and request emergency medical assistance if anyone is injured.
Get to safety if possible. Follow emergency responders’ instructions and avoid standing in active traffic lanes.
Seek medical attention. Even if your injuries initially seem minor, a medical evaluation may identify conditions that require treatment.
Document the accident. If it is safe, photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, construction signs, and other relevant details.
Preserve important information. Keep medical records, repair estimates, insurance correspondence, and any available dashcam footage.
Speak with a Connecticut car accident lawyer. An attorney can investigate the crash, identify potentially responsible parties, and help you understand your legal options.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim After a Gold Star Memorial Bridge Accident?
Yes. If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.
Depending on your circumstances, compensation may include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other recoverable damages.
Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You may still recover compensation if you are 50% or less responsible for the accident, although your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Most Connecticut negligence-based personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the injury, subject to additional rules and exceptions. Claims involving certain public entities may require much earlier action.
Injured on I-95 Near New London or Groton? McCoy & McCoy Can Help.
A serious accident on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge can leave you facing more than vehicle damage. Medical bills, time away from work, ongoing pain, and difficult insurance companies can make recovery even more stressful.
At McCoy & McCoy, our Connecticut personal injury attorneys represent people injured in car accidents, truck collisions, and other incidents caused by negligence.
Whether you’re searching for a New London personal injury lawyer, a Connecticut car accident attorney, or legal help after a crash on I-95, our team is here to listen.
Injured in an accident on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge? Contact McCoy & McCoy today for a free case review.
It’s all about the client.