Section 138: When any bridge is damaged–

(a) by reason of any vehicle when passing over it in contravention of section 137; (b) by reasons of any vehicle when passing over the bridge coming into contact with any portion thereof other than the surface of the highway, the owner of the vehicle and the person driving or propelling the same shall be jointly and severally liable to the person responsible for the maintenance of the bridge, for the damage done thereto.