In the present research, an efficient structural damage assessment approach was investigated using aerial drone images for bridges. In the paper, a damage assessment algorithm was presented using aerial images for bridges in the US. Image processing was explained and applied in the damage assessment procedure. Visual survey and bridge inspection procedures were described and the applications in the US were provided as a part of the study. A representative bridge analysis was presented as a case study and in the conclusion, the damage assessment process was detailed. As technology develops, structural damage detection gets faster for transportation systems. Aerial images can be integrated into the structural damage assessment methodology. Collected images can be entered in image processing algorithms to identify damage patterns in highways. Since image processing is a fast and accurate technology of processing images to identify and compare differences and unexpected incidences, it can be used particularly for natural disasters and emergency cases. Periodic automated image processing of aerial images can help inspect wide areas to detect various damages in buildings, structures, bridges, highways, and infrastructures. This can offer time and cost savings in the long run. Pre-event and post-event satellite images from the disaster areas hit by earthquakes and tsunamis can be investigated using a propriety automated damage detection system to determine the structural damage caused by these natural disasters. Drone images can also be used in such investigations. Such investigations can be improved with high-resolution, real-time, and multiple consecutive aerial drone images. The advantages of aerial drone images include safety and reasonable cost of equipment use. An automated structural damage detection technique would be beneficial for structural damage assessment to examine buildings, bridges, and highways using drones.