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Common Causes of Guardrail Highway Accidents

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tommy fibich

Guardrails play an essential role in protecting motorists from running off the road. However, there are times when guardrails can contribute to or even exacerbate collisions. Understanding the common causes of a guardrail crash can help you stay safe and advocate for your rights after a wreck.

The Houston car accident lawyers at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs bring more than a century of experience to every personal injury case we handle. Contact us today to learn your legal options after a guardrail accident. The first consultation is free.

tommy fibich

Guardrails play an essential role in protecting motorists from running off the road. However, there are times when guardrails can contribute to or even exacerbate collisions. Understanding the common causes of a guardrail crash can help you stay safe and advocate for your rights after a wreck.

The Houston car accident lawyers at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs bring more than a century of experience to every personal injury case we handle. Contact us today to learn your legal options after a guardrail accident. The first consultation is free.

Common Causes of Guardrail Crashes

A guardrail crash can happen for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common include:

  • Design flaws –Engineering mistakes can cause a guardrail to spear through vehicles rather than absorb the impact of their collision.
  • Poor maintenance– Guardrails with excess wear and tear are likely to fail when hit.
  • Improper installation – Without proper installation, a guardrail may not be able to perform as expected in a crash.
  • Driver error – Motorists who are under the influence, distracted, or violate traffic laws behind the wheel are at a higher risk of losing control and crashing into guardrails.
  • Inclement Weather – Slippery roadways caused by ice, rain, or snow can cause drivers to lose control and crash.

Who is Liable for a Guardrail Car Accident?

If you crashed into a guardrail, the first step towards compensation is determining liability for the accident. This process involves thoroughly examining what happened and the actions of all potentially liable parties. Evaluating various factors, such as each driver’s actions and the state of the guardrail, may impact who you could file a claim against.

Any of the following parties could be responsible for a guardrail crash:

  • Guardrail manufacturer–The company that produced the guardrail may be liable if the guardrail failed due to design or manufacturing defects.
  • Construction company– If the guardrail was improperly installed, the company responsible for its installation could be at fault.
  • The government – A state or local government entity may be liable for a guardrail accident if its failure to address known safety issues caused or contributed to the collision.
  • Other drivers – If driver error is a primary factor in the guardrail crash, the motorist responsible for the mistake may be financially responsible for your injuries.

Tips for Preventing Guardrail Accidents in Houston, Texas

Authorities can help reduce the number of serious guardrail accidents by:

  • Performing regular inspections and maintenance of any guardrails
  • Using advanced materials and designs when making guardrails
  • Ensuring proper installation practices while placing guardrails

Drivers can help prevent guardrail accidents by staying alert, maintaining a safe speed, slowing down when entering turns, and never driving while intoxicated.

Contact our Houston Guardrail Accident Lawyer for Help

Injured in a collision with a guardrail? We can help. The proven personal injury attorneys at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs will pursue your case effectively and demand the full amount of compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with a Houston guardrail accident lawyer.