The Dangers of Defective Guardrails in the Lone Star State
Guardrails are metal devices located along roadways that are supposed to protect motorists. These barriers traditionally work by absorbing the impact of a collision and preventing the car or truck from leaving the roadway. Recently, however, guardrails have come under scrutiny as design modifications in the devices are believed to be linked to severe accidents and injuries.
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland, & Briggs, we continue to investigate guardrail injury claims. We represent individuals who have been injured or lost a loved one in guardrail accidents including those involving the now-banned ET-Plus Guardrail End Treatments. If you have suffered harm after crashing into a guardrail, contact our office at (713) 751-0025 to book a free consultation.
What Kind of Car Accident Damage May Occur If You Crash into a Guardrail?
A guardrail intends to prevent more serious car accidents, but unfortunately, that is not always the case. If you crash into a guardrail, you could sustain serious damage to your vehicle and personal injury. In some cases, guardrail accidents have proven fatal.
Potential car accident damage after crashing into a guardrail:
- Vehicle damage – Your vehicle may sustain irreparable damage after crashing into a guardrail. In some instances, your car may be totaled. Common vehicle damage includes broken windows, damaged bumpers, bent frameworks, and more.
- Loss of personal property – In addition to damage to your vehicle, you may suffer the loss of personal property in a guardrail accident. Personal property may include anything in your vehicle such as a laptop, cellphone, jewelry, or work equipment.
- Personal injury – Most importantly, you could sustain a personal injury after a car accident. Hitting a defective guardrail can potentially cause more harm than if the guardrail was not in place. Guardrail accident injuries are usually serious involving broken bones, amputations, lacerations, and traumatic brain injuries.
If your car accident involved hitting a guardrail, you might be entitled to compensation. It is important to consult with a guardrail injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Are Guardrails Defective?
It has been alleged that certain guardrails contain design defects that make them extremely dangerous to motorists. In particular, the ET-Plus guardrail system manufactured by Trinity Industries is believed to have caused several injuries and deaths.
The end terminal of the guardrail system was modified after testing, reportedly causing the barrier to malfunction. Instead of crumpling or curling as it absorbed the collision, the guardrail remained stiff, often impaling the vehicle and causing serious injury to the driver or a passenger.
What Should I Do If I Am Injured in a Guardrail Accident?
If you are injured in a guardrail accident, you need to consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights including whether you are entitled to file a claim against a guardrail manufacturer.
Trinity Industries, SKT, and X-Lite Guardrail are all manufacturers that have had allegations that their products contained a defective design. Despite guardrail systems like the ET-Plus being banned from many states, the barriers were never removed. Dangerous guardrails remain on roadways nationwide.
Contact Our Office to Book a Free Consultation
Did you or a loved one suffer a serious injury after hitting a guardrail in Houston or the surrounding area? Contact our Houston personal injury lawyer at (713) 751-0025 to book a free consultation. We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
