Who Is Liable for a Guardrail Car Accident in Houston?
Guardrails are designed to protect motorists by reducing the impact of collisions and preventing vehicles from veering off the road. However, when guardrails fail due to defects, poor installation, or lack of maintenance, they can cause severe injuries and fatalities. Understanding who is responsible for your injuries is essential if you want to pursue compensation.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a guardrail crash, you may be entitled to damages from the manufacturers, installers, or government entities responsible for the guardrail’s failure. A Houston guardrail accident lawyer at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Guardrail Car Accident Injuries?
If a guardrail is poorly designed, improperly installed, or neglected, it can fail to protect motorists, leading to catastrophic injuries. Several parties may be held accountable, including:
1. Guardrail Manufacturers
Faulty guardrail designs can increase the risk of injuries rather than prevent them. Defective materials, poor engineering, or cost-cutting measures may make a manufacturer responsible for damages. Some manufacturers, such as Trinity Industries, SKT, and X-Lite Guardrail, have faced lawsuits over allegedly defective designs.
2. Contractors and Installers
Proper installation is crucial for guardrails to function as intended. If a guardrail is installed at the wrong height, angle, or distance from the roadway, it may fail during an accident. Construction companies, general contractors, or third-party installers may be liable for improper installation that contributed to your crash.
3. Government Agencies
Local and state governments are responsible for maintaining and repairing roadways, including guardrails. If a guardrail is damaged, missing, or improperly maintained, the responsible agency may be held accountable for accidents caused by its negligence. Filing a claim against a government entity, however, involves strict deadlines and legal complexities.
4. Negligent Drivers
While a guardrail defect may be a primary factor in your accident, another driver’s negligence could also play a role. Speeding, reckless driving, or distracted driving can contribute to guardrail crashes, making the other driver partially or fully liable for your injuries.
How to Prove Liability in a Houston Guardrail Accident
Guardrail accident lawsuits are highly complex and require substantial evidence to prove fault. To build a strong case, you may need:
- Photographic evidence of the crash scene, your injuries, and any damage to the guardrail
- Police reports detailing the accident’s cause and involved parties
- Eyewitness statements to support your claim
- Roadway maintenance records showing whether the guardrail was neglected
- History of complaints about the guardrail’s safety
- Construction project documentation related to guardrail installation or modifications
Because multiple parties may share liability, working with a Houston car accident attorney experienced in guardrail injury cases is crucial for maximizing your compensation.
Get Legal Help for Your Guardrail Car Accident in Houston
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, our board-certified attorneys have successfully recovered millions for accident victims in Houston. With decades of experience and a proven track record, we are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a guardrail accident, don’t wait. Contact our Houston car accident lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation.