Defective Guardrails and Highway Barriers Can Lead to Severe Injuries in a Crash

 Posted on March 17, 2021 in Defective Products

Most people do not think much about the grey, metallic guardrails lining the roads until they collide with one. Guardrails are a crucial safety component that has lessened the damage caused by countless car crashes. However, when a guardrail or other road barrier is defective in its design or manufacture, the barrier can do more harm than good in an accident. In cases such as these, a product liability claim may be brought against the party responsible for the defective road barrier.

Guardrails That Do Not Work as Intended

The purpose of a guardrail is to reduce the damage caused by an accident. Guardrails are often placed alongside steep slopes or on bridge ends to prevent cars from sliding down the incline. Median barriers are designed to prevent vehicles from crossing into oncoming traffic. A well-designed guardrail also helps absorb the impact of a collision and the end terminals curl inward when struck. However, some guardrails do not function as intended. Instead of reducing the harm caused by the impact, the barriers instead worsen the collision.

Bringing a Product Liability Claim After a Defective Roadside Barrier Crash

Guardrails and other barriers should be designed and manufactured so that they act as intended. However, budget cuts, carelessness, manufacturing mistakes, and other issues can cause defective barriers to be installed on roads and bridges. If a defective roadside barrier worsens a car crash victim’s injuries, the party who manufactured, designed, or installed the barrier may be liable for damages.

Product liability claims involving defective guardrails and other defective traffic barriers are often quite complex. The liable party may be a manufacturing company or other commercial company, or it may be the government entity responsible for ensuring a safe road. In many cases, liability for a car crash involving a defective barrier is shared between several different parties. If you or a loved one were hurt in a crash involving a malfunctioning guardrail, speak with a personal injury attorney familiar with defective guardrail product liability cases, your attorney can investigate the circumstances of the crash and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Waukegan Defective Guardrail Lawyer

If you or a loved one were hurt in a car crash, it is possible that a defective traffic barrier caused or contributed to your injuries. Contact a Lake County car accident injury attorney at Salvi & Maher, L.L.C. for help seeking compensation. Our team works with experts in the fields of accident reconstruction, engineering, highway safety, and more to build the strongest case possible for clients hurt by defective guardrails. Call 847-662-3303 for a free consultation.

Source:

http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/CircuitCourt/CivilJuryInstructions/IL_IPI_Civil.pdf