Justice For Injury Or Death Caused By Defective Guardrails

Defective guardrails on the interstate have caused many serious injuries and untimely deaths across the nation. After a collision, many victims are left with the uncertainty of who is responsible when a guardrail impales a car or fails to protect a car from going into a ditch.

Recently, guardrail manufacturing company Trinity Industries has been the subject of multiple product liability lawsuits for changing the design of the rail to save money. These cheaper rails then flooded the market and were sold to state governments across the U.S.

A Small Design Change That Had A Devastating Impact

Trinity Industries, which is based in Dallas, Texas, allegedly decreased the width and height of the end terminal of the guardrail by an inch. This action, according to the lawsuits filed, took place without Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approval, as required by federal law.

A properly functioning guardrail should absorb the energy of an object hitting it. The force of impact should make the guardrail peel back in a circular motion. According to the lawsuits, the more cheaply designed guardrails did not peel back and instead pierced vehicles.

The Ongoing Legal Fallout

In October 2014, a federal jury awarded $525 million to the U.S. Treasury for Trinity Industries’ negligence and fraud. This verdict was one of the largest in the U.S. for that year.

Many states have banned the installation of further Trinity Industries guardrails and are requiring that existing guardrails be removed. Those states include Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Mississippi, California and Virginia.

Find Out If You Have A Personal Injury Case For A Defective Guardrail

If you or a loved one was injured in a motor vehicle collision involving a guardrail, talk to one of our experienced attorneys about your rights and potential claims. There is no cost for a consultation with our attorneys. Call 770-394-8909​ or email us.