Recently, 11Alive uncovered troubling issues regarding guardrails on Georgia’s highways, leading the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to fix hundreds of potentially dangerous guardrails.
This investigation shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked aspect of highway safety that has significant implications for drivers.
The 11Alive Investigation: A Wake-Up Call
Through their investigation, 11Alive revealed that numerous guardrails along Georgia highways had been improperly installed or were defective. These faulty guardrails were found to pose serious risks to motorists, as they could cause severe injuries or fatalities during a crash.
The findings prompted GDOT to begin addressing the problem, repairing or replacing hundreds of these dangerous barriers.
Dangerous Guardrails are a Big Problem in the U.S.
Improperly installed or malfunctioning guardrails pose a significant safety risk on U.S. highways, contributing to catastrophic accidents and fatalities.
These guardrails, designed to prevent vehicles from veering off the road or colliding with hazardous objects, are critical to roadway safety. However, when installed incorrectly, outdated, or are unapproved, they can become more dangerous than helpful.
A key issue is the use of substandard or mismatched parts, often referred to as “Frankensteined” guardrails. These are guardrails that have been assembled using components not intended to work together, leading to compromised effectiveness.
In many cases, when a guardrail fails, the end terminal can impale the vehicle upon impact. Instead of slowing the vehicle down, the terminal penetrates through the vehicle. Victims of such accidents often suffer gruesome injuries, including leg amputations or, in some cases, death by decapitation.
Why You Should Hire a Guardrail Lawyer ASAP
If you’ve been involved in an accident where a guardrail malfunctioned, it’s crucial to seek legal advice promptly. Evidence of faulty guardrails may not be immediately apparent after the accident, and the sooner you get in touch with an attorney, the better the chances of preserving this critical evidence.
Our law firm is experienced in investigating these types of cases, and we can help you determine whether a defective guardrail played a role in your injuries.
We are among a select few attorneys who have successfully settled guardrail claims for victims and their families. These settlements have provided our clients with the financial support they need for ongoing medical care, as many of these victims suffer from life-long injuries.
Some of our clients are grieving families whose loved one was killed in a guardrail accident. This compensation has helped these families cover funeral expenses, lost income, therapy, and other significant financial losses resulting from the tragic death of their loved one.