Guardrails should save lives — not cause more harm. When a guardrail fails because of defective design, improper installation, or poor maintenance, serious injuries can result. Our firm investigates guardrail crashes throughout California to identify every liable party and pursue full compensation.

Why Guardrails Matter — and How They Can Fail

Properly designed and maintained guardrails redirect out-of-lane vehicles and reduce crash severity. Failures often involve:

• Faulty design or materials: End terminals that don’t absorb energy, hardware that shears, or rails that penetrate the occupant space.
• Improper installation: Wrong height, offset, anchoring, or terminal orientation can turn a safety feature into a hazard.
• Poor maintenance: Corrosion, prior impact damage, or missing sections compromise performance.
• Extreme impacts: High-speed or heavy-vehicle strikes can overwhelm systems not suited for the location.

Common Guardrail Crash Injuries

• Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, and fractures
• Internal organ damage from intrusion or “spearing” events
• Lacerations and amputations in underride or rail penetration crashes
• Fatal injuries leading to wrongful death claims

Who May Be Liable?

Responsibility depends on the facts and evidence. Potential defendants include:

• Manufacturers/suppliers of guardrails, terminals, posts, or hardware (defective design or warnings)
• Contractors/installers (improper installation, wrong components, or non-compliant placement)
• Government entities responsible for roadway design, inspection, and maintenance (notice and repair failures)
• Negligent drivers whose actions precipitated the collision

What To Do After a Guardrail Crash

• Call 911 and get medical care; document all symptoms, even if delayed.
• Photograph the scene: the guardrail end terminal, posts, anchors, vehicle damage, skid marks, and signage.
• Preserve video: request dash-cam, traffic/street camera, or nearby business footage.
• Get the police report number and witness contacts.
• Do not discuss fault with insurers before speaking to a lawyer.
• Review related guidance: car accident claims and defective product liability.

Compensation We Pursue

• Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehab, and future medical needs
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Vehicle and property damage, out-of-pocket costs
• For families: wrongful death damages

Why These Cases Are Different

• Technical evidence: We secure installation plans, maintenance logs, as-builts, and compliance data.
• Expert analysis: Accident reconstruction, roadway design, and product engineering experts to prove defect or improper placement.
• Public entity claims: Special procedures and deadlines may apply; early notice is critical.

Disclaimer: This information is general and not legal advice. Results depend on facts and applicable law.