According to Caltrans, the X-Lite guardrail end treatment system will no longer be used on California highways. An investigation carried out by a local NBC station found that they were struck in at least nine accidents that resulted in fatalities. The state sent a letter to the manufacturer of the product saying that it would be switching to another product that met Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware standards.
A statement from the manufacturer said that its product had saved lives and reduced the severity of automobile accidents. However, a total of 13 states are in the process of removing the X-Lite guardrail as of 2018. In California, the X-Lite system is used mostly along Interstates 8 and 15. Roughly 20 percent of them are installed in San Diego County. Despite previous fatal accidents, Caltrans said it was only going to remove damaged guardrails and would further study any dangers associated with the X-Lite system.
Victims of an automobile accident may be entitled to compensation if their injuries were the result of another party’s negligence. If a guardrail was defective or not properly installed, the manufacturer of that product might be held liable for damages a victim incurs. A state or local government agency may also be liable depending on the facts in the case. If an individual dies in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the victim’s family may pursue a wrongful death case.
Obtaining Costa Mesa legal representation for fatal auto accidents may make it easier to obtain a favorable outcome in the matter. An attorney may be able to obtain evidence that a guardrail was defective or that another product failed to help keep a driver safe. Other examples of negligence include driving while impaired, tired or using a cellphone.
