Congressional watchdog agency last week accused federal highway officials of not implementing the appropriate oversight for guardrails and other roadside equipment.This information was based on a year-long investigation by the Government Accountability Office.
The Government Accountability Office is responsible for analyzing investigations in Congress.
This study was done as a result of numerous concerns raised about the guardrail system alongside many of the nation’s highways.
If you’re run off the road, the guardrails are supposed to serve as an obstacle to stop your vehicle and prevent further sliding or skidding.
Results Show That Guardrails May Be Dangerous
In some situations, these guardrails have done more harm than good, impaling passengers and drivers even causing numerous deaths.
A number of lawsuits have already pinpointed these guardrails as the primary factor in at least five deaths as well as numerous injuries.
The guardrails alone have been tied to 14 accidents across the country.
The report criticized the Federal Highway Administration’s oversight of the issue and suggested that the agency take more steps to ensure that the company making the roadside equipment is separate from the individuals who ultimately test these materials.
Among the nine laboratories authorized to complete crash testing of any roadside safety devices for the Federal Highway Administration, six of those lab test products were associated with employees of the same parent organization.
The watchdog believes that this could be part of the problem in failing to ensure appropriate safety measures.
The report also requests that the Federal Highway Administration enhance their verification by using a third party to double check crash test results.
Conflicts of interest are one of the biggest allegations against the government agency and it could be car accident victims who end up paying the price.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Run Off the Road?
If you have been run off the road as a result of a distracted or impaired driver, you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Your case can be made much more complex if your lawsuit also involved any situations in which a defective product like a guardrail caused you even further injuries.
Sometimes in complex car accident and trucking accident cases, there can be multiple liable parties.
You need an accomplished attorney with a track record of working on cases like this to help you navigate the difficult issue associated with a multi-party claim.
Some of the ways that an attorney can help you in a situation like this include accident reconstruction, analyzing your medical records, speaking to witnesses, and preparing your case for trial as well as settlement negotiations.
Given that a severe accident, whether or not it involves a guardrail, has the potential to change your life in big ways, it is essential to speak to a New Jersey car accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident happens.
This may be the only way to protect your future and allow you to fight for the compensation necessary to allow you to recover from the accident.
Even with comprehensive health insurance, you may struggle to pay all of your medical bills and get the treatment necessary to help you recover.
Talk to an Expert Car Accident Attorney Today
One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and the integrity of your case is to collect all evidence associated with the accident as soon as possible after it happens.
Taking pictures and videos at the scene, for example, can allow your personal injury attorney to look deeper into the issues.
You may even work with an accident reconstruction team to identify what happened.
All of these steps may become important components of your New Jersey car accident claim.
This is why personal injury law empowers you to file a legal claim to hold another party responsible for your injuries.
If another party was negligent behind the wheel, such as drinking and driving, engaging in distracted driving or falling asleep, he or she may be held responsible in court with your personal injury lawsuit.
If this has happened to you, time is of the essence. Do not hesitate to reach out to a New Jersey car accident attorney immediately.
Learn more about what to do in a New Jersey car accident here:https://www.schibelllaw.com/nj-drivers-dont-be-one-of-the-95-who-limits-their-rights/
