Valley teens Jaxson Elliott and Jett Weinstein found themselves at the center of a tragic incident while driving down I-17 south of Cordes Junction. The car they were in collided with a controversial guardrail, leading to a devastating outcome.
The Arizona Department of Transportation has now been presented with two Notices of Claim, amounting to a staggering $56 million, stemming from the fatal guardrail crash on I-17.
Elliott and Weinstein’s lives were forever altered when their vehicle struck an ET-Plus guardrail, causing it to pierce through the passenger side door, traverse the front seat, and exit through the driver’s side door. Tragically, Elliott lost his life in the crash, while Weinstein sustained severe injuries, including the loss of his right leg.
Elliott’s mother is seeking $20 million from ADOT, while Weinstein and his family are pursuing a total of $36 million in damages.
According to investigators, the car driven by Elliott drifted from the left lane into the right and onto the shoulder before colliding with the guardrail. Despite attempts to regain control, the vehicle spun to the left and ultimately struck the guardrail.
Attorneys representing the victims have accused ADOT and the State of Arizona of negligence for allowing the guardrail to remain on the roads. The ET-Plus guardrail, known for its controversial history, has been a subject of scrutiny for its design flaws and potential hazards.
Trinity Industries, the manufacturer of the ET-Plus guardrail, has faced a class-action lawsuit and agreed to a $56 million settlement in 2022. While not admitting fault, Trinity has committed to replacing the ET-Plus guardrail end terminals on Missouri roads.
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