Roof Crush Auto Accidents

In the event of a rollover accident, the roof of a vehicle should be strong and structurally sound enough to withstand a certain amount of force, thereby protecting the inhabitants of the vehicle from further injury caused by the roof caving in. Unfortunately, the roof crush standards were set in the early 70s and have not been updated to reflect the evolution in automotive design. Therefore, these minimum standards have not proven to be effective in many cases, most notably in SUV rollover accidents.

When roof strength is not adequate to withstand the force of an impact with the ground, the occupants of the vehicle are particularly vulnerable to serious brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. Tragically, many victims of rollover accidents suffer wrongful death, a consequence that might have been avoided if the manufacturers had taken greater measures to ensure the strength of their roofs.

Roof Crush Laws and Standards

An automobile manufacturer may meet the minimum requirements for roof strength as mandated by law and still be liable for the injuries or deaths that result from a rollover accident. It is the responsibility of these automotive manufacturers to ensure that their products are reasonably safe to be used for their intended purposes before these products are introduced onto the market. In many modern vehicles, the roof may cave in as much as a foot during its impact with the ground, even though it technically conforms to federal safety standards. Such protection is clearly inadequate in a serious accident, increasing the likelihood that at least some form of injury will occur to the vehicle’s occupants.

Contact a Product Liability Attorney

If you or a member of your family has been injured in a car, truck, van, or SUV rollover, you may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer of the vehicle. In taking such action, you may be able to collect damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and any other expenses or losses you suffered as a direct result of your accident. Please use the ImpactLaw directory of reputable attorneys to locate a roof crush and rollover accident attorney in your local area and take that first step toward ensuring the protection of your rights today.