The phrase “roof crush” was coined for the type of damage after a rollover accident. Roof crush damage differs depending on the type of vehicle. Any type of vehicle has the potential to roll over when they are involved in a traffic collision, which is why it is so important that roofs are durable and can withstand a rollover accident without injuring the passengers. According to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, auto manufacturers must follow a specific set of standards in regards to the strength and structure of the roof of each vehicle. Currently, these rules only apply to vehicles that weigh less than 6,000 pounds. Therefore, many SUVs, being heavier than 6,000 pounds, are not bound by this standard.
Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, SUVs are at a higher risk of rollover accidents and accompanying roof collapses than any other class of vehicle. In fact, many of the 10,000 SUV rollover deaths in the United States every year are attributed to roof collapses. The SUV rollover rate is near 90%; the highest rollover rate for any class of vehicle. An SUV roof collapse occurs when components of the roof are crushed and cave in. In a situation like this, the roof of the SUV is pushed into the interior of the vehicle exposing occupants to extreme impact.
In the case of large trucks, such as semi trucks, rollover accidents commonly occur because the driver took a turn at too high of a speed or they tried to brake too quickly. Passenger vehicle rollover accidents most commonly occur when drivers lose control and their vehicle is “tripped” by an object, such as a curb. In hopes of remedying the situation, vehicle manufacturers are attempting to make vehicles more stable. If you were involved in a rollover accident and you are injured because of roof crush you could be entitled to compensation. Stronger “cages” (roof and windows) can prevent serious injury to passengers. Government regulations have been put in place that requires cars to have roofs that can support the weight of the vehicle in the event that it is rolled over, but this is only in newer vehicles.
If you’ve been injured in a rollover accident where the roof had collapsed, you should seek legal advice. Contact a Houston rollover roof crush lawyer at de Lachica Law Firm, PLLC, for more information or to schedule a free consultation.
Injuries Caused by SUV Roof Collapse
The force occupants of an SUV or car are subjected to during a roof collapse can cause debilitating injuries. These include neck injuries that can lead to the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Quadriplegia
- Death
Most injuries during a roof collapse are concentrated in the lower cervical spine and are caused by burst vertebrae. In other cases, a person may suffer fractured vertebrae caused when the occupant is flung against the roof upon impact.
Car Roof Collapse
Roof collapses are less frequent in passenger cars than they are in SUVs; however, in recent years some models have shown a greater risk of roof collapse during rollover accidents. Injury and death can occur when the seat belt, windshield and door of the car fail as a result of roof collapse. The rate of fatalities is higher in rollover accidents compared to side or frontal impact accidents. Most rollover deaths occur as a result of roof collapses.
Helping the Victims of Roof Crush Fight for Fair Compensation
When the roof of an SUV or passenger car collapses in a traffic collision, this can cause catastrophic injures to the occupants. A roof may collapse because it is poorly designed or has a manufacturing defect. In either scenario, the driver and passengers may experience life-threatening head and spinal cord injuries that would have otherwise been avoided. Working with a car accident lawyer is highly recommended if you were injured or lost a loved one in a rollover accident where the roof of the vehicle caved in. With considerable knowledge regarding roof crush injuries, the team at De Lachica Law Firm can offer you valuable insight to help you get started in the right direction.
If you believe negligence of any kind was involved in causing your accident or making your accident worse, then you should speak with a car accident lawyer. At de Lachica Law Firm, they are well informed as to road, driving and vehicle regulations and can evaluate your case accurately to see how you can best be helped. Even if you are unsure if you are entitled to a claim, you can never truly know until you have your case evaluated by a legal professional. Feel free to call the rollover roof crush lawyer at de Lachica Law Firm for a free consultation. A skilled professional can review the matter on your behalf to determine whether you have grounds for a product liability lawsuit.