Nissan Titan Roof Crush Lawsuits
Sufficient head room, structural strength and many other design factors are necessary to meet the safety standards required of vehicle roof integrity during a rollover crash. It is expected that when a vehicle rolls over onto its roof, some compaction will occur with the weight of the vehicle. However, safety regulations test to ensure enough room is left to reduce injury risks to the head and neck of passengers. In roof crush accidents, one consideration is whether the vehicle was designed properly, which is scrutiny the Nissan Titan has been under.
All vehicles must pass all types of safety testing before they are allowed to be sold in the U.S. However, one look at the vehicle recall list for any given year will prove that many vehicles ‘pass’ inspection, yet are later found to be unsafe or have unsafe components. The Nissan Titan has had seatbelt recalls and recalls for load issues that can make the trucks more prone to accidents. However, these issues were not identified until many people already purchased these defective models. The same may be true of roof crush incidents, which may be a problem in the Nissan Titan.
Injuries Caused by Roof Crush Accidents
When a vehicle rolls, occupants are already in danger of injury. If occupants are not wearing a seatbelt, they can be ejected from the vehicle, crushed or seriously injured by impact. Even with a seatbelt, a roof crush during a rollover can be deadly. The weight of a full-size truck putting pressure on the head and neck can be fatal. If the occupants survive, they can face extensive injuries and long-term disabilities, depending on the extent of the injuries.
The Nissan Titan crew-cab is particularly vulnerable to roof crush scenarios. The cab does not contain a B pillar for roof support. If the cab doors come unlatched during a rollover accident, there is a higher likelihood of the roof crush without any B pillar for support.
Just because a vehicle rolls does not mean the roof should collapse. If you or a family member were injured in a Nissan Titan due to a roof crush during a rollover accident, contact Conley Griggs Partin LLP to discuss your legal options.