Vehicle Roof Crush Lawsuits Injury Lawyer
Rollover crashes are common, as it is estimated that about 250,000 rollovers occur each year in the U.S. Due to these high numbers, it is important to have vehicles that are designed to protect occupants when a rollover occurs. The roof is the barrier between occupant’s head and the ground as the vehicle rolls. If that roof crushes, it can lead to severe head and neck injuries that can be fatal.
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (“FMVSS”) No. 216 is for roof crush resistance. This is the weight the roof must be able to withstand during testing to meet safety standards. These parameters were first established in 1971 but were updated in 2009 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to increase the load roofs can withstand. However, the minimum requirements do not always protect completely. If the roof even crushes less than five inches, it can put occupants at risk of head or neck injuries during a rollover crash.
Injuries Sustained Due to Roof Crush During Rollovers
When a roof crushes during a rollover, the occupants of the vehicle are exposed to both intrusion and ejection risks. Intrusion of the roof can cause severe, even deadly, injuries to the head, neck and spine. Another concern is ejection. Those not wearing seatbelts can be thrown from the vehicle. Even those belted in can experience partial ejection of appendages, causing substantial injuries.
Many different types of vehicles have been investigated for roof crash injuries. Although the roof may have met the minimum standard for testing, it does not mean it was designed to withstand an actual rollover. Some vehicles that have had issues with rollover roof crush injuries include:
Have you or a family member been injured in a rollover crash due to a roof crushing incident? Contact Conley Griggs Partin LLP to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. If a manufacturer design issue allowed roof intrusion or an ejection to occur, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit to seek compensation.