While not the most common type of car accident, one where a roof collapses can be one of the most deadly. Victims trapped inside a motor vehicle where the roof crushes onto them can suffer catastrophic injuries or death. Pursuing a claim for compensation can be more complicated in these cases, and retaining an experienced car accident attorney is essential.
What Are the Causes of a Roof Crush Accident?
Roof crush accidents primarily occur in a rollover car accident. The danger of a rollover is most common in larger vehicles, like SUV’s, minivans, and trucks, which have a higher center of gravity than smaller passenger vehicles. The majority of these wrecks are caused by tripping. Tripping occurs when one of the tires hits something, such as a guardrail, 
pothole, debris, or median, and the vehicle loses momentum and rolls over.
Manufacturers have a duty to ensure that their vehicle’s roof is strong enough not to collapse if the vehicle rolls over. A roof crush is often caused by design or manufacturing defects of the vehicle and its roof. Some of these defects include:
- The roof pillars are not strong enough or are located in the wrong place to support the weight of the roof if the vehicle rolls over.
- The roof materials were not strong enough or were defective.
- The vehicle’s center of gravity was too high, making a rollover more likely.
If a manufacturing defect was the cause of your roof collapse in a car accident, you may have a products liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer, roof manufacturer, and others.
Other causes of a roof crush accident include:
- Equipment failures, such as tire blowouts or brake failures
- Road defects and debris on the road
- Other negligent drivers who cause the victim to swerve and lose control of his vehicle, which leads to it rolling over
Injuries That You Could Suffer in a Roof Crushing Accident
People injured when their vehicle’s roof collapses can be crushed and suffer catastrophic injuries that require expensive medical treatments. Common injuries include:
- Broken and crushed bones
- Amputations
- Internal organ damage and blood loss
- Loss of vision
- Spinal injuries, including paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injury and other brain injuries
- Death
Did your vehicle’s roof collapse in a car accident? Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to hold the manufacturer of your vehicle as well as the negligent driver responsible for compensating you for your injuries. We offer a free initial consultation. Call our office today to set up your appointment.
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