It only takes one misjudged turn to cause a vehicle to roll over. Injuries from rollover accidents are quite severe, and they can be even more dangerous if the roof also fails. Roof crush accidents often lead to debilitating injuries and even death.
You should always consult with a personal injury lawyer after a roof crush injury. Whenever a motor vehicle rolls over, there is a possibility that the vehicle was defective. So, while many accidents are caused by other drivers’ negligence, in rollover crashes, you also must consider the possibility of a defective product. Further, if the rollover resulted in a roof crush injury, there is also the possibility that the roof was defectively designed – also a product liability claim.
Product liability claims – or defective vehicle lawsuits – are far more complex than a lawsuit alleging another driver’s negligence. For that reason, you should speak with an attorney like Eric R. Bernstein who has specific experience with this type of case.
Safety Regulations to Prevent Roof Crush Accidents
All vehicles must pass a series of safety regulations, including collision tests. Vehicles are thoroughly inspected to make sure that the entire structural support system is strong enough to withstand a rollover accident. Guidelines indicate that the roof should stay intact at forces up to three times the vehicle’s weight. There should also be adequate head space if the roof is crushed.
Even with these strict guidelines in place, some vehicle roofs still collapse during a rollover. If the force of the accident causes the pillars or windshield to fall, then a roof crush is imminent.
Injuries Associated with Roof Crush Accidents
When a vehicle rolls over, the occupants may experience a wide range of injuries. If the roof collapses, more serious injuries are often noted, including:
- Neck and spine injuries, sometimes resulting in paralysis.
- Traumatic brain injuries, which may greatly affect a person’s physical and cognitive abilities.
- Organ damage and internal bleeding.
- Broken bones.
Compensation for Roof Crush Injuries
If you were injured because of a roof crush accident, an injury attorney like Eric R. Bernstein can help you get the monetary compensation you deserve. These injuries are often serious, and you may also be awarded compensation for several types of damages, including:
- Medical bills, both past and future.
- Pain and suffering.
- Lost wages, both current and future wages.
- Wrongful death.
Proving Liability
Here at the Law Offices of Eric R. Bernstein, P.C. , we will look over the facts of your case to determine who is liable for your injuries. If another person caused the accident due to their reckless driving, they should be held accountable. However, if the design of the vehicle caused the roof to fail, then the manufacturer may be held responsible.
Our goal will be to prove that the roof collapsed due to a structural problem or design defect. In that case, the automobile maker should compensate you for your injuries. Taking legal action may also save another driver of the same vehicle from a similar fate down the road.
If you live in New York City and are dealing with the long-term effects of a roof crush injury, please call attorney Eric R. Bernstein to discuss the details of your accident.
