The term “roof crush” is used to describe the unintended failure of a vehicle’s roof structures that occur when vehicles roll over.
When these structures fail they can cause the roof to intrude into the occupant compartment causing serious injuries, including significant head and spinal cord injuries.
Factors in roof crush incidents
Many factors go into the overall ability of a roof structure to withstand the foreseeable forces of a rollover accident. The types of materials utilized to construct the roof rails, roof header and supporting pillars or beams can play a critical roll.
If inadequate structural integrity exists due to poor design choices, occupants can be exposed to injury. Often, the simple addition of foam, extra reinforcements or better materials can make significant differences in the ability of the roof to perform.
Often, the simple addition of foam, extra reinforcements or better materials can make significant differences in the ability of the roof to perform.
Ultimately, it is the duty of automotive manufacturers to take the steps necessary to ensure that occupants are protected from roof crush and resultant rollover injuries. This includes not only performing those tests mandated by the federal government, but to conduct dynamic rollover testing and computer modeling that more closely approximate real world rollover conditions. Only through such testing and analysis can vehicles be made safer.
As Roof Crush attorneys we can help
If you suspect roof crush to be a cause of a major neck injury, serious head, spinal injury, or wrongful death then contact us for a free evaluation of your case. As roof crush lawyers we have extensive experience in litigating rollover accidents involving roof crush, and stand ready to bring our knowledge and expertise to bear for consumers injured by defective roof structures.