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Roof Collapse Accidents

Roof collapse accidents are often referred to as “roof crush.”

What is Roof Crush?

Roof crush happens when a vehicle lands toppled over and the car’s full weight is pushed down onto the roof. If a car’s roof is not designed for such an accident and the manufacturing process resulted in poor roof supports, the roof is likely to collapse. As a result, the weight and force of the vehicle can crush and kill those inside. Even today, there are an exceeding number of vehicles without a sturdy enough roof to account for this type of accident. SUVs also have a high incident of roof collapse. Given an SUV’s higher stance on the road, it does not have the same balance as other vehicles. If the vehicle encounters a severe crash, it is more likely to be thrown off-center, causing it to roll over. There are also an increased number of fatalities from these roof collapse accidents.

Who may be Liable for Roof Collapse

Auto Manufacturers: If the vehicle manufacturer neglects to design and create a car with a solid, structurally sound roof then they are to be held accountable.

Dealerships or Repair Shops: A dealership may have incorrectly installed a vehicle’s roof, such as during repair services, causing it to be structurally weak and cave in on its occupants.

Parts Manufacturers: If there was a flaw in the production of the part and the car is then repaired with said faulty part, this can also contribute to a roof collapse.

Potential Causes of Roof Collapse

  • Poor or incomplete inspection
  • Failure to conduct maintenance and repair
  • Incomplete or inadequate repairs
  • Gluing over cracks instead of sealing or fixing
  • Skimping on material quality to cut costs
  • Cutting back on skilled labor to save costs

Types of Injuries From Car Roof Collapses

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
  • Paralysis
  • Wrongful death
  • Spinal injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Damages to discs, nerves, muscles, and tissues in the spine
  • Damage to joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and cartilage in the knees, shoulders, wrists, feet, ankles, and elbows
  • Protruding, bulging, or herniated discs causing long-term pain
  • Torn rotator cuffs to shoulders, torn meniscus, and chondromalacia to knees
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrists

Besides the physical trauma, there is also disruption to your time and quality of life, including:

  • Future medical procedures
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medication costs
  • Property damage
  • Ambulance fees
  • Doctor fees
  • Emotional trauma
  • Impact on relationships and marriage (consortium)
  • Lost wages and related expenses

Determining Liability in a Roof Collapse Accident

Just like in any other vehicle accident, an investigation has to be determined as to who is at fault for a roof collapse accident. Between the car manufacturer, repair shop, and parts manufacturer, each party may try to blame the other and downplay their involvement in the crash. An investigation by a qualified attorney’s office can find one or more party at fault. From there, they will need to decide to what degree each is liable for damages. In many cases, roof collapse accidents can fall under product liability law, adding another layer of complexity. Additionally, it may be argued that premise liabilities, such as the conditions of the road, are at fault. The variables can be endless. Do not get frustrated; find out more about how a dedicated attorney can assist you.

Let Our Attorneys Help You

The laws vary from state to state on accidents, especially for roof crush accidents. Also, California can be highly complex for liabilities. Bridgewater Law Group is certified by the State Bar of California and understands the right legal maneuvers. Simply put, we can help you. We are well-versed in Los Angeles area accidents and local road conditions. We know how to approach corporations and insurance companies with the proper case criteria. We know how to get a high settlement, not just settling for a settlement. And we know what it means to go above and beyond; you’re more than just another case to us.

Find out if You Have a Case

Call us for a free consultation, at no risk to you. In the span of a 30-minute consultation, we can advise on whether or not we can win this together.

We work on a contingency basis, which means no fee if we do not win for you! We will fight for the best outcome, with the best settlement for compensation for this disruption to your time and family.

Client Reviews

We serve clients throughout California including, but not limited to, those in the following localities: Los Angeles County including Calabasas, Downey, East Los Angeles, Glendale, Inglewood, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Norwalk, Santa Fe Springs, Torrance, Van Nuys, West Covina, and Whittier; Orange County including Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Orange, and Santa Ana; Riverside County including Corona, Murrieta, Riverside, and Temecula; and San Bernardino County including Fontana, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, San Bernardino, and Victorville.

Norwalk Personal Injury Lawyer | Santa Fe Springs Car Accident Attorney | Bridgewater Law Group

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