If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident where the roof collapsed or crushed in, causing harm to the occupant(s), you may have a roof crush claim. These incidents are extremely dangerous, as they can often cause severe trauma to the head, neck, or spinal cord or even result in death. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries like this, contact Marsh | Rickard | Bryan today.
Roof Crush
When a vehicle’s roof fails to provide adequate protection, victims may be able to pursue a roof crush lawsuit. Our team of lawyers are here to help you understand the legal options that are available to you after such a devastating incident.
The roof of a vehicle should be designed to protect its passengers. But when its structural integrity is compromised during a crash, resulting in the roof collapsing inward and injuring the passengers, the injuries can be long-lasting and severe. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal trauma are all commonly seen in these types of accidents. Some victims of rollover accidents may never recover, being forced to deal with long-term disabilities that drastically change their lives. In extreme cases, the victim may not survive at all.
Automakers have a duty to meet specific safety standards when designing and manufacturing vehicles. This includes making sure that the vehicle is strong enough to withstand rollover impacts or other foreseeable situations that may collapse the roof of the vehicle. Unfortunately, some automakers are not as diligent as others. If there are design flaws or defects, or if the manufacturing team doesn’t perform adequate testing, it can increase the risk of injury or death in the event of an accident.
In an auto accident lawsuit involving structural failure of the roof, our team investigates—many times with engineering experts—looking for evidence of defects. Sometimes, the manufacturer knew about the risks involved in a poorly designed product but failed to re-design it, or warn consumers, or recall defective vehicles. We look into the production process to see what went wrong and who is at fault.
Why Experience Matters With Roof Crush Claims
Roof crush lawsuits can be complex and expensive. That’s why working with trusted and experienced attorneys who are set up for such cases is key. Our clients know we have the skills, experience, and resources necessary to effectively support their case.
At Marsh | Rickard | Bryan, LLC, we provide top-quality legal services to our clients. If you’ve been injured in a car accident and need legal aid, contact us today—we’re ready to get started on your claim.
Types Of Roof Crush Cases We Handle
Roof crush injuries often result from violent collisions where a vehicle’s roof collapses inward. These incidents are frequently associated with rollovers or high-impact crashes and can lead to life-altering harm. Our Alabama Roof Crush legal team represents individuals and families who are dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of these events. With over twenty-five years of experience, our role is to pursue accountability and compensation when a roof collapse contributes to serious injury or loss.
Rollover Collisions Involving Passenger Vehicles
One of the most common scenarios involves rollover crashes. When a vehicle flips or rolls, the roof may fail to maintain its structural integrity. Instead of protecting occupants, the roof may cave inward, placing extreme pressure on the head, neck, and spine. These cases often involve allegations that the vehicle design did not provide adequate protection during foreseeable crash conditions. We work with investigators to examine crash dynamics, vehicle strength, and occupant positioning at the time of impact.
Single Vehicle Crashes With Structural Failure
Not all roof collapse claims involve multiple vehicles. Some Alabama Roof Crush cases stem from single-vehicle incidents where a car leaves the roadway, strikes an object, or overturns. Even in these situations, manufacturers still have a duty to design vehicles that provide reasonable protection during predictable accidents. We review whether the roof structure performed as it should have and whether safer alternatives were available at the time the vehicle was made.
Commercial Vehicle And Fleet-Related Incidents
Roof crush injuries can also occur in crashes involving commercial vehicles, such as delivery vans, work trucks, or fleet cars. These vehicles are often on the road for extended hours and may carry additional weight or equipment. When an Alabama Roof Crush occurs, liability may extend beyond the driver to include employers, fleet operators, or maintenance providers. Our award-winning team evaluates company policies, vehicle upkeep, and crash history as part of building these claims.
Defective Vehicle Design Or Manufacturing Issues
Some cases focus directly on defects in design or manufacturing. Weak roof pillars, poor materials, or substandard welding can all contribute to roof failure during a crash. In these matters, we assess whether the vehicle met applicable safety standards and whether those standards were sufficient to protect occupants. Product liability claims may be brought against manufacturers when evidence shows that safer designs were feasible and not implemented.
Severe Injury And Wrongful Death Claims
Roof collapse often results in catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, paralysis, or fatal outcomes. We represent individuals who are facing long-term medical care as well as families who have lost a loved one due to a roof failure. These cases require careful evaluation of medical records, long-term costs, and the full impact the crash has had on daily life and future stability.
Pursue Meaningful Recovery
In every case, we focus on facts, evidence, and practical outcomes. At Marsh | Rickard | Bryan, LLC, we understand how disruptive these injuries can be and work to present claims that reflect the true scope of harm suffered. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a roof collapse, we invite you to reach out for a free consultation and learn how we may be able to help protect your rights and pursue meaningful recovery.