Sunroof Safety in a Rollover Crash
The appeal of a vehicle bathed in natural sunlight or the sensation of wind rushing through during a drive can make sunroofs an attractive feature for many drivers. However, there’s often a concern that vehicles equipped with sunroofs are more unsafe in rollover crashes. So, is there any truth to this?
Sunroofs Do Not Make Rollover Crashes More Dangerous
While it may feel intuitive to think that a car fitted with something as fragile as glass on the top seems risky during rollover accidents, car manufacturers provide firm reassurances that this is far from reality.
Manufacturers carefully design vehicles keeping in mind all potential risks. They ensure the structural integrity remains uncompromised despite slicing out a portion of roof for sunroofs. To do this, they utilize specially crafted laminated glass designed to resist shattering upon impact, therefore still delivering a degree of protection in the unfortunate event of an accident.
On top of the measures car manufacturers put in place, one simple personal habit can drastically increase your safety—buckling up. Seat belts are vital, as they prevent occupants from being ejected, which should counteract any potential danger of being ejected through the sunroof.
How to Prevent a Rollover Accident
Driving a vehicle comes with inherent risks, one of which is the possibility of a rollover accident. However, by implementing regular safety checks and driving responsibly, you can significantly minimize this risk. Here’s what you should do to make avoid these types of accidents:
Always Maintain Tires
Always maintain your tires in good condition; an unexpected tire failure while at high speeds can cause loss of control and potentially lead to a roll-over. Regular inspections for air pressure levels as well balance (tire rotation) should help prevent such incidents.
Routine Checks for Steering and Suspension
Having routine checks for steering and suspension – essential elements that affect the stability of your vehicle – could further ensure you aren’t involved in a rollover accident.
Drive Defensively
More often than not, the on-road conduct of drivers is a significant factor in motor vehicle crashes. Always maintaining defensive and alert driving habits can greatly reduce your chances of being involved in rollover accidents.
By implementing these preventative measures and remaining vigilant on the road, you can significantly increase your safety and greatly reduce the likelihood of experiencing a dangerous rollover accident.
Potential Liability if Injuries Occur During a Rollover
If injuries occur during a rollover accident, there could be several potential areas of liability under product liability law:
“To make a prima facie case, the plaintiff has the initial burden of producing evidence that the plaintiff was injured while the product was being used in an intended or reasonably foreseeable manner. If this prima facie burden is met, the burden of proof shifts to the defendant to prove that the plaintiff’s injury resulted from a misuse of the product.”
Here’s how liability can occur in these types of cases:
Improperly Designed Sunroof
If your sunroof shatters during an accident due to flawed design or weak material choice, it could suggest the manufacturer’s negligence. In such cases, both the maker of your vehicle as well as those responsible for producing the faulty sunroof may bear responsibility for any resulting injuries.
Faulty Body Design Leading to Roof Collapse
A roof collapse upon rolling over might indicate poor structural integrity in the body design – potentially because of the presence of a sunroof. If this occurs, you may have legal recourse against the manufacturer of the vehicle or the sunroof.
Any form of defect or lapse in safety design can result in severe consequences, including potential injury for you and your passengers. It’s important to seek legal guidance if you’ve been injured during a rollover accident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.