Pennsylvania SUV Accident Attorneys

Rollovers do not occur as commonly as other types of auto accidents. But the problem is, when they do occur, they often cause catastrophic injuries or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one-fourth of auto accident fatalities that occur each year are the result of rollover crashes. In the year 2005 alone, more than 10,000 people died in rollover crashes. NHTSA statistics also show that a majority of these rollover deaths involve sport utility vehicles or SUVs.

Why are SUV rollovers more common than rollovers in other passenger vehicles? A high center of gravity or narrow track width are the most important reasons why SUVs tend to tip over very easily, sometimes even at low speeds. Since SUVs have a higher center of gravity than other vehicles on the road, it makes them top-heavy. When the driver attempts to make a corrective action, for example, the vehicle overturns. SUVs are also marketed as "safe family cars." When more people and more weight is added to these vehicles, it increases the chances of an SUV rollover accident occurring in spite of the widespread belief that added weight will enhance stability.

The other danger in SUV accidents is what is known as "roof crush." When an SUV rolls over and lands on its roof, vehicles that have a poor roof strength cave in, crushing the vehicle's occupants. This could result in severe head or spinal cord injuries. The current federal standard for vehicle roof strength is extremely outdated. The more recent safety standard for roof strength was enacted by NHTSA more than 35 years ago.

Auto manufacturers still use what is known as a "static test" for roof strength, which means they test when a vehicle is static or not moving. This test makes no sense because most rollover accidents obviously occur when a vehicle is moving. Auto makers, who do not want to increase their expenditures, have consistently put their profits over the safety and well-being of their consumers. As a result vehicles such as the Ford Explorer and the Chevy Blazer continue to hit the market with poor quality roofs that will cave in and injure or kill occupants during a rollover crash. And these auto makers will maintain that they are fulfilling their legal obligation by making these vehicles to federal standards.

But are they fulfilling their moral obligation to consumers? For a few hundred dollars, companies that manufacture these SUVs can make a whole lot of design improvements. They can increase the track width of an SUV thereby increasing its stability. They can improve the quality of the seatbacks and the design of their seat restraint systems. They can, most importantly, enhance the quality and strength of the roofs, which are the first and last lines of defense in a rollover crash.

As long as auto makers hanker after profits and ignore the safety of their consumers, the SUV accident attorneys at Anapol Schwartz will fight for your rights and make sure that you get the justice and compensation you deserve, if you have been severely injured in an SUV or rollover accident. We are never afraid to stand up against auto industry giants and demand justice for our clients. If you have suffered serious injury or loss in an SUV crash, please call the Philadelphia SUV accident attorneys at Anapol Schwartz today for a free consultation.

CALL TODAY 866.735.2792