You can walk away from many types of crashes. But rollover accidents—especially those involving roof crush—leave little room for survival.
They account for only 2% of all vehicle crashes in the U.S. Yet nearly 1 in 3 passenger vehicle fatalities happen in rollovers. That disconnect isn’t just about the flip. It’s about what happens next—when the roof collapses, the airbags fail or safety systems don’t activate.
At Lucas Law Firm, we investigate rollover accidents to uncover truths most manufacturers won’t admit: Some vehicles are dangerously underbuilt for rollovers. Some automakers weaken roof designs to cut costs, knowing the risk of brain injury, paralysis or death rises when those vehicles roll. Our trial-ready approach, auto defect expertise and track record of referrals from other attorneys set us apart.
What Is a Rollover Accident?
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle tips onto its side or flips onto its roof during a crash. There are two main types:
- Tripped rollovers: Triggered by external forces like curbs, medians, or guardrails.
- Untripped rollovers: Caused by sudden steering maneuvers, especially at high speeds in top-heavy vehicles.
SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks are particularly vulnerable due to their higher center of gravity. But poor vehicle design—not just vehicle type—often determines whether a rollover turns fatal.
Why Roof Strength Matters in a Rollover
When a vehicle rolls, the roof should act as a survival space—maintaining enough structure to protect the heads and spines of occupants. But in many vehicles, roof crush occurs, where the roof caves inward during the rollover. This can cause:
- Fatal head and neck trauma
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Partial or complete ejection through weakened or shattered windows
Although Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 216 requires roofs to withstand certain forces, the current standard allows significant deformation. Some automakers go beyond this, building reinforced roofs or using rollover-activated side curtain airbags to improve occupant protection.
Others do the bare minimum—or worse, leave out key safety features entirely.
If the vehicle lacks proper crashworthiness or the roof collapses into the occupant space, even a belted passenger may not survive.
Common Rollover Accident Injuries
Rollover crashes often cause severe or fatal injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Crushed limbs or fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Death
If the roof caves inward or the vehicle lacks proper ejection mitigation, such as rollover activated curtain airbags, injuries can be catastrophic.
Rollover Accidents and Auto Defect Claims
In many cases, a rollover crash isn’t just bad luck—it’s a design flaw. You may have a product liability claim if:
- The roof collapsed beyond federal standards
- The vehicle was not equipped with rollover activated curtain airbags
- Rollover protection systems were missing or failed
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) or rollover activated curtain airbags failed to deploy
- Other vehicles in the same class offer better crash protection
ESC alone has been shown to reduce single-vehicle rollovers in SUVs by up to 73%—yet many older models or base trims lack it.
Real-World Legal Cases Involving Roof Crush and Rollover Injuries
Several product liability cases have revealed concerning patterns:
- SUVs and trucks with weak roof pillars have caused fatal injuries despite moderate-speed crashes.
- Plaintiffs have successfully sued manufacturers for design defects that allowed excessive roof deformation.
- Crash tests and internal documents have shown that some automakers were aware of roof strength failures but chose not to strengthen designs due to cost.
These cases often rely on expert analysis, crash reconstruction, and industry safety standards to prove that a stronger design could have saved lives.
Notable Ford Super Duty Roof Crush Case
In 2025, a a Georgia jury awarded $2.5 billion in punitive damages against Ford Motor Company after a rollover accident killed Debra and Herman Mills in their 2015 Ford F-250 Super Duty. Their sons alleged Ford knew for years that the truck’s roof design was dangerously weak.
Evidence revealed:
- Ford was aware of the defect as early as 1999
- The company delayed reinforcing the roof until 2017
- Ford lobbied against stronger safety standards
The jury found Ford 85% at fault, awarding an additional $30.5 million in compensatory damages. The case illustrates what can happen when automakers put cost-cutting ahead of crash survival.
Part of a Larger Pattern: Crash Avoidance Systems and Rollover Prevention
Rollover accidents are preventable. Today’s crash avoidance systems are designed to help drivers maintain control and stay upright:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – helps maintain directional control and prevent skids that can lead to rollovers
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – alerts drivers when drifting out of a lane, which can prevent unintentional road departure
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA) – actively steers the vehicle back into its lane to reduce off-road roll risks
When these systems are missing or malfunction, drivers may lose control—especially in poor weather, evasive maneuvers or high-speed turns.
When to Contact a Rollover Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured—or lost their life—in a rollover crash, you may be eligible to file a product liability or wrongful death claim if:
- The roof collapsed during the rollover
- The occupant was partially or completely ejected during the rollover
- The vehicle lacked rollover protection
- Seat belts or airbags failed to protect occupants
- The vehicle rolled despite reasonable driving
Even if you’re already working with a lawyer, ask them to contact Lucas Law Firm to explore whether an auto defect may have made the crash worse. We’re the firm other lawyers call when design flaws or missing safety features are suspected.
FAQ: Rollover Crashes and Roof Crush Liability
What is a rollover accident?
A crash where a vehicle tips or flips onto its side or roof.
How common are rollover accidents?
They make up just 2% of crashes but 35% of passenger vehicle fatalities.
What causes a vehicle to roll over?
Trips (e.g., hitting a curb), high-speed turns, swerving or vehicle instability.
Can I sue if my roof collapsed during a rollover?
Yes. If the roof failed to meet crashworthiness standards, you may have a product liability claim.
What should I do after a rollover accident?
Seek immediate medical care, preserve the vehicle, document injuries and speak with an experienced rollover accident lawyer who specializes in auto defect claims.
Get Answers. Get Justice.
If a rollover crash changed your life, you need a team that knows how to hold automakers accountable. Contact Lucas Law Firm today to speak with a rollover accident lawyer who understands the legal, mechanical and human stakes.
We uncover the defects others miss—and fight for the justice you deserve.