One Killed After Rollover Accident in Fresno
One person was killed, and three others were injured after a rollover accident in Fresno, CA, on the morning of May 5, 2020. The car accident occurred on southbound Highway 41 near Shaw Avenue. Around 2:00 a.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) was notified of a man losing control of his Nissan and overturning along the right side of SR-41. Three passengers inside the vehicle, all identified as 18-years-olds, were transported to Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno for treatment of minor injuries. Sadly, the driver of the Nissan was pronounced deceased at the scene of the motor vehicle accident. Officials from the Fresno County Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as 21-year-old Alexander Rivera.
Loss of a Loved One
A family who has lost a loved one in a car accident often faces unexpected and overwhelming financial and emotional hardship. The grief related to their loss may be compounded when someone else is responsible for their loved one’s death. As in the crash discussed above, the unexpected loss of a loved one to a rollover accident calls for a lawyer who will work diligently to obtain justice and fair compensation for the family left behind. Every rollover accident case is different, but it is always important to preserve the wrecked vehicle for an investigation. An experienced attorney knows how to examine the facts and circumstances of the accident to identify all parties responsible for the tragic loss of a family member. This way, the lawyer can hold negligent parties accountable for their wrongdoing and provide the answers to surviving family member’s questions surrounding their loss to obtain closure and justice.
Fresno Rollover Accidents and Roof Crush Injuries
A rollover accident has the potential to cause traumatic injuries for those involved. This is especially true if the roof of the vehicle collapses inward. Even if the roof survives an initial impact, the car may remain overturned for a short time after a crash before first responders arrive. This can place vehicle occupants at a higher risk of catastrophic trauma. In other cases, wrongful death may occur. When this happens, injured people and families of decedents may file an auto products liability claim against the automaker for damages resulting from the automobile roof that should have kept them out of harm’s way. To learn how to find a reputable injury lawyer who can best handle your case, watch the video below.
Roof Crush Injuries and Liability in a Motor Vehicle Accident
When the roof of a vehicle collapses in a rollover collision, occupants inside the car face a higher risk of traumatic brain injuries, bone fractures, facial scarring, and spinal cord injuries resulting in incomplete or complete paralysis. An experienced Fresno rollover accident lawyer can examine the damage of the vehicle to determine whether it failed to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 216 on roof crush resistance and if this defect contributed to accident-related injury or death. A manufacturer of a vehicle may be held financially responsible for the following reasons:
- Unsafe Design: Some cars are designed with defects even in the initial stages. This includes not meeting roof specifications that cannot withstand a significant amount of force.
- Poorly Constructed: Automakers have a duty of care when it comes to manufacturing vehicle roofs that can withstand an adequate amount of weight to protect the occupants inside. Insufficient assembly or defective components may weaken the overall structural integrity of the roof, resulting in failure when vehicle occupants need safety and protection the most.
- Insufficient Safety Testing: Auto manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that the roof crush resistance of their vehicles meets FMVSS 216. This can be done by the automaker by conducting thorough testing on all of their cars to ensure roof crush standards are met.
How a Lawyer Can Help a Family After a Loved One is Killed in a Fresno Rollover Accident
When a loved one’s life is lost in a rollover accident caused by a negligent driver or entity, the surviving family members of the decedent have the right under California law to file a wrongful death claim. This is possible so long as negligence can be proven on the part of the at-fault party. However, a grieving family should not have to deal with strict filing criteria and deadlines during this difficult time. This is where the assistance of an experienced Fresno wrongful death lawyer can make the difference. A lawyer can conduct an independent investigation of the accident, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurance companies on a family’s behalf. If attempts at a fair settlement offer fail, the lawyer can take the case to court, if necessary.
Rollover Accident Lawyers in Fresno
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno rollover accident lawyer. Every family that loses someone they love to a motor vehicle accident should be compensated for their loss from the at-fault party. California law recognizes this and provides the family with the means to do so through a wrongful death claim. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a rollover accident attributed to a defective vehicle roof, reach out to an experienced injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case. You are welcome to call me at (559) 377-7676 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 to receive my free, friendly case advice.
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