Toyota 4-Runner Rollover Accidents
Toyota 4-Runners built before 1996 have been dubbed "death traps". The safety design flaws leading to rollovers have been proven dangerous time and time again in court rooms across America. Toyota has even admitted that the 4Runner is prone to rollovers on dry flat surfaces. The 4Runner has been known to rollover at speeds of less than 40 miles per hour during evasive maneuvers.
In 2002, 30 SUVs tested by the NHTS, (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) including the Toyota 4Runner, earned just two stars for rollover safety.
Safety during a rollover is key to driver and passenger safety. The lack thereof can result in roof crush, passenger compartment intrusion and passenger ejection if the windshield glass of the automobile breaks.
Under current NHTSA standards, the 1988-1996 4Runner would receive a one star in rollover resistance rating, the lowest possible rating. The pre-1996 4Runner is nearly four times more likely to rollover than the average vehicle.
"Two-thirds of pickups, vans and sport-utility vehicles don't provide acceptable protection against whiplash in rear-end collisions, according to tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Toyota Highlander and 4Runner SUVs earned 'Poor' ratings." -CNNMoney.com
Toyota Rav4 Rollovers
The Toyota Rav4, much like other SUVs, is built with a narrow wheelbase and high center of gravity. These are both contributing factors in a rollover accident. In circumstances where an SUV must make evasive maneuvers, their design makes them harder to control and often results in one-car rollover accidents.
An IIHS review of the 2004 Toyota Rav4 noted that:
- Smeared greasepaint indicates where the dummy's head hit the B-pillar and roof rail during rebound
- Forces on the lower right leg were high enough to indicate the possibility of injuries
An IIHS review of the 2006 Toyota Rav4 noted that:
- High head acceleration occurred when the dummy's head hit the steering wheel through the airbag, indicating that head injuries would be possible
- During rebound, the dummy's head hit the roof rail
Contact Miller Weisbrod Olesky
We keep up to date on the latest research regarding roof crush tests and other auto design defects that could affect our clients' cases. We bring our demonstrated trial experience and in-depth knowledge of the way cars function to hold negligent automakers accountable for products that should prevent serious injuries and fatalities. For more information, contact our office at 214.987.0005 to discuss your rights and legal options with an experienced trial lawyer.
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