Robert Lands tragically killed in New York rollover crash

SULLIVAN COUNTY, N.Y. – Robert Lands, an 18-year-old Neversink resident, died Dec. 16 in a rollover accident in Liberty.

State police said Lands was driving a 1995 Dodge Ram on Station Corners Road when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle on a curve in the roadway, causing his vehicle to veer off the roadway and overturn.

The 18-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Authorities did not immediately release any additional information about the crash.

Commentary on Robert Lands rollover crash

I was disheartened to learn of Robert Lands’ fatal rollover crash at the tender age of 18. This young man had his entire life ahead of him; yet it abruptly ended in a senseless rollover accident.

At first glance, you may think the young man brought this tragedy on himself. However, in my 30 years of personal injury, wrongful death, and product defect litigation, I have learned that there is often more to the story than initially appears at first glance.

Automobile manufacturers have a duty to build vehicles that meet government and industry safety standards to withstand the impact of accidents. With the engineering technology and safety features available today, it is tragic that so many rollover accidents end in death. 

Roof strength to weight studies have demonstrated the reinforcement required to safeguard vehicle occupants during this type of accident, but some vehicle manufacturers have knowingly ignored government and industry safety standards—and even their own inhouse studies—in the interest of cutting costs, thereby putting profits ahead of human lives.

The report does not include sufficient details to establish the cause of the accident or to determine whether any culpability exists. A thorough investigation will be required to make those determinations.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mr. Lands.

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