According to an article on Southeastern Record, the family of a minor, who was involved in a catastrophic personal injury accident on November 4, 2009, claims that General Motors (GM) is at fault. The accident occurred in Tyler, Texas when the driver of a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer swerved to avoid hitting a large dog in the road, causing the vehicle to rollover. One of the passengers in the car, a female minor, sustained serious injuries and had to have her right arm amputated above the elbow.
Her family is now suing GM, arguing that the vehicle did not have adequate protection for rollover accidents and is “unreasonably, dangerously defective,” causing unnecessary rollovers during normal operating conditions. The lawsuit was filed April 13, 2010, and the plaintiff seeks damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, punitive damages, medical expenses, mental anguish, costs of suit and interest.
Rollover accidents in Texas, like this one, can lead to serious and catastrophic injuries, leaving victims suffering for years. Here are a few tips on how to prevent a rollover accident:
- Do not drive erratically.
- Be aware of your surroundings, including pedestrians, animals, other drivers and road defects such as potholes and gradation changes.
- Do not drive intoxicated, tired or on medication.
- Obey all traffic laws.
If a vehicle is deemed defective, then the car manufacturer, designer and retailers may be held liable for any accidents incurred. Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products are safe for consumers. If they are not safe, victims of product defects are entitled to seek compensation.
