Rollaway accident lawsuits and class actions have been filed for people who were seriously injured or killed when vehicles rolled away without a driver in control.
Need a Texas Rollaway Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one seriously injured or killed in a rollaway accident, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
What is the Problem?
Millions of vehicles were recalled for rollaway hazards in 2022 by auto-makers including Ford, Toyota, Nissan, and more. These recalls come amid a growing number of lawsuits involving people who were crushed, injured, or killed in accidents when their vehicle rolled away.
Toyota and Lexus Recall 84,000 Vehicles for Rollaway Risk
In September 2022, Toyota and Lexus recalled about 84,000 model-year 2022 Toyota Tundra pickup trucks, and 2022 Lexus NX250 and NX350 compact SUVs due to a rollaway hazard. The electronic parking brake could fail due to a defective sensor, resulting in a vehicle rollaway accident.
Nissan Recalls 200,000 Trucks for Rollaway Risk
In September 2022, Nissan recalled more than 200,000 model-year 2020-2023 Frontier and Titan trucks due to a rollaway risk. The trucks can roll even when the shift selector is in “Park” due to a defective part called a parking pawl in the transmission. Four people were injured.
Ford Recalls 3 million Vehicles for Rollaway Risk
In June 2022, Ford recalled about 2.9 million vehicles in the U.S. and another 300,000 in Canada due to a rollaway risk.
The problem is linked to a defective part called a “shift cable bushing” that could prevent the vehicle from actually shifting into Park. The vehicles could roll away even after the driver shifts into “Park.”
At least 4 injuries and 6 cases of property damage were reported in the recall notice. The recalled vehicles include:
- 2013-2019 Ford Escape
- 2013-2018 Ford C-Max
- 2013-2016 Ford Fusion
- 2013-2021 Ford Transit Connect
- 2015-2018 Ford Edge
Over 1 Million Jeep, Dodge Vehicles Recalled for Rollaway Risks
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has issued multiple recalls for Jeep and Dodge vehicles that pose a rollaway risk. In 2020, more than 91,000 Jeep Cherokees were recalled because the park function may not engage, potentially creating a rollaway hazard.
In June 2022, around 271,000 of the 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles were recalled due to a problem with the antilock braking system that poses a rollaway risk.
In 2016, the death of Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin shone a spotlight on a confusing gear shifter that is linked to more than 266 rollaway crashes and 68 injuries.
In response, FCA recalled more than 811,000 vehicles due to a rollaway risk, including:
- 2012-2014 Dodge Charger
- 2012-2014 Chrysler 300s
- 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee
How Many People Are Injured in Rollaway Accidents?
Every year, around 142 people are killed and 2,000 more are seriously injured in rollaway accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There are probably many more unreported rollaway incidents that occur in parking lots or driveways.
Texas Man Crushed in Rollaway Big Rig Accident
In February 2021, San Antonio local news KSAT reported that a man was crushed to death in a big rig rollaway accident.
Police said the man was not the driver. He was trying to fill up a tire on a piece of construction equipment when a parked 18-wheeler started rolling. Tragically, he tried to back away, but fell and was killed.
Tips for How to Prevent Rollaway Accidents
- Put gear selector in “Park” every time you exit the vehicle
- Turn off the engine
- Remove the key from the ignition
- Set the parking brake
- Turn the wheels toward the curb
What is a Rollaway Accident?
Rollaway accidents occur when a vehicle moves without the driver in control of the vehicle. Some rollaways are caused by poor maintenance, defective parts that prevent the car from shifting into park, or driver errors. Rollaways can occur in passenger cars or trucks, but also big rigs or delivery trucks (UPS, FedEx, Amazon).
How Can a Lawyer Help?
If you or a loved one was injured in rollaway accident that was caused by someone else, our lawyers may be able to help you file a lawsuit and seek compensation.
Lawsuits have been filed against auto-makers for selling defective vehicles that pose a rollaway risk. In other lawsuits, such as rollaways involving commercial vehicles, lawyers hold businesses responsible for failing to train drivers on how to park.
Need a Rollaway Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.
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