Chevy Blazer Rollaway Lawsuit Alleges Incident Caused Spinal Fractures, Other Serious Injuries

Lawsuit claims a woman suffered catastrophic brain injury, multiple fractures and severe internal damages when a parked Chevrolet Blazer unexpectedly rolled backward.

A Texas couple has filed a product liability lawsuit, alleging that a defective 2024 Chevrolet Blazer unexpectedly rolled backward and ran over the woman as she was getting out of their SUV.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Cynthia Escew and Guy Eskew in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas on May 13, naming General Motors LLC as the defendant.

The Escews allege that Cynthia suffered a traumatic brain injury, spinal fractures, multiple broken bones and severe internal injuries after the Chevrolet Blazer began rolling backward without warning, struck her and continued traveling for hundreds of feet. They claim the incident left her with respiratory failure and other serious complications.

A vehicle rollaway incident occurs when a parked vehicle begins moving after the driver believes it has been properly secured. This may happen because the transmission was not fully shifted into park, the parking system failed to engage, or the vehicle’s electronic systems inaccurately indicated that it was safely parked.

These incidents often occur as drivers exit the vehicle, or while passengers are entering, unloading or standing nearby. Rollaway events can cause vehicles to strike pedestrians, other vehicles or structures, and have been linked to defects involving confusing gear selectors, faulty shift mechanisms and park detection systems that fail to function as intended.

Chevy Blazer Rollaway Allegations

The Eskews allege that on June 3, 2024, Cynthia opened the driver side door and partially exited their 2024 Chevrolet Blazer when, suddenly and without warning, the vehicle began to roll backward, struck her and continued rolling for hundreds of feet.

According to the complaint, the woman suffered a catastrophic brain injury, spinal fractures and other severe internal injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment and resulting in long term complications.

The lawsuit claims the vehicle was unreasonably dangerous due to defects in the parking and braking systems, including allegations that the shifter could enter a “false park” condition where drivers believe the SUV is secured even though it remains capable of rolling. 

GM allegedly failed to incorporate widely available anti-rollaway technology into the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, including automatic electronic parking brake systems designed to engage when a driver exits a vehicle that remains in gear.

The Escews claim GM used automatic parking brake features in other vehicles, but failed to program the Blazer to prevent rollaways when the driver’s seat belt was unbuckled and the door was opened.

“Specifically, there were alternative designs that, in reasonable probability, would have prevented or significantly reduced the risk of injury to Mrs. Eskew.”

— Cynthia Eskew et al. v. General Motors LLC

The complaint raises allegations of negligence and strict product liability. It seeks damages, along with pre and post judgment interest, costs and expenses, and any other relief the court deems appropriate.

Vehicle Rollaway Recalls

Vehicle rollaway hazards have been linked to multiple recalls in recent years due to the serious risks they pose to occupants and bystanders, including the potential for auto accidents and property damage.

Last year, more than 1 million Ram pickup trucks were involved in an investigation over rollaway issues that resulted in at least six reported injuries. 

Earlier that same year, nearly 300,000 Dodge Dart vehicles were recalled for similar rollaway risks. A few months later, approximately 300,000 Ford F-150, Mustang Mach-E and Maverick vehicles were also recalled for the same issue.

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