TYLER - The family of a deceased Dallas County woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit claiming that she was sold a defective Chevrolet Impala because the car’s air bags allegedly did not deploy during an accident.
Rodney Bryan, individually and as representative of the Estate of Shonnie Bryan; Shaila Bryan; Harold Pitts; Sheila Pitts; Johnny Tamez, individually and as next friend of Hannah Tamez, a minor; and Dennis Yates, individually and as next friend of Brianna Yates, a minor; filed suit against General Motors, Watson Chevrolet Buick Pontiac, Scott Watson Chevrolet Buick Pontiac and Watson Truck & Supply Inc.
The suit was filed on Nov. 21 in Van Zandt County District Court. The defendants removed the case to the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division on Jan. 7.
The incident occurred on Nov. 26, 2010, as Shonnie Bryan was driving her 2003 Chevrolet Impala in Van Zandt County when she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a culvert on the side of the road.
According to the lawsuit, the air bags of the Impala did not deploy at the time of the impact. The defendants are accused of negligently designing, manufacturing, and marketing the “defective and unreasonably dangerous” vehicle.
The lawsuit is seeking an award of damages, interest and court costs.
The plaintiffs are represented by Reese P. Andrews of Andrews & Andrews in Nacogdoches.
Case No. 6:13-cv-00036
Wrongful death lawsuit filed against GM after car’s air bags failed to deploy
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