In a compelling legal battle, a plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against a major automobile manufacturer, alleging negligence and product liability after a tragic car accident. On February 27, 2025, Latrice Wheatley filed the complaint in the District Court of Harris County against General Motors d/b/a Chevrolet. The case highlights significant safety concerns regarding vehicle manufacturing standards.
The incident at the heart of this lawsuit occurred on August 16, 2015, when Latrice Wheatley and several others were involved in a fatal single-car collision while riding in a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Jaqualyn Moses in Harris County, Texas. The crash resulted in the death of ten-year-old Cayla Cross and left other occupants with severe injuries. According to the complaint, many of these injuries were attributed to defective seat belts within the vehicle manufactured by General Motors. The plaintiff alleges that these defects caused internal injuries and scarring to herself and other passengers, including Lille Morris, Quintin Wheatley, Jaqualyn Moses, and Timothy Wheatley.
The lawsuit accuses General Motors of breaching its duty of care by failing to ensure that their vehicles were safe for consumers. "Each Defendant had a duty to exercise ordinary care," states the petition, highlighting the company's alleged negligence in maintaining safety standards. Furthermore, it claims that General Motors' actions amounted to gross negligence due to their failure to address known defects within their vehicles.
Wheatley is seeking various forms of relief from the court. She demands actual damages for physical pain and suffering endured both in the past and anticipated in the future. Additionally, she seeks compensation for mental anguish experienced as a result of the accident. Exemplary damages are also pursued under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code section 41.003(a), which allows for such damages when gross negligence is proven. Moreover, Wheatley requests prejudgment and post-judgment interest along with court costs and attorney fees.
Representing Latrice Wheatley is J.X. Lewis from The Lewis Law Group based in Houston, Texas. The case is being heard under Case No. 2025-13248 in Harris County's 334th Judicial District Court with Judge Gerardo Perez presiding over proceedings.