A couple has sued General Motors alleging a blind spot in the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse led to their child's death.
Timothy L. and Veronica A. Martin filed their complaint in federal court against GM accusing the company of negligence and defective design, manufacturing and marketing they say led to the death of their child, identified only as R.M.
In the complaint, the Martins claim GM failed to warn consumers about defects and hazards associated with the vehicle, which they claim was sold in a defective and unreasonably dangerous condition. They further contend GM's negligent design resulted in a substantial "blind spot" that prevents drivers from seeing what or who is behind the vehicle for a significant distance.
The plaintiffs maintain that despite knowledge of these hazards, GM did not include back-up obstruction-sensing features such as rear-vision cameras, ultrasonic and radar technologies in the vehicle. They assert that superior alternative designs were commercially feasible and would have substantially eliminated or guarded against harm from the defect.
The Martins are seeking compensatory damages.