Family of Star Trek Star Sues Jeep Manufacturer
Star Trek actor Anton Yelchin, 27, died on June 19 in a freak accident involving his Jeep Grand Cherokee. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Yelchin died after he exited his vehicle in his driveway and the vehicle rolled down the driveway pinning him between the vehicle and a brick pillar. The death came as a shock to fans of the popular television and movie franchise. Yelchin played the role of Pavel Andreievich Chekov in the reboot of the Star Trek movies.
Jeeps Recalled for Defective Gear Shifters
2014 and Jeep Grand Cherokees are included in the 1.1 million cars and SUVs being recalled by Fiat Chrysler due to a defective gear shifter. Some drivers are confused by the gear shifters causing accidents. Apparently, drivers exit their vehicles thinking the vehicle is in park when it is not. As of June 2016, a government investigation uncovered 266 crashes and 68 injuries related to the gear shifters. In addition to the Jeep Grand Cherokees, Fiat is also recalling 2012 – 2014 Dodge Chargers and 2012 – 2014 Chrysler 300 sedans for the same issue.
Fiat released a statement that said in part, “The vehicles involved in these events were inspected and no evidence of equipment failure was found.” Even though, the company has issued a safety recall to notify dealers and owners of the potential problem. Enhanced warning signals and changes to the transmission system are designed to prevent injuries in the future due to the gear shift problem.
Apparently, Yelchin received a safety recall notice in May and another notice informing owners that the company had a fix for the gear shifters was sent to Yelchin seven days after his tragic death. The lawsuit does not specify an amount for damages.
Family Files Wrongful Death and Defective Product Lawsuit
Yelchin’s parents, Victor and Irina Yelchin, filed a lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler alleging the gear shifter was “defective and poorly designed and manufactured.” The lawsuit alleges, “Anton Yelchin was crushed and lingered alive for some time, trapped and suffocating until his death.” The attorney for Yelchin’s parents alleged that Fiat put profits before safety.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
If your loved one died in an accident, you may have the right to recover damages in a wrongful death lawsuit. However, you must act quickly. You only have a short time to file a lawsuit or lose your right to hold the negligent party responsible for your loved one’s death. If you have lost a loved one in a personal injury accident, contact our office for a free consultation with a Fresno wrongful death attorney.
Wrongful death claims can arise from almost any personal injury accident. Our attorneys want to help you hold the negligent party responsible for his or her actions that resulted in the death of your loved one.
Contact the Fresno wrongful death attorneys of Torem & Associates by calling (888) 500-5000. You may also chat with a representative online or use our convenient online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Do not delay — protect your right to seek justice on behalf of your loved one by taking action now!
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