In a compelling legal battle that could reshape automotive safety standards, two plaintiffs have filed a lawsuit against a major automobile manufacturer, alleging severe negligence and product liability. The complaint was lodged by Johnny He and Hui Juan Huang in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on October 28, 2024, targeting General Motors LLC as the defendant.
The case revolves around a tragic accident that occurred on October 30, 2022, involving Johnny He. He suffered catastrophic injuries when his vehicle was rear-ended by a Chevrolet Traverse driven by Folau Moala Coates. The collision left He paralyzed due to what the plaintiffs argue was an absence of crucial safety features in the vehicle manufactured by General Motors. The lawsuit accuses General Motors of failing to include essential Forward Collision Avoidance Technologies (FCAT) such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) in their 2019 Chevrolet Traverse model. These technologies are widely recognized for preventing or mitigating rear-end collisions—a common type of road accident accounting for numerous injuries and fatalities annually.
The plaintiffs assert that General Motors consciously decided not to equip the Chevy Traverse with these technologies despite their availability and proven effectiveness. They argue this decision was made to increase profits by offering these safety features only as optional upgrades on higher-end models. "Safety should be a basic feature rather than an option," stated NTSB Chairman Hart in support of widespread adoption of collision avoidance technologies across all vehicle models.
Johnny He's life-altering injuries have not only impacted him physically but also emotionally and financially affected his wife, Hui Juan Huang. As part of their legal action, they seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, emotional distress, and loss of consortium—highlighting the profound impact on their marital relationship due to He's incapacitation.
Represented by attorneys Roland P. Reynolds from Gordon & Reynolds and G. Lynn Shumway from Shumway Law PLLC, the plaintiffs demand accountability from General Motors for its alleged negligence and failure to warn consumers about potential risks associated with their vehicles' design flaws. They are pursuing damages covering special damages like medical costs and general damages including loss of enjoyment of life.
This case is being presided over under Case ID CGC-24-619307 at the Superior Court of California in San Francisco County. It underscores significant questions about corporate responsibility towards consumer safety in the automotive industry—a matter likely to resonate beyond this courtroom battle.