Chevrolet SUV Rollovers

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Chevrolet Blazer Rollovers

The first Chevy Blazer was created in 1969, while the newer Blazer, originally called the S-10 Blazer, was created to compete with Ford's Bronco II.

The Chevy Blazer's top heavy design and narrow wheel base contribute to the difficulty which would be encountered if having to evasively maneuver the vehicle. The outdated roof structure standards that the Chevy Blazer is designed by make it hardly enough to withstand a serious rollover, and the chances for serious injury to the brain, spinal cord and death are high in a rollover accident.

"The two-door, two-wheel-drive Chevrolet Blazer had the highest rate of driver death from 2000 through 2003, according a study released Tuesday by the insurance industry."
-Detroit News

In 2001, a jury awarded $15 million to the driver of a 1992 S-10 Chevy Blazer after the roof of the vehicle imploded during a rollover. The man was left a quadriplegic after the accident. This could have been avoided had GM spent around $10 more per vehicle in metal reinforcement.

"Models of the Blazer built from 1999 through 2002 had 308 driver deaths per million registered vehicles of that make and model on the road annually during the four-year span, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study found. The sport utility vehicle also had the highest rollover death rate at 251 deaths." -Detroit News

Chevrolet Suburban Rollovers

One of GM's most popular full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Suburban, debuted back in 1936. The Suburban is essentially a longer version of the Tahoe, with a 14-inch longer wheelbase and an overall length that, at 222.4 inches, stretches some 20 inches longer than a Tahoe.

The 2007 Chevy Suburban earned a 3-star rollover rating and a 23 percent chance of rollover during testing by the NHTSA.

The Chevy Suburban, much like other SUVs, is built with a narrow wheelbase and high center of gravity. These are both contributing factors in a rollover accident. In circumstances where an SUV must make evasive maneuvers, their design makes them harder to control and often results in one car rollover accidents.

USA Today predicted rollover probabilities for Model Year 2000 vehicles at 14-17.9 percent, with its top pick as the Chevrolet Suburban.

GM hasn't done enough to prevent Chevy Suburban Rollovers.

Chevrolet TrailBlazer Rollovers

The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is an SUV built on a narrow wheelbase and a high center of gravity. These factors are key in a vehicle's propensity to rollover. Vehicles made in the United Stated today adhere to standards set in 1972.

While options are out there for the big three manufacturers, GM, Ford and Chrysler, to build stronger roofs on their vehicles, the truth is they simply aren't.

"TrailBlazer is now on death row, as are its stablemates. Factors include sluggish sales, uncertainty over future gas prices, and the market's general shift away from truck-type designs in the midsize SUV class. We understand TrailBlazer and company are to be phased out fairly soon, perhaps by 2009."
- consumerguideauto.com

Contact Miller Weisbrod Olesky

We keep up to date on the latest research regarding roof crush tests and other auto design defects that could affect our clients' cases. We bring our demonstrated trial experience and in-depth knowledge of the way cars function to hold negligent automakers accountable for products that should prevent serious injuries and fatalities. For more information, contact our office at (214) 987-0005 to discuss your rights and legal options with an experienced trial lawyer.

We offer free initial consultations to potential clients nationwide. If you are calling from outside the DFW Metroplex, please use our toll-free line at (888) 987-0005 or contact us by e-mail to schedule an appointment.