How Hidden Auto Design Flaws Put Drivers at Risk
Rollaway incidents often occur in everyday situations: a driver parks, opens the door, steps out, and in a split second, the vehicle moves unexpectedly, striking or running over the driver. Automakers have long referred to these tragedies as “driver error.” However, the truth is more complex and far more preventable.
Why Rollaway Incidents Occur
Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors that detect whether the door is open, whether the seatbelt is unbuckled, and what gear the car is in. With the right programming, these systems can automatically engage the electronic parking brake whenever conditions indicate a risk of a rollaway.
Some vehicles activate this safeguard consistently, while others still do not, even though the technology has existed for years. When a manufacturer neglects to enable available protections, the result can be serious, preventable injury or death.
An Ongoing Industry Issue
Regulators and safety organizations have examined rollaway hazards for decades, because these incidents continue to arise in vehicles across the market. Despite broad awareness of how and why rollaways happen, many cars are still produced without automatic braking safeguards designed to eliminate this risk.
The issue isn’t whether the technology exists — it’s whether it’s consistently implemented.
These Cases Require Deeper Investigation
Determining what truly happened in a rollaway event requires looking beyond surface-level explanations. These cases often involve subtle design decisions, software behavior, and system interactions that aren’t immediately obvious.
At Payne Mitchell Ramsey, we’ve seen how overlooked engineering details can create conditions where a vehicle moves when it shouldn’t. Careful analysis of how the vehicle’s systems were designed and how they performed is essential to understanding why the incident occurred.
The Verdict is in the Details
From rollaway incidents to aviation failures, product malfunctions to complex negligence claims, Payne Mitchell Ramsey brings deep experience to uncovering the facts that shape high-stakes cases. Our team’s focused investigation and technical understanding help reveal the underlying causes of preventable injuries and guide families toward the accountability they deserve.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by a rollaway vehicle, reach out to us today.