Mahadevan, Adm. v. Ford Motor Company
Plaintiffs brought an action against Ford Motor Company, alleging that defects in the strength of the roof of the 1999 Ford Explorer Sport 4x4, as well as in its handling and stability and tire size caused the death of their minor son, who was a rear seat passenger in the vehicle. The evidence showed that the SUV was traveling at a rate of 78 mph in a 55 mph speed zone. When the SUV struck another vehicle, the driver lost control of the SUV, and the SUV overturned several times. The two passengers riding in the back seat died in the accident. In a related criminal action the driver was found not guilty on two counts of vehicular homicide. However, in the civil trial the jury brought back a unanimous verdict for the defense.
