Judge Finds Ford Concealed Evidence of Unintended Acceleration

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Kristine Meredith

Last month Judge Swigert, of Florida, overturned a jury verdict in Ford’s favor.  The judge decided that that Ford had systematically concealed more than 30 years of data related to the problem of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and unintended acceleration (UA). The Judge’s 51-page decision lists Ford’s bad acts which include:

  • lying to NHTSA,
  • destroying evidence that EMI caused UA, and
  • misleading its own experts.

Because of its fraud, Ford will have to face a new trial in which the jury decides only the amount of compensatory and punitive damages Ford should pay Mrs. Simpson, a Ford owner who was left permanently paralyzed by the UA of her Aerostar. The Safety Record Blog recounts how Judge Swigert detailed Ford’s concealment here.

Judge Swigert's decision undermines the foundation of Ford’s UA defense and spotlights NHTSA's inability to properly investigate consumer complaints. While the decision focuses on Ford’s malfeasance, the criticisms set forth in the opinion also undercut many theories that other car manufacturers, including Toyota, rely upon today.
 

Tags: , , , , ,
Trackbacks (0) Links to blogs that reference this article Trackback URL
http://www.capersonalinjurycaselawnotes.com/admin/trackback/258871
Comments (0) Read through and enter the discussion with the form at the end
Post A Comment / Question Use this form to add a comment to this entry.







Remember personal info?
Send To A Friend Use this form to send this entry to a friend via email.