Ford Explorer 1998 Problems: Driver Testifies in First Firestone Trial
August 16, 2001
Jorge Rodriguez was driving through Reynosa, Mexico in his Ford Explorer when he suddenly heard several bangs. The Explorer leapt off the road and flipped several times before landing upright. Yesterday Rodriguez testified about the ordeal in the first Firestone tire lawsuit to reach trial. He "was very scared" when the right rear Firestone Wilderness AT tire's tread separated, launching the Explorer into the air.
Rodriguez testified that he was driving his family's 1998 Explorer at approximately 65 miles per hour. Although everyone wore seatbelts, the accident caused serious injuries. Jorge's sister-in-law is paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. His 3-year-old son was also injured in the accident.
The accident occurred nearly six months before Firestone recalled more than 6 million of the company's 15-inch AT, ATX, and ATX II tires manufactured at its Decatur, Illinois plant.
The family filed suit last year against both Ford and Firestone. Ford settled for an undisclosed amount earlier this year. The family is seeking $1 billion in damages from Firestone.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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