Jurors hear opening arguments in Ford suit
Defendant says victims weren't wearing seat belts when Explorer crashed
Published: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 7:43 am
Last updated: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 12:16 Pm
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By Julie Howle
Jurors heard opening arguments this morning in the wrongful death lawsuit against Ford Motor Company and three other defendants in a 1999 Laurens County fatal wreck. Adam Fox, an attorney for defendant TRW Inc., said evidence will show that Sonya Watson, who was injured in the crash, and Patricia Carter, who died in the wreck, weren't wearing seat belts when the Ford Explorer crashed on Interstate 385. "At the end of the day, sympathy cannot be what sways you. Your decision has to be based on evidence in the case," Fox said. Edward Bell, an attorney for the plaintiff, said the seatbelt buckle and cruise control were defective in the 1995 Ford Explorer and that the vehicle took off, the brake wouldn't stop it and that it eventually rolled over four times.
Bell said they had the option of installing a "safer" seatbelt that didn't cost much more than the one that was in the vehicle. Attorney Alan Thomas, who represents Ford Motor Co., said the vehicle was traveling 70-80 mph in a 60 mph zone. He said the vehicle performed well considering the speed and severity of the crash. "Unfortunately, when you're not wearing your seatbelt, you're going to be ejected," Thomas said. Testimony has started in the case being heard in Greenville circuit court. |
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