Lawyers argue over depositions in fatal wreck lawsuit
One killed, others injured in 2002 crash
Published: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 8:13 am
Last updated: Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 11:57 Am
By Julie Howle
STAFF WRITER
jhowle@greenvillenews.com
Attorneys in a trial over two product liability lawsuits filed in connection with a 1999 fatal wreck on Interstate 385
in Laurens County in which a Ford Explorer rolled over four times argued Wednesday over what depositions should be
allowed in the trial.
Circuit Court Judge Edward Miller said he would have to read the depositions, which are sworn testimony previously
taken, before deciding to allow them in or not.
The lawsuits filed against Ford Motor Co., TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc. and D&D Motors Inc. question the occupant
restraint system, electronic cruise control and vehicle body and chassis in the 1995 Ford Explorer that was in the
wreck.
Edward Bell, an attorney for the plaintiffs, argued that one of the depositions should be allowed because it relates
to sudden acceleration problems other Explorers have had.
Defense attorneys argued that the Explorers referenced in that deposition were all manufactured after the 1995
Explorers and weren't relevant.
Boxes filled with documents for the trial are stashed under seats and in corners of the courtroom where the plaintiffs,
one who is now a quadriplegic because of the wreck, along with 10 attorneys and other legal counsel, gathered for
the second day of testimony Wednesday.
