Library & Exhibits

In automobile defective product litigation, the plaintiff has to prove not just that the product is defective, but he or she must be ready to prove the existence of a safer alternative design which would have rendered the product safe for its intended purpose. The alternative design must not only eliminate the defect but it must be also technologically and economically feasible.

In roof crush litigation cases, we have been able to establish and prove to juries that for minimal costs, a roof can be reinforced so as to virtually eliminate roof crush injury by reinforcing the roof with high-strength steel and high-strength insulating foam, which many automobile manufacturers employ already.

Likewise, in seat belt litigation cases, many alternative designs exist that other manufacturers use, including pretensioners and cinching latch plate which significantly reduce or eliminate seat belt injuries in both rollover and non-rollover events.

In rollover cases, our experts have established that widening the wheel base or track width of a vehicle can significantly reduce the rollover propensity of vehicles. There even exists after-market fixes for these vehicles such as safety spacers which will significantly increase the stability of vehicles.

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1998 Ford Explorer Sport Outside Handle Linkage Activation Test

This test demonstrates that by simply changing the door mechanism from a rod activated system to a cable system, manufacturers can prevent unexpected door openings in crashes. The cost of switching to a cable system over a rod activated system can be as low as $2 per door.

Ford Explorer Drop Test

Tests conducted by our firm demonstrate that by reinforcing the roof using well known, established materials, manufacturers can significantly improve roof strength and save lives. The reinforcements can be done for under $250.

1996 Ford Explorer Rollover Tests

Without Spacers

With Spacers

1997 Ford Explorer Rollover Tests

Without Spacers

With Spacers