Seat Belt Defect & Roll Over

Sauceda 24, was driving a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant on a highway when the left rear tire failed due to a problem in the road causing Sauceda to lose control of the vehicle. The car rolled over, Sauceda's seat belt unlatched and she was partially ejected from the vehicle. As a result, she was fatally injured. Prior to her death, Sauceda was a secretary earning about $32,000 annually. She is survived by her husband.

Rob Ammons represented Sauceda's husband and her estate, against Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, the vehicle manufacturer, among others. Suit was filed alleging the latch plate on Sauceda's end-release seat belt unlatched from the buckle when the vehicle rolled over. Plaintiffs contended, although Sauceda was belted when the incident occurred, the unlatched belt allowed her to be partially ejected from the car. Additionally, Plaintiffs alleged safer alternative seat belt buckles were available that were not prone to failure from shock loading or inadvertent unlatching. Plaintiffs further alleged that the manufacturer knew about problems with the seat belt but failed to warn users regarding these risks. Defendants asserted that Sauceda was contributorily negligent in her operation off the vehicle because she was speeding and took faulty evasive action after the tire failed.

Sauceda; v Mitsubishi Motors Corp.; Tex., Harris County Probate Ct. No. 1, No. 318,478-401.

The parties settled for a confidential amount.