Defective Design: Driver Causes T-Bone Accident, Injuring a Minor
Corpus Christi, Texas—On or about April 2, 2004, a 1998 Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Carey Lee Cramer, lost control and skidded across the roadway, causing the driver of a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu to T-bone the Camaro. Due to the impact of the collision, an ice chest in the trunk of the Malibu crushed the rear seatback forward and violently struck Clyde Hudson, III, who was belted and seated in the rear passenger seat. He sustained severe injuries, as well as the front seat passenger, Melinda Hudson.
Wigington Rumley Dunn & Blair LLP filed a suit contending that the Chevrolet Malibu was defective in design and unreasonably dangerous, with respect to its occupant restraint system, as well as the seatback structural integrity and its failure to prevent intrusion into the occupant compartment from items stored in the trunk of the vehicle.
As a result of the accident in question, Clyde Hudson, III, sustained severe, permanent, and disabling injuries, requiring him to remain in the hospital for over 30 days while undergoing numerous surgeries, including a splenectomy. His mother, Melinda Hudson, sought to recover damages on behalf of Clyde, for medical expenses for the care and treatment of his injuries, a loss of earning capacity, physical impairment, physical pain and mental anguish, disfigurement and a diminution of enjoyment of life. This case settled for a confidential sum.