Wrongful Death Trial: Accident Reconstruction Expert Explains Collision

Chrysler designed the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees, 1993-2001 Jeep Cherokees, and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberties with fuel tanks located low and behind the rear axle. Predictably, when the vehicles are hit from the rear, the tanks can rupture. When the Jeep Grand Cherokee in which my clients' son was riding was rearended, the tank ruptured, fuel spilled, and the vehicle burned. My clients' son was killed in the fire. We took the case to trial. The jury determined that Chrysler acted recklessly and failed to warn of a known danger, and imposed a verdict of $150 million. Of that verdict, 99% was apportioned to Chrysler, and 1% to the striking driver.