Court Rules New Jersey Couple Can Sue Ford over Accident

A New Jersey appeals court has ordered a new trial for a Middlesex County couple who sued Ford Motor Co. after their SUV flipped over on Route 78 in 2001.

Patricio Paredes suffered brain injuries in the accident, which occurred after he swerved to avoid another car that cut in front of him.

He and wife Laura sued Ford, claiming the Explorer was defectively designed. The car company contended that the design was consistent with industry standards and that Paredes’ steering maneuvers had contributed to the rollover.

A jury returned a verdict in favor of Ford. But the appellate panel ruling published on Wednesday found that the trial judge didn’t properly instruct the jury and ordered the new trial.