William Finke, an 82-year-old passenger in a 2000 Crown Victoria, was seriously injured in a rollover collision in Dixon, California, on December 1, 2008. According to a news article in The Vacaville Reporter, the 12/1/08 rollover crash occurred on Highway 113 about a half mile south of Midway Road. The Ford’s driver, 80-year-old Beatrice Finke who was northbound on the highway, lost control of the 2000 Crown Victoria, crossed the southbound lane and rolled twice coming to rest in a dry canal.
William Finke was trapped in the vehicle for about 15 minutes until fire crews freed him from the wreckage. The driver, Betty Finke, was treated and released at an area hospital for minor injuries.
This was no doubt a close call for this elderly couple. I’m glad that they survived this horrific rollover accident and I wish them both the very best for a complete recovery.
The Ford Crown Victoria, especially the 2000 year model, was apparently subject to a number of recalls for a variety of problems, according to Automall USA’s recall Web site. Among the significant problems associated with this vehicle are:
• Defective seatbelt assembly: These defectively assembled seatbelt restraint systems may not restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
• Airbag defects: These vehicles may have been built with lower than intended level of torque on the bolts that attach the airbag electronic crash sensor module to the vehicle. A loose module could result in a delayed airbag deployment in the event of an auto accident.
• Fuel system and engine problems: Possible fire hazards in the event of a high speed crash
William and Beatrice Finke would be well-advised to seek the counsel of an experienced California auto product defect attorney, who will have an expert examine their vehicle for any of the above auto product defects or others that could have caused Beatrice Finke to lose control of the vehicle. A skilled California personal injury lawyer will also look into whether any of these defects that the 2000 Crown Victoria was recalled for, played a role in William Finke’s injuries. A knowledgeable auto accident attorney will also advise the Finkes to preserve the Crown Victoria in its current, crashed condition so that it can be examined for mechanical malfunction, product defects and other evidence.