Re: Walker's daughter sues Porsche over the CGT crash
nberry:fritz:nberry:Generally, large car manufacturers are self insured though they usually have excess coverage with a private carrier.
More than likely the driver's insurance company has already paid its limits to the Walker estate.
Exactly what I thought.
There is a different twist to this litigation. They are claiming defective seat belt design. Also, in today's climate most people are aware that stability systems are available and have been for years especially for high performance cars. That said, I believe this claim would be defensible.
The car,including its seat belts, will have been subjected to - and fulfilled - the crash tests required in the markets where it was sold.
Finally there is what is known in the litigation field "nuisance value". Start suit, put several Porsche executives through depositions, hint at the falsifying of parent company VW emission test and let the jury decide. Porsche more than likely would want to settle for a substantially reduced amount and not face that.
Again, exactly what I thought.
Fritz, this is a day to remember. You agree with me without reservation. I must be slipping.
Put it down to you getting older and wiser, Nick.
BTW, it is rumored that Porsche did pay something (very small amount compared to the total settlement) in Ben's case even though Porsche has a reputation as being very hardnose when it comes to litigation.
Hardnosed? Surely there is a very strong case for not encouraging the ambulance-chasers to initiate spurious claims by appearing to be a push-over?
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fritz