File 1994.06: Echevarria v. Subaru

Case Type: Rollover Accident

Description:
A vehicle accident in which the driver of a Subaru Brat lost control and rolled over into a roadside ditch. The occupant in the rear jumper seat of the vehicle was driven into the ditch headfirst where he sustained severe head and neck injuries.

The plaintiff claimed Subaru was at fault because there was no head/neck protection for occupants in the rear jumper seats. The plaintiff also argued that the lack of seat belt usage was irrelevant. The argument was based on measurements showing that neck regions extended beyond the Subaru's roof even when restrained, therefore exposing passengers to possible direct impact with the ground.

The defense claimed the vehicle never rolled over but rather cart wheeled in the ditch. The occupant, they claimed, was injured due to improper seat belt usage and was then thrown from the vehicle. However, witnesses coming from the opposite direction of the road claimed the vehicle rolled once. The driver also claimed the vehicle rolled rather than cart wheeling.

Visualizations Produced:
3D animations illustrating how the vehicle rolled in support of evidence found at the accident scene. For example, as the vehicle rolls, the driver's side door is torn and dented as it scrapes across a large rock in the ditch. Yellow paint from the vehicle was also found on the rock.