Have you noticed the annoying tendency of seat belts in certain vehicles, such as airport limos, to sink so deep into the cushions that you can crack your fingernails trying to pull them out? Now a lawsuit against a Ford dealership seeks to blame that phenomenon for the 1997 injuries that ended the career of Detroit Red Wings hockey star Vladimir Konstantinov and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov. The two were seriously injured when their driver, who was driving on a suspended license following a long series of roadway infractions, veered off Woodward Avenue into a tree. Neither of the injured men was wearing a seat belt, which they blame on the “design defect” that prevented the belts from being “easily accessible”. The car dealership, Findlay Ford Lincoln Mercury, “argues it did not manufacture the limo or carry out modifications that were made to it and the dealership had no reason to know about or be liable for any alleged defects.” (Paul Egan, “Court to hear arguments in Konstantinov crash suit”, Detroit News, Aug. 22). Also see Nov. 25 (other litigation arising from crash).
Hockey star: seat belt sank into cushions, car dealer should pay
Have you noticed the annoying tendency of seat belts in certain vehicles, such as airport limos, to sink so deep into the cushions that you can crack your fingernails trying to pull them out? Now a lawsuit against a Ford dealership seeks to blame that phenomenon for the 1997 injuries that ended the career of […]
One Comment
It was a shame about Konstantinov. I remember the accident because it occurred only a few days before my wedding. I was somewhat shocked to see that case still going on. It seems to me that responsibility lies with the rider to fasten his seat belt and not to ride if you can not find the belt. Further, the main cause was the driver who hit the tree.