Texas Couple Awarded $42 Million After Faulty Repair Causes Devastating Crash Injuries

A Texas couple won a $42 million lawsuit against a repair center, after they were trapped in their burning vehicle due to a faulty repair. Matthew and Marcia Seebachan were driving in their 2010 Honda Fit in December 2013, when a pickup truck hydroplaned and struck them head-on.

The car went up in flames and the roof collapsed, crushing the Seebachans. Matthew suffered severe burns on his lower legs and feet before he was pulled from the vehicle. Marcia had to be extracted from the vehicle through the passenger-side window. She suffered broken bones, bruises and internal bleeding. Matthew’s injuries were so severe he has spent much of the last four years in hospitals.

Faulty Repair to Blame for Crash Outcome

The Seebachans had purchased their vehicle just four months prior to the fiery crash. Unbeknownst to them, the vehicle had sustained hail damage and was repaired by John Eagle Collision Center. According to the lawsuit, the body shop used a cheap, untested repair method to fix the vehicle roof. Honda recommends a welding repair for the issue. Instead, the body shop used a glue-like adhesive that left the vehicle structurally unsound. The couple’s attorney, Todd Tracy, told the jury this faulty repair made a huge difference in the outcome of the crash and the couple’s injuries.

Tracy specializes in vehicle safety cases. He says this verdict is a strong message to repair ships to fix vehicles properly. Tracy has also filed a lawsuit against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., which he claims convinced the repair shop to use the shoddy repair method. Tracy says insurance companies often pressure repair shops to cut corners to save money on repairs.

“This win is a huge victory for consumer rights. It is time for insurance companies and repair shops to put the safety of their customers ahead of their bottom line,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

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