The Arizona Supreme Court overturned a similar 2019 decision that said automakers were immune to such lawsuits because of the federal agency’s decision not to require the technology. The case now goes back to a trial court, unless Fiat Chrysler files an
Highlights
- Arizona Supreme Court rejects Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ claim that federal agency pre-empted lawsuit.
- 4-year-old Vivian Varela was killed when her mother’s car was rear-ended by a Jeep on a Phoenix freeway.
- The court also overturned a similar 2019 decision that said automakers were immune to such lawsuits because of the federal agency’s decision not to require the technology.
- The case now goes back to a trial court, unless Fiat Chrysler files an appeal with the U.S.
- Supreme Court, so a trial could happen quickly.
- A lawyer for Vivian’s lawyer says automakers have been incredibly slow to adopt the crash-prevention technology.