Test Track Accident Sparks New Lawsuit Against Ford Motors.

Mustang Accident Leaves Students Injured, Lawsuit Filed Against Ford

Ford’s iconic Mustang, a name synonymous with speed, muscle, and American automotive heritage, found itself at the center of an alarming incident at their Auburn Hills test track. What should have been an exciting and educational field trip turned into a nightmare for two young students. The July 2023 event left both kids severely injured, and their families are now taking legal action against Ford, the track’s operators, and several other parties involved.

How the Tragic Incident Unfolded

The incident happened when a driver, demonstrating the Mustang’s capabilities, lost control of the car. A group of elementary school students stood behind a guardrail, watching the action unfold. The Mustang, which had been performing for the crowd, suddenly veered off course. It crashed through the guardrail and hit two boys, Elijah Gibson, aged eight, and Lavell McGee, aged ten. The crash left both with serious leg injuries and traumatic brain injuries. The car was moving with enough force to roll over after smashing into the guardrail, which shows the tremendous speed involved.

A Lesson Gone Horribly Wrong

The purpose of the trip was to expose the children to engineering in action. It was part of a program led by the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program, meant to inspire young students by showing them the potential careers in automotive design and testing. Instead, it turned into a terrifying scene that ended with two students being rushed to the hospital.

This wasn’t just any random accident; it happened on Ford’s private test track. This track is typically used for testing high-powered vehicles like the Mustang. The boys who were injured weren’t mere bystanders but part of an organized school field trip. The lawsuit claims that a high-performance vehicle like the Mustang should have never been allowed to come that close to a group of children, particularly under such dangerous conditions.

The Legal Battle Begins

The aftermath of the incident has brought a lawsuit against Ford Motor Company, the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program, Continental Automotive Systems (which owns the track), and the driver who was behind the wheel. The lawsuit, filed in Oakland County Circuit Court, lays out some pretty damning accusations.

Marko Law, PLLC, and Scott Goodwin Law, P.C. are representing the families of the injured boys. Their case argues that the driver “rapidly accelerated the car in a negligent and/or reckless manner,” leading to the catastrophic loss of control. The legal team alleges that the driver’s recklessness directly caused the car to veer into the crowd of children, slamming through the guardrail before violently striking the boys. The crash was so severe that the Mustang flipped over, coming to rest on its roof.

Serious Injuries and Long-Term Consequences

Both Elijah Gibson and Lavell McGee suffered significant injuries. Their families have been dealing with not only physical healing but also emotional and cognitive repercussions. Elijah, only eight years old, has undergone multiple surgeries since the crash. Both boys experienced traumatic brain injuries, leading to memory loss and cognitive issues that have persisted since the incident. These aren’t just minor injuries that can be brushed off; they’re life-altering conditions that have changed the course of these children’s lives.

While muscle-bound cars like the Mustang are built for speed and performance, they’re not toys. The crash has raised serious questions about safety protocols during these types of demonstrations, especially when children are involved.

What Went Wrong?

The Mustang involved in the crash is known for being a high-performance vehicle, capable of delivering insane amounts of horsepower and torque. However, even with the advanced safety and traction control systems that Ford builds into their vehicles, things can go wrong. The car’s powerful engine, coupled with a lack of experience or a moment of recklessness, can result in a devastating loss of control.

The lawsuit brings up a crucial point: Was it truly necessary to allow such a potent, high-octane vehicle to be pushed to its limits in close proximity to a group of young students? While the exact details of the car’s speed at the time of the crash haven’t been disclosed, the fact that it was moving fast enough to flip over suggests that the driver was not operating it with enough caution.

Potential Negligence and Safety Oversights

The lawsuit claims that this crash could have been avoided had proper safety measures been in place. Why were the students allowed to stand so close to the track, protected by nothing more than a flimsy guardrail? It’s a fair question and one that Ford, the track owners, and the other defendants in the case will need to answer.

The issue of negligence is central to the case. The attorneys argue that the entire event was mishandled, from the driver’s actions to the overall setup of the track day. Accusations of willful and wanton misconduct are serious, suggesting that the companies involved acted with a disregard for the safety of the children.

The Mustang’s Reputation Under Fire

The Ford Mustang has long been a favorite among enthusiasts for its blend of style, speed, and high-powered performance. But the lawsuit surrounding this incident puts the car in a different light. The Mustang is no stranger to controversy, as it has been involved in a number of high-profile crashes over the years, particularly at events where amateur drivers push the car’s limits.

This incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate about whether high-performance vehicles like the Mustang should be handled with more caution, especially in public or semi-public settings. For Ford, this lawsuit could become a public relations nightmare, tarnishing the reputation of one of its flagship vehicles.

Ford’s Responsibility

As one of the leading automakers in the world, Ford is no stranger to lawsuits, but this case touches on something deeper. It’s not just about a car crash; it’s about the safety and protection of children. Ford’s test track is designed for professional drivers to push the boundaries of what their vehicles can do. However, when you introduce a group of young students into the mix, the responsibility to maintain safety increases exponentially.

The lawsuit accuses Ford of not taking the necessary precautions to ensure that the students were far enough away from the demonstration. Even if the driver’s actions were the direct cause of the crash, the event’s organization and execution come into question.

The Fallout

In the wake of the crash, Ford and the other defendants will have to face tough questions. If the case goes to trial, it could set a precedent for how automotive companies handle public demonstrations and test drives in the future. The lawsuit claims negligence and misconduct, but it’s up to the courts to determine the ultimate responsibility.

For the families of Elijah Gibson and Lavell McGee, this isn’t just about seeking compensation. It’s about justice for their children, who will likely face lifelong challenges due to the injuries they sustained. The lawsuit aims to hold those responsible accountable for the severe damage done.

Moving Forward

As the case progresses, it will likely shine a light on the broader issue of safety in automotive testing environments. Ford, as a global leader in the industry, will need to reexamine how they conduct these types of demonstrations. Hopefully, this tragedy will lead to more stringent safety protocols to ensure that something like this never happens again.

In the world of high-powered machines like the Mustang, speed and performance are always a draw. But with that comes the need for responsibility and safety, especially when lives—particularly young ones—are on the line. Photo Credit – wxyz.com / Jon Marko at Marko Law