- Three people died when an LTX M/S2 tire failed on the highway.
- Suit claimed poor adhesive, inferior belt system, and bad curing.
- Survivors will receive millions for mental anguish and companionship.
Michelin may be rethinking its end-of-year celebrations after a jury in New Mexico ordered the tire manufacturer to pay $220 million in damages over a fatal crash that occurred in 2021. While the company has the option to appeal, this isn’t how it likely envisioned closing out the year.
The crash took place on July 12, 2021, in Gaines County, Texas. Laura Marin Zamarippa was behind the wheel of the family’s Ford Excursion, traveling with her mother, Rosalva Marin, and 14-year-old sister Alexis Zamarippa.
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According to court documents, the front driver-side tire suddenly failed, causing the vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic and collide with a Chevrolet 2500. All three occupants of the Ford were killed. Investigators later determined that the SUV had been fitted with Michelin LTX M/S2 tires manufactured in 2014.
Tire Construction at Issue
Following the crash, Rosalva Marin’s husband filed a lawsuit against Michelin in New Mexico, alleging that the tire was defective. The claim centered on the LTX M/S2’s internal construction. According to the filing, the skim stock, an adhesive rubber layer that bonds the steel belts, was improperly applied, which, the suit contended, contributed to the tread separation and subsequent failure.
The suit further alleged that the tire featured an inferior belt system and had not been properly cured or manufactured to specification.
In addition to the design and production claims, the lawsuit also asserted that both Michelin and Discount Tire failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks associated with tire aging and the potential for deterioration over time.
Jury Weighs In
The jury ultimately assigned 100 percent of the responsibility for the crash to Michelin, finding that the tire was defective at the time it was sold to Discount Tire, which later installed it on the family’s Ford.
As part of the $220 million settlement, each surviving member of the Marin family will receive $6.25 million for past and future mental anguish and loss of companionship, and each surviving member of the Zamarippa family will receive $5 million.
Michelin says it strongly disagrees with the outcome of the trial, claiming the tire had been in service for approximately 70,000 miles at the time of the fatal collision.
“While we respect the jury’s work and acknowledge the profound loss experienced by the family, we strongly disagree with the outcome of this case,” a spokesperson said.
“The evidence showed at trial that the tire was seven years old, had been damaged, and had been in service approximately 70,000 miles. We believe in the quality, innovation, and safety of our products and will vigorously pursue all available legal avenues to seek a reversal.”
