Ford 250
Mike Stegall is claiming he was sold a "lemon" and is suing Ford Motor Co. and Raiford Motors, Inc., the dealership that sold him his F250 pickup truck.
Through attorney Brandon Monk, Stegall filed his deceptive trade practices lawsuit with the Jefferson County District Court on Sept. 12.
According to the plaintiff's original petition, on Aug. 29, 2003, Stegall purchased his truck from Raiford Motors for $39,421.
"At this time, defendant represented to plaintiff that such vehicle was safe, dependable and fit for the purpose for which it was marketed," the suit said. "Subsequent to the purchase of such vehicle, it became necessary for plaintiff to have certain repairs performed, which were covered by the vehicles warranty."
The suit goes on to say Stegall has taken the vehicle in for repairs 10 times since he purchased it.
The suit cites the Texas Lemon Law and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act as grounds for the lawsuit.
The Texas Lemon Law is a state law that helps consumers who have repeated problems getting new or leased vehicles properly repaired.
The suit also says the actions of the defendants were committed intentionally. "That is, defendants had actual awareness of the falsity, deception or unfairness of the act or practice, coupled with specific intent that plaintiffs act in detrimental reliance on the falsity or deception or in detrimental ignorance of the unfairness."
Stegall is suing for the cost of the truck and damages under the DTPA, plus all court costs.
Monk is an attorney for the McPherson, Monk, Hughes, Bradley, Wimberley & Steele law firm.
Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th Judicial District, will preside over the case.
Case No. D180-016