LUFKIN - After a fatal car accident in Huntington, the family of a deceased Pennsylvania woman has filed a lawsuit that claims Kia failed to manufacture their vehicle to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury related to its poor restraint system.
Kevin Keith Allen, individually and as representative of the Estate of Christine Wise-Allen, decreased and as next friend of a minor child and Katrina Elizabeth Allen, filed suit against Kia Motors Corp., KIA R&D Center, KIA Motors America Inc. and Billy Walters on Aug. 21 in Angelina County District Court. The defendant removed the case to the Eastern District of Texas, Lufkin Division on Sept. 18.
The crash occurred on April 11, 2011, as Robin Chambers and Christine Wise-Allen were traveling northbound on US 69 in Huntington when a vehicle driven by defendant Walters pulled into the northbound lane and hit the Chambers’ vehicle.
According to the lawsuit, Wise-Allen suffered fatal injuries in the vehicle accident due to the poor occupant restraint system installed in the vehicle, which allowed her body to move freely in the car.
The defendants are accused of strict product liability in the design and manufacture of the 2010 Kia Forte, and for negligence.
The lawsuit is seeking damages for physical pain and mental anguish, loss of earning capacity, loss of wages and earnings, disfigurement, physical impairment, medical expenses, mental anguish, loss of services, loss of consortium, loss of companionship, pecuniary loss and attorney’s fees.
The plaintiffs are represented by David E. Harris of Sico, White, Hoelscher & Braugh L.L.P in Corpus Christi.
Case No. 9:12-cv-00155
Lawsuit against Kia filed over fatal Huntington car crash
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