HOUSTON — A couple claims a defective operating system on their Ford Focus caused the vehicle to suddenly accelerate and crash into an embankment.
Billy and Alice Shepherd filed a complaint Sept. 14 in Harris County District Court against Ford Motor Company alleging negligence.
According to the plaintiff's complaint, they were involved in a motor vehicle accident on Oct. 3, 2020. The Shepherds claim that the 2010 Ford Focus that Billy Shepherd was driving with Alice Shepherd as a passenger, suddenly accelerated as they turned onto a street and would not stop. They further claim the car ran out of control, crossed a main road, jumped a railroad track, ran through a field and landed head first into an embankment.
The Shepherds also claim that the defective operating system of the Ford Focus caused the accident. They state in their complaint that their insurer, AAA, has refused to accept liability and that AAA alleges that Alice Shepherd, who was not included as a driver on the policy, was actually the driver and that she was the catalyst for the accident. The Shepherds also state in their complaint that they have adhered to the terms of the AAA automobile insurance policy and have provided access to the AAA representatives beyond what was requested including reports made to law enforcement regarding the accident.
The Shepherds seeks monetary relief of $100,000 or less, interest and all other just relief. They are represented by the J. Jackson Law Offices PLLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-58743