Seth E. Keener, Jr. v. General Motors Corporation, and Royal Insurance Company of America

DeMOSS, Circuit Judge:

BACKGROUND

On June 12, 1991, Seth E. Keener, Jr. (“Keener”) was driving a 1986 Chevrolet half ton diesel pickup truck in Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, when the vehicle’s steering wheel sector pulled loose from its frame causing injuries to Keener’s back as he attempted to gain control of the vehicle. On May 21, 1992, Keener filed suit in the Civil District Court of the State of Louisiana for the Parish of Orleans (the State Court) against General Motors Corporation (“General Motors”) and Royal Insurance Company of American (“Royal”), the liability insurer for General…