Leichtamer v. American Motors Corp.

1(A).

Appellants’ first three propositions of law raise essentially the same issue: that only negligence principles should be applied in a design defect case involving a so-called “second collision.” In this case, appellees seek to hold appellants liable for injuries “enhanced” by a design defect of the vehicle in which appellees were riding when an accident occurred. This cause of action is to be contrasted with that where the alleged defect causes the accident itself. Here, the “second collision” is that between appellees and the vehicle in which they were riding.

Appellants assert that the…