Kinon Law Nissan Defect Lawsuit Results in Major Jury Verdict

Vehicle manufacturers have a duty to design and build safe automobiles for the public. A recent case from the South Carolina personal injury attorneys at Kinon Law Firm involving a defective Nissan Altima demonstrates how serious design flaws can cause devastating injuries and lead to substantial verdicts for injured victims.

The Nissan Altima Case Centered on an Unexpected Vehicle Movement

Our recent success involved a 2017 Nissan Altima that unexpectedly rolled forward after the driver had exited the vehicle at a convenience store, pinning the victim against the building and causing severe injuries. 

Although the vehicle remained running, surveillance video showed it sitting still for more than a minute before suddenly moving forward on its own. 

Additional testimony supported the plaintiff’s claims. A witness testified that the driver’s door was locked and had to be unlocked with the key fob before the vehicle could be moved. The witness also found the gear selector in Park and had to shift it into Reverse to back the vehicle away. This evidence became central to the case, as Nissan argued the vehicle had been left in Drive, while the plaintiff maintained it had been properly placed in Park before the incident.

Three Vehicle Defect Claims

Kinon Law Firm presented three separate defect claims supported by engineering experts. First, experts testified that the Nissan Altima’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) had an unusually high failure rate because metal debris inside the transmission could interfere with hydraulic pressure and cause it to malfunction. 

Second, they testified that the Altima lacked an automatic electronic parking brake, a safety feature already available on many vehicles, which could have prevented the car from rolling. 

Finally, experts explained that the Altima gave only three short beeps when a driver exited a running vehicle, and the plaintiff argued that louder or longer warnings could have alerted drivers before the vehicle moved.

Technical Evidence Was Critical to the Verdict

Product liability cases often depend on technical evidence rather than eyewitness testimony alone. In this case, the jury considered:

• Photographs showing metallic debris within the transmission

• Diagnostic trouble codes stored in the vehicle

• A Nissan technical service bulletin issued before the vehicle was manufactured that discussed debris restricting transmission fluid flow

• Engineering testimony regarding transmission design

• Evidence concerning electronic parking brake technology

• Testimony from federal safety officials who had previously recommended louder warning systems

Presenting multiple independent defect theories gave the jury several potential explanations for how the incident occurred, strengthening our case against the manufacturer and resulting in a successful outcome for our client.

Work With an Experienced South Carolina Personal Injury Lawyer From Kinon Law Firm

When a serious injury is caused by a defective vehicle, choosing the right legal representation can make a significant difference. At Kinon Law Firm, our attorneys understand how overwhelming life can become after experiencing an injury due to another party’s negligent conduct. 

Our goal is to offer supportive and proactive legal care throughout the entirety of your case, always striving for the most favorable outcome. Contact our South Carolina personal injury attorneys today online or by calling 843-488-9191 to schedule your free case evaluation.