Last Wednesday night, a 45-year-old Oklahoma man was tragically killed in an SUV rollover crash involving a 2001 Ford Explorer. While he was heading west on Oklahoma 251A near Okay, driver Shaun Pingleton made a movement to the right towards the road edge, followed by a steering correction to the left. Although he was only trying to course-correct his vehicle, Pingleton’s maneuver resulted in a deadly rollover crash that ejected him from the vehicle and ultimately took his life.
In the early 2000s, many SUV makes and models became the subject of the nightly news after deadly rollover accidents – and many of these rollover crashes involved Ford Explorers in particular. At The Ammons Law Firm, our rollover crash attorneys were saddened and reminded of the past when we read this recent report, which included many of the telltale signs of SUV auto defects.
For more information on common SUV defects, read our brochure titled “The Making of an Epidemic.”
What Causes SUV Rollover Crashes? There are a number of vehicle defects that can contribute to SUV rollover crashes and put drivers’ lives at serious risk. With the 2001 Ford Explorer – as well as subsequent years of the Explorer model – one of the main problems is the lack of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems.
After litigating multiple cases involving a lack of ESC systems, our attorney Rob Ammons put together a brochure detailing the history of this feature, which was designed to prevent steering over-correction and thus reduce the risk of an SUV rollover crash. Although ESC technology was already in use by other manufacturers before the 2001 Ford Explorer was sold on the market, this model was not equipped with the system. As a result, many people continue to suffer serious injuries and even death when their Ford Explorers rollover.
Of course, missing ESC systems are not the only problem with the 2001 Ford Explorer model. As noted in a 1996 memo from the seatbelt manufacturer to Ford, seatbelts in this generation also allowed for partial ejection of the passenger. This was evident in the recent crash, as Pingleton was ejected from his vehicle and killed upon impact.
Committed Advocates in Rollover Crash Cases
At The Ammons Law Firm, our thoughts, sympathies, and prayers are extended to the family of Shaun Pingleton during this difficult time. As experienced personal injury attorneys who took on many rollover crash cases in the early 2000s, we have seen firsthand the toll that a preventable rollover crash can take on an individual and their family – and we are deeply saddened that two decades later, another family must mourn the loss of their loved one. If you or your family have experienced a similar loss or serious injury, we can stand by your side as dedicated advocates for justice.
Disclaimer: On our blog, we report on recent catastrophic accidents to begin important conversations about consumer safety. Our hearts go out to all the victims mentioned in this article, and we sincerely hope that future injuries and deaths can be prevented. If these resources are found to include any false or outdated information, we invite you to contact The Ammons Law Firm as soon as possible so we may update them. This content should not be construed as legal counsel or advice.
