Ruth
Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth is set to pick a new trial date with attorneys from the parties in a 2007 suit over an accident allegedly caused by malfunctioning cruise control.
Plaintiff Brian Williams is suing Ford Motor Company for damages in excess of $50,000 per count and other relief over injuries he claims to have suffered in a 2005 crash.
Ruth had been set to open the trial on March 14. However, the judge vacated the trial date at a Feb. 8 hearing after denying Ford summary judgment in the suit.
The parties are now set to appear at 9 a.m. on March 21.
Williams claims that the cruise control on his truck malfunctioned causing the accident and his injuries.
He claims that Ford designed a defective part.
The car company alleged that Williams spoiled evidence in the case by negligently allowing his insurance company to dispose of his truck after the accident.
Ford also argued in its motion for summary judgment that the plaintiffs' experts were unable to do more than speculate that the cruise control malfunctioned.
Ford has counterclaims over the allegedly spoiled evidence pending against Williams.
Lon Weaver represents Williams.
Michael Borree of Chicago represents Ford.
The case is Madison case number 07-L-111.