Liberty Insurance Corporation has taken legal action against a major automobile manufacturer, alleging that a defect in one of its vehicles caused significant property damage. The complaint was filed by Liberty Insurance Corporation on December 10, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, targeting FCA US LLC as the defendant.
The case centers around an incident involving a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, which Liberty Insurance claims was designed, manufactured, and sold by FCA US LLC and other unnamed parties. According to the complaint, this vehicle was involved in a serious fire at the insured's property located at 190 Edgewood Avenue in San Francisco on December 12, 2021. Liberty Insurance asserts that the fire resulted from a manufacturing defect in the vehicle. The plaintiff contends that FCA US LLC failed to exercise due care in their activities related to the product, leading to negligence. The lawsuit highlights several breaches of duty by the defendants including negligent design and failure to warn users about potential dangers associated with the vehicle.
The complaint outlines three primary causes of action: negligence, strict product liability, and breach of implied and express warranties. Liberty Insurance alleges that FCA US LLC and its co-defendants were aware or should have been aware of defects within the Chrysler Pacifica but did not take appropriate measures to rectify these issues or inform consumers adequately. As a result of these alleged failures, Liberty Insurance had to compensate their insured for damages amounting to $2,332,439.20.
Liberty Insurance is seeking damages equivalent to what they paid out under their policy for the fire damage. They are also asking for prejudgment interest and coverage for legal costs incurred during this suit. The insurance company believes it is entitled to enforce all remedies available to them as subrogated rights after compensating their insured.
Representing Liberty Insurance Corporation is Nerrissa Dyett from the Law Offices of Ostin, Kothary & Lock. The case has been assigned Case No. CGC-24-620471 in front of judges at the Superior Court of California located in San Francisco County.