Chrysler settles crash case involving 1998 Plymouth Neon-design flaw causes car to ignite on impact, infant killed

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—The Carvajal family of Fort Lauderdale has some measure of justice now that Chrysler has settled its case with them, but the pain and loss still remain. On a fall evening in November of 2005 Elaine Morales was driving with her one-year old daughter Deva Carvajal Santiago. They were headed southbound on NW 9th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, when Morales’s Plymouth Neon was struck on the passenger side by a 2005 Ford truck. Upon impact, the Neon burst into flames and the entire car became engulfed in fire, making it impossible to rescue little Deva. 

During the impact the plastic fuel tank was not allowed to yield or deform as designed due to the fuel pump and the fuel accumulator coming in contact with one another, allowing the tank to rupture, which caused the fire. The industry standard is to locate the fuel pump on the inside top of the tank, which would make a fuel tank rupture less likely on impact.

“We are pleased that the Carvajal family has obtained some justice for the pain they’ve endured,” said Ted Leopold, managing partner in the Palm Beach Gardens law firm of Ricci~Leopold, and attorney for Mr. Carvajal and his family.

Ted Leopold is the managing partner in the law firm of Ricci~Leopold, P.A. As consumer justice advocates, the attorneys at Ricci~Leopold pursue justice for those who are harmed by the misconduct of insurance companies and corporations.  The firm, founded in 1982, has six attorneys and is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with offices located at 2925 PGA Blvd.  Mr. Leopold and Mr. Ricci can be contacted at (561)684-6500.  Additional information about Ricci~Leopold , P.A. may be obtained from the firm’s website at www.riccilaw.com