Chrysler settles rollover case involving 2006 Dodge Caravan

Stability handling, roof design defects blamed in fatal crash

QUAY COUNTY, NEW MEXICO and CARROLLTON, TEXAS—Rafique Surani can find some measure of justice in his recent settlement with Chrysler but the horror of losing his wife, two of his three children and in-laws, as well as the effects of his debilitating injury remain.

On January 1, 2006, the Suranis of Carrollton, Texas, started the New Year with a family vacation, traveling from their home to New Mexico, with Anila Surani at the wheel of a rented 2006 Dodge Caravan from Alamo Rent-A-Car. The 39 year-old mother of three was driving her husband, their children, and her parents eastbound on I-40 in Quay County, New Mexico, when suddenly and unexpectedly the minivan drifted onto the north paved shoulder of the highway. Efforts to correct the van caused the vehicle to lose control and the van rolled over, landing on its roof.

During the rollover, the Caravan’s driver’s side roof rail and windshield header collapsed, causing Anila to be partially ejected from the vehicle and killed. Also killed in the accident were Amar Surani, 14, Ahil Surani, age 9, who was ejected from the vehicle, as well as Anila’s parents, Sherali and Khadija Nanjwani, who both died at the accident scene. Sanya Surani, age 2, who was found at the scene in her car seat, survived the accident, while Rafique sustained injuries, leaving him unable to work or care for his young child.

This type of roof failure is reported to be common in Chrysler mini-vans involved in rollover accidents, as well as the stability and handling design defects that caused the Dodge Caravan to lose control in a reasonably foreseeable accident.

“It is beyond tragic what Rafique Surani has had to endure,” said Ted Leopold, managing partner of the consumer justice law firm Ricci~Leopold in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, who is representing the Surani family. “Due to the high center of gravity of the vehicle, this van has little chance of remaining on all four wheels during an abrupt maneuver situation. How many more innocent people must lose their lives or be horribly injured before these design flaws are corrected?” Mr. Leopold asked. “However, we are pleased that Rafique has received some justice in this terrible situation,” he concluded.

Ted Leopold is 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  HYPERLINK "http://www.riccilaw.com" www.riccilaw.com