Ford Denied New Trial in Crash Case; Appeal Planned

Ford Motor Co. has been denied its request for a new trial in the case of a Bay Area couple awarded $26.35 million when their Ford Bronco II rolled over on an interstate.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge David Hunter upheld the damages given to Dana and Richard Raimondi earlier this year by a jury that found that the Bronco II was defective.

Richard Raimondi, who became a quadriplegic as a result of the crash, died last month from complications of his injuries.

Dana Raimondi was originally awarded about $13 million because her husband was seriously injured. Richard Raimondi was awarded $39.7 million for his injuries.

The total amount was cut after a jury decided that Richard Raimondi, the driver of the sport-utility vehicle, was partially responsible for the accident on Interstate 880.

The couple’s SUV rolled over after Raimondi swerved to avoid debris in the road. Their attorneys argued that the vehicle’s high center of gravity and narrow width made it susceptible to roll-overs.

A Ford spokeswoman said the company is planning an appeal.