Paul Walker: Late Actor's Daughter Files Lawsuit Against Porsche for Wrongful Death

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by CHRISP357

Yes, that darn Porsche! How dare they sell us what we want and demand, instead of protecting us from ourselves?

I think you're missing my point. It's not an issue of protecting us from ourselves.
It's simply a reminder that if a company chooses to sell a full blown racing car for road car use (by amateurs), then a business executive must be fully prepared for the fatality that will occur (not if). And since these are public roads then you must also take into account that someone with more wallet than driving skill may end up killing the mom in a Honda on her way to work. These are all huge risks that you take with your brand when you make a decision like that. A decision that was made even after Walter Rohrl said the car made his very experienced hands turn white (aka a red flag). It's like the guy who announces to everyone that he's decided to roll the dice and decides to stop paying for home insurance because it will be more profitable for him in the short term. The next week a tree crashes into his bedroom while he's asleep. Don't act so surprised when it predictably goes the other way.

[DarkStar]

But the GT is sold to the General Public... And its not a full blown race car. the 919 is a full blown race car. Its just like any other Ferrari or Lamborghini Sold to the rest of the public. In fact, you'll never see a stock GT in a legit race against actual race cars. And Paul Walker knew what he was doing, he was a car enthusiast. He had a car collection. He liked speed. And the results would have happened either way. The wreck was done at around 100mph... I've done 140 Easilly in my Boxster, Its not a Race Car. I've done 167MPH in my Old Mitsubishi. Its not a race car. Toyota Supra's are well known for cruising speeds of 200mph, They aren't Race Cars.

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

I think you're missing my point. It's not an issue of protecting us from ourselves.
It's simply a reminder that if a company chooses to sell a full blown racing car for road car use (by amateurs), then a business executive must be fully prepared for the fatality that will occur (not if). And since these are public roads then you must also take into account that someone with more wallet than driving skill may end up killing the mom in a Honda on her way to work. These are all huge risks that you take with your brand when you make a decision like that. A decision that was made even after Walter Rohrl said the car made his very experienced hands turn white (aka a red flag). It's like the guy who announces to everyone that he's decided to roll the dice and decides to stop paying for home insurance. The next week a tree crashes into his bedroom while he's asleep. Don't act so surprised when it predictably goes the other way.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by DarkStar

But the GT is sold to the General Public... And its not a full blown race car. the 919 is a full blown race car. Its just like any other Ferrari or Lamborghini Sold to the rest of the public.

But unlike "any" Ferrari or Lamborghini, the Carrera GT was never intended to be a road car. That was more of "accident" (pun intended) and Porsche had no choice but to scrap the race car project (with Footwork F1 engine) and make it a car show novelty attraction. When they did decide to sell this racing car to the public they had a simple decision to make about adding a traction control switch, particularly for wet weather, as Rohrl already made it abundantly clear to them that the car was a lethal mix of unpredictable and unforgiving. But they didn't listen and now they're getting sued. Seriously who is surprised by any of what has come since...

Originally Posted by DarkStar

The wreck was done at around 100mph... I've done 140 Easilly in my Boxster, Its not a Race Car. I've done 167MPH in my Old Mitsubishi. Its not a race car. Toyota Supra's are well known for cruising speeds of 200mph, They aren't Race Cars.

Sure but I don't think you've hit triple digits on a regular street. If you have, you might be insane.
And the Boxster, even the new one, or any Mitsubishi never made Walter Rohrl's face turn white.
Point being when you have a car with those terrifing characteristics that can hit 100 mph on a public street in an eye blink, it's quiet different
than doing 100 mph on the highway.

[DarkStar]

My stupidity of speeding is my fault. Yes the 167 was on public streets, and I luckily didn't harm anyone or myself in the process. But it was only myself to blame.

Guns Kill People. Spoons make People Fat. The user is not at fault... yeah ok.

This is wreckless driving. Nothing more. Now if this was like the problem with the Prius and the throttle got stuck, then the manufacture is at fault. But I am positive the GT was sold even to Paul Walker with the warnings " please obey all traffic laws" like every car or bike is sold by.

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

But unlike "any" Ferrari or Lamborghini, the Carrera GT was never intended to be a road car. That was more of "accident" (pun intended) and Porsche had no choice but to scrap the race car project (with Footwork F1 engine) and make it a car show novelty attraction. When they did decide to sell this racing car to the public they had a simple decision to make about adding a traction control switch, particularly for wet weather, as Rohrl already made it abundantly clear to them that the car was a lethal mix of unpredictable and unforgiving. But they didn't listen and now they're getting sued. Seriously who is surprised by any of what has come since...



Sure but I don't think you've hit triple digits on a regular street. If you have, you might be insane.
And the Boxster, even the new one, or any Mitsubishi never made Walter Rohrl's face turn white.
Point being when you have a car with those terrifing characteristics that can hit 100 mph on a public street in an eye blink, it's quiet different
than doing 100 mph on the highway.

[pony13ca]

This is wreckless driving. Nothing more. Now if this was like the problem with the Prius and the throttle got stuck, then the manufacture is at fault. But I am positive the GT was sold even to Paul Walker with the warnings " please obey all traffic laws" like every car or bike is sold by.[/QUOTE]

I think the heart of the claim is that Porsche faulty design stopped Paul from being able to get out of the car, once his friend crashed the car. And that their faulty design contributed to the car burning up in the first place. I don't know if this ever sees a court room, but I would bet that this young lady will get some money out of it!

[DarkStar]

Originally Posted by pony13ca

but I would bet that this young lady will get some money out of it!

Oh no doubt.

[pony13ca]

I posted this story this morning. Went to the dealer this afternoon, and ran into this. I've never seen one live before today.

[new2bxstr]

Was reading Jalopnik piece on the lawsuit and this comment about Boxster safety (or the lack thereof) from a side impact gave me the shivers. Looks like a person's shoulder would be destroyed in a side impact.

Link to the comment: Paul Walker's Daughter Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Porsche

Pic of Boxster roll cage area:

[DarkStar]

I've seen one, in the Local Cruise Spot Sonic Drive Thru. Getting Food! The local "V12 Family" has one. Parked next to their Ferrari's and Lamborghinis'.

Its not the first death due to negligence. And deaths have even occurred on a closed track, with fire and ems teams standing by. Its the risk we all take when we get behind the wheel, whether its on public roads or on a closed course. Race car or Mini Van.

I agree that if the driver was doing the speed limits, this wreck wouldn't have happened. But lets say it did, Your doing 45mph and lose control... Your not hitting the wall or pole at 90mph. Your chances of survival are much greater. Might not want to live after totaling your toy. But the risks were known.

If the lawyers of Porsche can't argue any of this, they need new lawyers.

Where's the lawsuit for Porsche Girl? I unfortunately have seen the photos from that. And it haunts me. And is always in the back of my mind.

[Benitom]

Two of the tires were over nine years old...case closed

[DarkStar]

Originally Posted by Benitom

Two of the tires were over nine years old...case closed

Doesn't explain the car randomly falling on multiple helpless people breaking legs lol

[DarkStar]

http://www.carbuzz.com/m/Article.aspx?Id=29553&utm_source=3

Porsche Responds.