A tragic accident has led to a lawsuit against multiple parties, alleging negligence and wrongful death. Joyce Cooper filed the complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, on July 10, 2024, against Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC d/b/a Firestone Complete Auto Care, Lithia Moon-V, LLC d/b/a Volkswagen of Moon Township, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
The case centers around the untimely death of Luke T. Cooper on March 22, 2023. According to the complaint, Luke was driving his mother's 2019 Volkswagen Jetta when he lost control of the vehicle on Interstate 79 due to hydroplaning. The vehicle struck a guardrail that failed upon impact, leading to fatal injuries for Luke. The plaintiff alleges that Bridgestone's improper tire installation contributed significantly to the accident. "Bridgestone’s actions contradict well-known industry practices," states the complaint, emphasizing that tires with more tread should always be placed on the rear axle to prevent hydroplaning.
Joyce Cooper also holds Volkswagen of Moon Township accountable for their previous maintenance services on the Jetta. The lawsuit claims that they failed to identify and rectify dangerous conditions related to tire wear and placement during multiple service visits between June 2020 and October 2021. Furthermore, PennDOT is accused of neglecting proper roadway maintenance and failing to address hazardous conditions like standing water and poor drainage on Interstate 79.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages exceeding $50,000 from each defendant for negligence resulting in wrongful death and survival action claims. Additionally, punitive damages are sought against Bridgestone for what is described as "reckless indifference" towards known safety standards.
Representing Joyce Cooper are attorneys Benjamin J. Baer and David J. Langsam from Injury Law Partners and Jason M. Schiffman from Schiffman Firm LLC. The case is filed under Docket No. GD-24- in front of an unspecified judge.