Ford Asserts That Hidden Recordings Reveal Misconduct in $2.5 Billion Rollover Verdict | Carscoops

      Ford claims there are recordings of jurors discussing the verdict from a prior F-150 rollover case, despite the judge's instructions against such discussions.

      On July 4, 2025, it was reported that Ford is seeking a new trial concerning a couple who suffered fatal injuries when their F-250 overturned.

      A court awarded $2.5 billion to the family of Debra and Herman Mills in February 2025. Ford now argues that recordings demonstrate jurors spoke about an earlier case, contrary to the judge's orders.

      The ongoing legal disputes stem from a deadly rollover incident involving a Ford Super Duty truck, as Ford contests the substantial verdict received last year. Five months after a jury mandated Ford to pay $2.5 billion to the Mills family for the deaths caused in one of its trucks, the company claims to have discovered new evidence that might justify a full retrial.

      In 2022, Debra and Herman Mills were killed when their F-250 rolled over, leading their family to successfully sue Ford on the grounds that stronger roof capabilities could have prevented the tragedy.

      Ford has introduced new claims regarding the evidence, while the plaintiffs counter these assertions.

      Following the verdict, Ford contended that the trial was biased because some jurors breached a clear directive from the judge to avoid discussing a specific topic: the verdict from a previous rollover case where Ford successfully overturned a $1.7 billion award to the plaintiffs.

      Now, Ford asserts it possesses recordings evidencing those juror discussions, suggesting these exchanges may have influenced the jury's decision. However, the plaintiffs argue that Ford should have submitted these recordings earlier, before the March 14 deadline for filing a motion for a new trial, and assert that the recordings hold no real value.

      The plaintiffs maintain that any material from recordings made post-trial is simply hearsay and lacks the authority of sworn testimony. They also indicate that permitting a court to accept such recordings would create significant legal complexities. They note, “Once that bell is rung, it cannot be unrung.”

      Ford has faced accusations regarding inadequate roof strength in its F-series trucks since 2014 and was recently sued again in March after Steven Horn was killed when a wind gust overturned his F-350 and trailer. Although Horn's wife and daughter escaped the accident, the roof of the vehicle collapsed on him.

      The earlier $1.7 billion case involved the deaths of Melvin and Voncile Hill, who perished after a tire blew out, causing their F-250 to roll over three times. Ford has appealed that verdict, asserting evidence that Mr. Hill had requested an incorrect tire installation from Pep Boys and that the court should have allowed evidence regarding the Hills allegedly tucking their seatbelts under their arms. The Georgia Appeals Court annulled the jury's $1.7 billion verdict and judgment, and both parties will undergo a new trial.