Skip to Main Content.

Automotive & Recreational Vehicle Litigation

For more than 30 years, our experienced trial lawyers have defended some of the world’s most prominent automotive and recreational product manufacturers in hundreds of cases across the country and globally. We excel at defending claims involving design defects, inadequate warnings, vehicle rollovers, negligence and breach of warranty, among others. We also know how to effectively cross-examine expert witnesses to draw out their theories, persuade judges and juries, and maximize favorable results. Our team utilizes our experience and resources to develop creative solutions for each client based on a thorough understanding of the product itself and the specific laws and circumstances at issue in each case.

Key Contacts

A smiling person wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and striped orange tie with a professional headshot style background.
Jeffrey J. Mortier

Partner

Indianapolis, IN

A smiling person in a pinstripe suit and white shirt.
Kevin C. Schiferl

Partner

Indianapolis, IN

A smiling man wearing a suit with a blue tie and a red patterned shirt.
Randall R. Riggs

Partner

Indianapolis, IN

A smiling individual in professional attire with a white background.
D. Christopher Robinson

Partner

Louisville, KY

Learn More

Powered by Knowledge

Our team has a deep understanding of the highly technical aspects of recreational products and a stable of key experts who can be called upon at trial to provide analysis on the following matters:

  • Stability and handling
  • Warnings
  • Brakes
  • Steering components
  • Fuel system integrity
  • High speed wobble
  • Throttle
  • Leg protection
  • Operator misuse/negligence
  • Metallurgy
  • Product too powerful
  • Electrical systems
  • Post-collision fires
  • Off throttle steering
  • Jet boat/orifice injury claims
  • Children’s recreational products
  • Wheel integrity

Our Experience

Recent examples of our work include:

  • Defends numerous international automobile and motorcycle manufacturers in product liability and personal injury claims.
  • Serves as national counsel for manufacturers of safety restraint systems in product liability actions
  • Serves as national coordinating trial counsel for major automotive manufacturer in fatality and rollover cases.
  • Served as the Defense Liaison for all defendants in the Ford-Firestone multidistrict litigation based in Indianapolis, IN.
  • Appointed by a Fortune 500 client to a team of settlement specialists attempting to resolve major nationwide claims involving a high-profile recalled product.
  • Defend helicopter engine manufacturer.
  • Represent insureds of major aviation insurer.

Related Insights

Row of Falling Domino Stones Stopped by Red Domino Stone Over Black Background, Risk Management, Intervene or Prevention Concept, 3d Rendering
Fourth Circuit Rejects Equitable Estoppel Defense in Insurer Indemnity Dispute

March 3, 2025 | Publications

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company v. Atain Specialty Insurance Company, 2025 WL 212105, 126 F.4th 301...

A blurry perspective of a hospital corridor with clinical blue tones and a figure in the distance.
Texas Court of Appeals Holds that COVID-19 Does Not Constitute Physical Loss Under All-Risk Policy

February 24, 2025 | Publications

Lloyd’s Syndicate 1967 v. Baylor Coll. of Med., 2025 WL 309722 (Tex. App. Jan. 28, 2025) In yet an...