The couple from Dallas Texas who suffered crushing injuries as a result of the alleged cost cutting method used by John Eagle Collision Centre, also based in Dallas, has now dropped its case against State Farm insurance.
The American insurance powerhouse was originally part of a federal lawsuit, as the repairer claimed State Farm forced them to use glue in the repairs.
It has been indicated that the charges were dropped due to the delays it would place upon legal proceedings against John Eagle.
3M, whose adhesives were used in the botched repair, is now set to be included in the newly refiled lawsuit. What role 3M will play within the case has yet to be made public.
Matthew Seebachan, 33, and his 29-year old wife, Marcia, were trapped inside their used 2010 Honda Fit when the glued roof caused the car's structure to catastrophically collapse and catch fire in a car accident.
In the case against John Eagle Collision Centre, director Boyce Willis admitted that the company ignored Honda's repair specifications.
John Eagle's corporate representative further testified that the 3M 8115 adhesive, used in the repair process of the new roof, was used despite the fact that 3M has specifically stated that Honda does not permit the use of adhesives.
According to his testimony, the collision centre’s profits are considered to be more important than safety and that State Farm is able to 'trump' Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards to ensure the centre is paid.
"State Farm dictated to John Eagle how the car was to be repaired, i.e., to use adhesive rather than spot welding. Furthermore, State Farm can 'trump' the OEM (Honda) specifications because the repair facility needs to get paid."
John Eagle Collision Centre glued on a new metal roof to repair hail damage when Honda specified that the metal roof should be welded together, according to evidence filed in the lawsuit.
"John Eagle Collision Centre, by covering up its arrogant repair of using glue rather than following the manufacturer's body repair specifications and using welds just like Honda had done when they designed, developed, and tested the vehicle, created a time bomb that was waiting to explode," said Tracy Law vehicle safety lawyer, Todd Tracy.
The defective roof repair caused the car's safety cage to collapse and the fuel tank located below the driver's seat to rupture.
Matthew was subsequently trapped behind the wheel, remaining conscious, as flames burned his feet and lower legs before he was pulled from the wreckage by a motorist.
Another motorist rescued Marcia through the passenger window of the car.
Paint & Panel will continue to provide updates on this story as it unfolds.