Charlie and Vanessa Jackson alleged Ford was negligent in not equipping their Explorer with laminated glass windows. Their son, Jeffrey Lloyd Jackson, died of injuries sustained when a speeding car hit the SUV from behind, sending it out of control.

The Explorer rolled three times, ejecting Jackson. He was not wearing a seat belt. Six other family members survived.

The Jackson's lawyers cited reports by Ford engineers that said laminated glass was safer than the tempered glass. The Explorer had tempered glass. Ford's lawyers cited evidence suggesting it would not have made a difference whether the glass was laminated or tempered. They said that the force of the vehicle's trajectory would have ejected Jeffrey Jackson anyway.

The trial began Nov. 2. Ford spokeswoman Kathleen Vokes said that she was not able to discuss the amount of last week's settlement, but noted that most lawsuits eventually settle. She said that plaintiffs sometimes are anxious to settle. Vokes said the accident was the fault of the other vehicle's driver. She also remarked that Jeffrey Jackson's injuries happened because he was not wearing a seat belt. 

Richard Denny represented the plaintiffs.