Ford settles seven Fla. lawsuits

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (May 1)—Ford Motor Co. has settled several tire-related lawsuits out of court, including two involving fatal rollover accidents. News reports said the total of settled cases is seven; a Ford spokeswoman couldn't confirm the number, but said the settlements were "nothing out of the ordinary. More than 90 percent of all lawsuits are settled out of court, and this is in line with that." Gary Pajcic, the plaintiffs' attorney in the cases, could not be reached for comment. He told the Associated Press, however, that he had about 10 cases still pending against Ford, and also has settled most of his tire cases against Bridgestone/Firestone.