Eric bought a new snowmobile from the North Pole Manufacturing Company. After buying the machine, Eric then modified it in order to soup it up. In February, just after a snowfall, Eric was driving the snowmobile, when it tipped over, trapping him beneath it. His leg was severely burned. Eric now wants to sue North Pole for strict liability. Eric:
A) will likely win the suit, because of the faulty design of the snowmobile.
B) will likely lose the suit, because the machine has been altered since its manufacture.
C) has assumed the risk of using the snowmobile.
D) cannot sue the manufacturer, because horizontal privity is lacking.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

B) Eric will likely lose the suit because he modified the snowmobile after purchasing it. Modifications can alter the performance and safety of a product, potentially absolving the manufacturer of liability for injuries caused by the modified product.

Eric Bought a New Snowmobile from the North Pole Manufacturing