Elderly Driver's Truck Test Drive Leads to Amputation Lawsuit

A man lost both legs above the knee following a 2024 motorcycle crash and is now suing Kunes Country Auto Group. The lawsuit contends that the dealership and a salesman negligently allowed an elderly driver, whom they knew or should have known was physically unfit, to test drive a powerful heavy-duty RAM 1500 truck.

The plaintiff, Tanner Rennie, suffered life-altering injuries on July 8, 2024, when Laura Jenkins-Reffett, test-driving the truck from Kunes Sterling, turned left directly into his path. Rennie was wearing a bright safety shirt. The collision threw him from his motorcycle, trapping him beneath the truck, requiring emergency extraction.

Jenkins-Reffett, who was later found guilty of improper left turn and failure to yield, reportedly used a walker and wore glasses, appearing infirm. The suit claims Kunes had previously deemed her unfit for such a test drive but provided the keys nonetheless. The massive size and power of the RAM 1500 create operational challenges, necessitating careful driver assessment.

Rennie's medical bills total approximately $1.5 million. He is demanding a jury trial for damages exceeding $50,000. A case management conference is scheduled for September 14 in Whiteside County Circuit Court.