Attorneys for Mavis Discount Tire filed a motion Wednesday to dismiss civil lawsuits lodged against the company in connection with the tragic limousine crash that killed 20 passengers in Schoharie two years ago.

Mavis lawyers argue that under state and federal law, service and repair stations are not liable to third parties, such as the passengers in the limousine. In response, an attorney for the families of those who died in the October 2018 crash told Spectrum News that Mavis was trying to avoid responsibility in the case.

The victims’ families allege that Mavis acted negligently by performing faulty brake repairs and an improper inspection on the 2001 Ford Excursion limousine, months before it was involved in the crash.

“Mavis claims that they did not owe a duty of care to properly perform repairs and other work on this limousine that made it a death trap, and in doing so they are further compounding the pain for all involved,” attorney Thomas Mortati said.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the victims of this tragic accident.  However, Mavis bears no legal responsibility for this tragedy and the events that led up to it, and we will defend ourselves vigorously against all claims," a Mavis spokesperson said in a statement. 

Prestige Limousine operator Nauman Hussain faces criminal charges and civil suits in the case. He is accused of allowing the vehicle on the road when it was ordered out of service by the state Department of Transportation.