We are currently investigating accidents resulting from the sudden unintended acceleration of certain Toyota vehicles. In one case we are handling, a 2008 Toyota Avalon accelerated without warning and crashed into an icy pond, killing all of the occupants inside.
WHAT IS SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION?
Sudden unintended acceleration occurs when a vehicle’s engine unexpectedly increases in power (revs up) and the vehicle accelerates without being commanded to do so by the driver.
WHICH TOYOTA VEHICLES ARE EXPERIENCING SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION?
Based on data compiled by Safety Research and Strategies, over 2,200 complaints of sudden unintended acceleration have been reported by Toyota and Lexus owners since 1999. And although all current Toyota models have had reports of sudden unintended acceleration, certain models have had a significantly higher number of reported incidents. The Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Prius, Sienna, and Tacoma models have accounted for the majority of the sudden unintended acceleration reports, with the Lexus ES, LS and RX models accounting for most of the remaining complaints.
DIDN’T THESE PROBLEMS GET FIXED WITH THE TOYOTA RECALL PROGRAM?
Once the sudden unintended acceleration reports became a national focus, Toyota recalled over 5.3 million vehicles under a claim of sticking gas pedals and floor mat entrapment. However, reports of sudden unintended acceleration have continued to occur even after these recalls have been performed. In fact, our client who was killed when his Avalon accelerated into the pond had his floor mats in the trunk of the car at the time of the accident.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FROM TOYOTA?
You should always return your vehicle to the dealership when you receive a recall notice so the dealership can address the issue they have found.
Roberts & Roberts is available to help you if you or someone in your family has been injured or killed because of sudden unintended acceleration.
