Several weeks ago, Toyota submitted documents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicating that they knew about the problems related to sudden unintended acceleration in their vehicles as early as 2006, yet recalls for 8 million defective autos were not initiated for another 3 ½ years, until September 2009.
On February 7, 2006, Toyota received a report about a 2005 Prius regarding defective floor mats which caused the accelerator pedal to get lodged underneath the mat, leading to sudden unintended acceleration. The auto manufacturer learned of the defects causing accelerator pedals to stick several months later.
Toyota claims it did not act on these initial reports because the problem was not reproduced and no other reports were filed. Due to their slow response time and the fact that they knowingly hid a serious defect, the U.S. Transportation Department has fined Toyota $16.4 million.
If you have suffered a serious injury in an auto accident caused by sudden unintended acceleration in a defective Toyota, an experienced defective auto lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
To receive help with defective auto claim in the Los Angeles, California area, please contact the defective auto lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Written by Andrew Martin: professional blogger and guru of misfortune.
