Earlier this week, Toyota Motor Corporation and the survivors of the late CHP Officer Mark Saylor reach a confidential settlement in the California wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the tragic crash that claimed the life of Saylor, his wife, daughter and brother-in-law. The accident drew national attention to the issue of sudden acceleration and prompted Toyota to recall millions of vehicles due to defective parts.
Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed around the country as a result of the problems experienced with Toyota vehicles. In addition to personal injury and wrongful death claims, many lawsuits allege consumer issues based on the vehicles depreciated value.
In many cases involving car accidents that occur as the result of defective parts, more than one party may be at fault. In the accelerator defect cases, injured parties have asserted claims against both the manufacturer and various dealerships.
Although a settlement was reached with Toyota, the company has not publicly admitted fault. Further, the lawsuit will continue against Bob Baker Lexus, the dealership that installed an ill-fitting mat that may have contributed to the injury.
Despite the settlement of this case, thousands of lawsuits are pending in courthouses throughout the country. Further, questions still remain for Toyota such as when were they first aware of the potential for sudden acceleration and whether they acted quickly enough to warn of the unreasonably dangerous condition created by the defect.
As a California personal injury attorney concerned about safety, I believe that negligent car manufacturers and distributors must be held accountable for their actions in placing cars with dangerous and defective parts on California roadways. Hopefully, paying substantial verdicts and settlements will serve as a deterrent to future companies who place profits over safety.
For more information, or if you have been in an auto accident either as the result of a defective car part or otherwise, please contact the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette, dedicated to helping the injured throughout California.