Toyota Investigation – Drivers at Fault?

I’m sure many of you reading this are aware of the Toyota troubles with several models of their vehicles being recalled over alleged safety concerns. For those of you who are not aware of this, Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles after concerns were raised over faulty floor mats, accelerator pedals sticking when depressed, and braking and steering faults. It’s a story that has worried many Toyota owners; but apparently not affected their sales too much from what I’ve heard in other recent press!

But returning to the story at hand, it would appear preliminary investigations have illustrated some unexpected results. According to sources from the BBC, the investigation suggests that the data recorders in 58 cars involved in such incidents indicate that the brakes were not applied in 35 cases. Essentially, it is being suggested that driver error may have contributed to the “unintended acceleration” cases that are currently being reviewed with the US National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (US NHTSA).

So – are we looking at some form of a get out clause for Toyota? Or are we reading too much in to what is currently being described as “preliminary investigations” in to the incidents? The source does advise that the US NHTSA are “drawing no conclusions from the findings”. The article also states that this testing is just one small part of investigations in to the alleged safety flaws.

Toyota has been facing hundreds of lawsuits since the allegations were made.

This ongoing saga has been widely discussed over the months since its appearance. Although investigations appear to be ongoing, Toyota could be facing a huge backlash, as well as significant compensation payouts, if it is concluded that the vehicles in question were defective when sold.

All sellers and manufacturers of goods and services must ensure that their product or service is to a satisfactory and safe standard. If a product or service provided leads to persons being injured, then the companies are negligent and are liable to pay compensation to the victims that suffer.

It’s always best to seek advice from an independent firm of specialist personal injury lawyers for the right guidance on how to move forward with a claim. It’s important to chat to your prospective solicitor about what they can do to make your claim successful. Find out what the company is all about – never make any assumptions, and ask as many questions as you can to get the right idea if the firm you are speaking to are the firm for you!

Don’t be afraid to ask! The right lawyer will give you all the right answers!