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TOYOTA CRASHES
Posted by: Darrell Castle
February 05, 2010
Topic: Personal Injury
What caused Toyota, for many years the gold standard of reliability and quality control, to have so many problems with crashes, sudden acceleration, catastrophic injuries, and deaths? According to Ralph Nader, consumer advocate and former Presidential candidate, Toyota should carry much of the blame for its complacency and loss of control over quality control. Nader asserts the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) must also shoulder its share of the blame. "NHTSA has conducted at least six investigations into Toyota's gas pedal problem in the past several years and closed them with no actions. The agency has refused to subpoena any tests and other information from the company...NHTSA has never issued a mandatory safety standard for gas pedals."
Many lawsuits have been filed against Toyota resulting from sudden acceleration crashes but one filed in Genesee, County Michigan alleges that Toyota and one of its suppliers, Denso, a Japanese firm, were negligent in manufacturing an electronic throttle control system in Camrys and other Toyota models. Toyota said that it had found no problems with its throttle control system, which it began using in 2002. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has said that federal regulators will "continue to look" into whether Toyota's electronic systems pose a safety concern.
Is Mr. Nader correct in his assertion that NHTSA is negligent and bares part of the responsibility for all the crashes and deaths? Hopefully, time will tell who is responsible and who should compensate the families of the victims. In the meantime, if you have been injured in a sudden acceleration crash seek legal advice immediately.
