Safety of Toyota Vehicles Questioned After Recall

Toyota recently issued a recall of eight different models in their line of cars due to problems related to a gas pedal sticking and problems with floor mats, which are also being linked to the gas pedal problems. The recall involves at least 2.3 million of the Japanese auto maker's cars in the United States. Recently, there have also been a call from 2010 Prius owners to look at the breaks of the new vehicle, which is blamed for several accidents in Japan. The recalls are widespread and involve many cars that have been on the road for a while, including:

• Certain 2007-2010 Camrys
• Certain 2009-2010 Corollas
• Certain 2009-2010 RAV4s
• All 2009-2010 Matrix
• All 2005-2010 Avalons
• Certain 2010 Highlanders
• All 2007-2010 Tundras
All 2008-2010 Sequoias

The United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood even advised owners of recalled cars to not drive until the problem is fixed. In his testimony before a House Appropriations subcommittee on transportation, LaHood's advice to owners was to, "stop driving it. Take it to a Toyota dealer because they believe they have a fix for it." The proposed recall involves owners bringing in their cars to dealerships that have the correct part in stock to have part installed on their effect vehicle. This repair, which is estimated to take 30 minutes, can take months to complete for the millions of cars. Unfortunately for some, the fix comes too late to prevent the accidents that they have been involved in.

The problems for Toyota are the most severe safety incidents that have happened since 2000 when the Firestone Tires on Ford Explorers failed. Because of the number of vehicles that have been effected by the recall, and the death and injury claims that could be brought to the company, Toyota's potential liability could run in the billions of dollars. While there have been no proof thus far that anyone was injured by the stuck pedal, there has been confirmation that five people died because of the floor mat entrapment. Yet in 2009, Federal data shows that there were nearly 600 complaints of accelerators sticking in Toyota vehicles, which was a marked increase from previous years.

If you or a loved one has been in an accident that you think may be because of a vehicle defect such as a accelerator that sticks and would like to speak with an experienced attorneys at the McMinn Law Firm LLP, located in Austin, Texas, provide intelligent, resourceful and aggressive legal counsel on car accidents and Austin personal injury cases. When the outcome of your legal situation can depend on the quality of your legal counsel, it is important that you retain an accident attorney who is fully committed to safeguarding your rights and representing you in a court of law.