Toyota announced that it is recalling 2.3 million vehicles in the United States to correct problems with its accelerator pedals that can become stuck. These cars were sold nationwide, many in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The recall affects the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia. The attached announcement from Toyotal answers some of the questions concerning these models.
Toyota previously recalled 4.2 million vehicles over concerns that accelerator pedals could become lodged under floor mats, causing sudden acceleration. That problem was blamed for several crashes, including an accident involving a Lexus that accelerated to more than 120 mph before crashing in San Diego, killing four people.
Toyota said this latest recall is due to potential problems with the actual gas pedal mechanism itself, causing the accelerator to become stuck regardless of whether the vehicle contains a floor mat. Toyota said in certain rare cases, the gas pedal mechanism wears down, causing the accelerator to become harder to press, slower to return or, in some cases, stuck.
Toyota said the problem appeared to be related to the potential build-up of condensation on sliding surfaces in the accelerator system that helps drivers push down or release the gas pedal. Toyota, however, did not announce the solution for this problem.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a statement that the problem represents a serious safety issue and tnat immediate action should be taken.
Problems with gas pedals that "stick" for no apparent reason are often referred to as "unintended acceleration." It is not too hard to imagine the out-of-control situations which can result when an automobile continues to accelerate no matter what the driver does to the gas pedal. The bottom line: a car traveling at a high rate of speed without the ability to slow down or stop, will eventually become involved in an accident.
In these types of situation, the car's driver and passenger may suffer significant injuries or death. Florida law allows for product liability lawsuits against an automobile manufacturer where the defect is one that could have been prevented by the manufacturer during the design or manufacture of the car. Such lawsuits freqently involve catastrophic medical injuries or wrongful death.
With over 50 years of collective service to the South Florida community, the Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers at The Ben Law Firm have helped thousands of clients to obtain money compensation for their personal injury and wrongful death claims.
All of the firm's partners have received the prestigious "AV" rating from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, which is a recognition by their peers in the legal community that their practice meets the highest professional and ethical standards.
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