Personal Injury Law

Toyota Faces $16.4 Million Government Fine

The U.S. government is proposing to fine Toyota Motor Corporation $16.4 million for improperly handling auto product defects involving faulty gas pedals, floor mats and brakes. So far, millions of vehicles have been recalled and nearly 100 deaths have been attributed to defects which caused sudden and unintended acceleration in several models of Toyota vehicles. The Washington Post reports the sanction would be the largest financial penalty ever placed on an auto manufacturer by the U.S. government. An even more significant issue for Toyota would be a potential civil class action suit representing the 6 million car owners whose vehicles have already been recalled.

So far, several internal documents and memos obtained by media outlets and the government have shown that Toyota knew about these serious products, but did nothing to fix them. On the other hand, the Japanese auto maker went to great lengths to make sure that no one found out about these defects. These defective autos have caused catastrophic injuries and deaths. No amount of money can bring back the deceased victims or give injured victims their life back.

If you have been injured due to Toyota sudden acceleration issues or brake defects, please contact a reputed New York City defective auto attorney with experience and a successful track record handling product liability cases against large auto makers. You may be able to seek compensation to cover your injuries, damages and losses. Please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP at 212-986-7353 to determine whether you have a product liability claim.

Full post as published by New York Injury Talk Blog on April 30, 2010 (boomark / email).