The intentional nondisclosure of unintended acceleration recalls by Toyota in 2009 and 2010 will lead the automaker to pay out $29 million in damages to over 29 states and one US territory after a recent settlement. The automaker may also pay up to five million more in order to reimburse owners for towing, taxi and car rental fees associated with the recall or accidents due to the defect if such claims are filed within one year. Other than monetary damages, the settlement also restricts Toyota’s future advertising, limiting their marketing to only those statements which have “sound engineering and scientific data to back up such claims.”
Toyota is confident in its ability to rebound from this recall and settlement, stating that: "Toyota has committed to take steps to make vehicle information more easily accessible to consumers to help them operate their vehicles safely and make more informed choices," said Toyota this past Thursday, "Toyota also agreed to continue other customer-focused initiatives, including its rapid-response service teams, its expanded network of product quality field offices across the U.S. and a range of customer-care amenities for owners of vehicles subject to certain recalls."
The 29 million dolllar settlement is the most recent in a series of rulings and penalties against the automaker, who was assessed a 48.8 million dollar penalty in 2010 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and a 10 million dollar wrongful death lawsuit that same year. In 2012 alone, Toyota has recalled over 5.33 million automobiles, eclipsing all other automobile manufacturers. If you drive a Toyota vehicle it is important that you review all recalls and stay informed regarding the potential dangers of not taking advantage of a recall. If you have any questions regarding your rights as a motorist and injury or damages suffered as a result of a Toyota vehicle, please contact an attorney.
About the Editors: The Shapiro Lewis Appleton & Favaloro personal injury law firm, whose attorneys work out of offices in Virginia (VA) and North Carolina (NC), edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, Eastern Shore Injuryboard, and Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service.
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