Driver Claims 2008 Toyota Prius Went Wild on Freeway

2008 Toyota Prius

The Today Show’s Matt Laurer reports on a driver’s claim that his 2008 Prius went wild on the California freeway prompting a frantic 911 call.  The Toyota Prius was not one of those recently recalled by Toyota, although some Prius models have been.  Watch the responding police officer and the frantic driver talk about his efforts to hit the brakes to slow the car, without success.

Click this link to watch the video of the Today Show report.

Class Action Lawsuits Could Cost Toyota Billions

More Trouble for Toyota

MSN reports on an AP article documenting the recent spate of lawsuits against the automaker by consumers who claim their vehicles have decreased in value since the massive recall ordered last fall.  At least 89 class action  lawsuits have been filed around the country.  Experts believe such lawsuits could ultimately cost Toyota 3+ Billion, yes billion, dollars.  This does not include those lawsuits claiming personal injury or death from defects.

The consumers allege that Toyota knew about safety problems but hid those problems from consumers who purchased their cars.  They site to recent decisions by such companies as Kelly Blue Book to reduce the resale value on recalled vehicles by 3.5 percent.  While this is not much, with an estimated 6 million recall victims, a certified class getting just $500 per member could reach into the billions.

Toyota of course denies that a vehicle will depreciate much if repaired quickly at no cost, which they offer.  However, the issue still remains over whether or not Toyota has identified the problem of sudden acceleration.  Toyota continues to deny that electronic computer controls are to blame, but car owners continue to complain of sudden acceleration after the vehicles have been repaired.  You can read the entire article, here.

Veil of Secrecy Surrounds Toyota Black Boxes

More Trouble for Toyota

The AP reported on Toyota’s efforts to block access to black box information that could explain crashes blamed on sudden unintended acceleration.  The AP investigation found that Toyota was inconsistent and even contradictory in revealing what the black boxes record.  According to the report; “Toyota’s “black box” information is emerging as a critical legal issue amid the recall of 8 million vehicles by the world’s largest automaker. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said this week that 52 people have died in crashes linked to accelerator problems, triggering an avalanche of lawsuits.”

You can read the entire article recapping the AP’s investigation here.

I previously posted on Toyota’s problems back in mid-February.  At that time, I posted that more information was likely to come to light before Toyota’s problems faded from public view.  Looks like I was correct.  Toyota’s public image has certainly taken a hit.  Not only should we question Toyota’s reputation as an automaker who makes better more dependable cars, but perhaps more importantly, its reputation as an automaker that makes safer ones as well.

I’ll make another prediction.  Before this issue is over, embarrassing evidence will come to light showing that Toyota has known about the problem of sudden acceleration for years, but that it has tried to hide the problem from regulator’s and customers for some time.  Stop back by for results on my prediction in the weeks to come.

Courier Journal Article Highlights Winters & Yonker Case

Kentucky Lawyers Defendants in Lawsuit

The Courier Journal has written an article on the lawsuit recently filed by a former client against Winters & Yonker.  The article looks in depth at the claim made by Sharon Langford.  The article focuses on the relationship between the law firm and the medical providers who treated Ms. Langford and the potential conflicts of interest that arise.  You can read the entire article here.

According to the Federal Government 34 “Deaths” Alleged in Toyotas Since 2000

Toyota's Acceleration Problems Lead to Deaths

The Lexington Herald’s Kentucky.com reported on consumer data gathered by the federal government revealing 34 deaths linked to sudden acceleration in Toyotas since 2000.  Complaints related to acceleration in vehicles have surged in since Toyota’s recalls were announced.  According to the article:

The new complaints reflect the heightened awareness of the massive recalls among the public and underscore a flurry of lawsuits on behalf of drivers alleging deaths and injuries in Toyota crashes. Three congressional hearings are planned on the Toyota recalls.

In the past three weeks, consumers have told the government about nine crashes involving 13 alleged deaths between 2005 and 2010 due to accelerator problems, according to a NHTSA database. The latest reports are in addition to previous complaints from consumers that alleged 21 deaths from 2000 to the end of last year.

According to Toyota spokeswoman Martha Voss the company takes, “all customer reports seriously and will, of course, look into new claims.” According to Voss, Toyota was taking steps to improve quality control and investigate customer complaints more aggressively.

You can read the entire article here.

The data by the federal government suggests that Toyota knew or should have known of acceleration problems as far back as 2000, yet waited until recently to issue a massive recall of vehicles.  This has led the federal government to question Toyota’s commitment to safety and has shed light on its secretive corporate culture that encourages quiet design changes each model year over embarrassing public recalls.  While this corporate climate may have allowed Toyota to gain market share over the past decade, it has turned into a public relations nightmare with no sign of letting up any time soon.  More embarrassing information is likely to come to light before this issue fades.  Whether it will have a long term impact on Toyota’s reputation is yet to be seen.

Two Pedestrians, Including One Teen, Killed While Crossing Streets

Pedestrians At Risk

Two pedestrians, including one teen, were struck and killed by separate cars in Lexington, Kentucky.  It appears that both accidents may have happened at night or at times of low visibility.  No information existed on whether the accidents occurred at intersections or crosswalks or in low lighted areas.  One of the drivers faces pending criminal charges for hit and run.  No criminal charges were reported in the other accident.

I recently reported on the Louisville area’s poor ranking for pedestrian accidents.  These recent accidents show that pedestrian fatalities continue to be a concern.  However, the most striking result of the Courier Journal’s article is not the discussion on ways to improve the situation, but instead the discussion on who was to blame for the accidents.  I heard many comment that since they had observed pedestrians crossing traffic illegally at one time or the other, the pedestrians were to blame.  This argument is similar to comments I hear when the subject of bicycle fatalities arises.

Blaming the victims of these terrible accidents does nothing to reduce the likelihood of their occurrence.  Each accident is different and when it comes to blame, experience tells me there is plenty to go around.  While the lack of a citation may evidence a lack of criminal responsibility, it does not mean the accident was the pedestrian’s fault.  In fact, the driver may still face civil liability for the accident.

We have all experienced a situation where a pedestrian did not exercise the best judgment concerning where to cross, the type of clothing to wear, or the proper respect to show an oncoming car.  However, that fact alone does not excuse drivers from exercising caution or doing their best to keep a proper lookout for pedestrians.  This is true whether or not the pedestrian is exercising judgment for their own safety.  Ultimately, nothing will reduce these accidents, if pedestrians and drivers fail to respect each other’s right to use the roadway.

Weather and Rush Hour Traffic Cause Two More Accidents

Weather a Big Contributor of Accidents

I came across two more accidents this morning involving rush hour traffic and tractor trailers. This time, however, weather also appears to be a factor. The first accident happened when a car turned left in front of another on Taylor Blvd. The second was reported by the Courier Journal and involved a tractor trailer and SUV on I-65 at hospital curve earlier this morning.

Both occurred during rush hour traffic, when traffic is at its heaviest. One involved a tractor trailer on the Interstate. Weather most likely contributed to both. Anyone driving long enough has at one time or the other noticed the difficulty in driving when weather conditions are bad. Rain, sleet, snow, and other moisture impair visibility, reduce tire traction, and decrease reaction time. It’s not too surprising that given today’s conditions that several accidents happened.

Be sure when driving during rush hour traffic that you drive defensively and take into consideration the amount and flow of traffic. Most drivers know that driving fast or being impatient does nothing to decrease the time they spend in rush hour traffic. When weather conditions are bad, particularly during rush hour, even more caution should be used. Be sure that the path is clear and that visibility is not impaired before assuming it’s safe to turn or enter traffic. Give yourself more time to make maneuvers because roads and other surfaces are slick. Reduce your speed and exercise even more caution. The few extra seconds you spend beats the time, money, and injuries incurred in an accident.

Remember, if you’ve been injured due to someone’s failure to exercise care in bad weather conditions, you have a right to compensation for your injuries. If so, you should seek the services of a qualified Kentucky Accident Attorney.

Fatigue Blamed in I-71 Accident Involving Tractor-Trailer

Fatigue Common Cause of Tractor Trailer Accidents

Police have determined that the driver of a semi-tractor trailer involved in a one truck accident on I-71 in Carrolton fell asleep immediately prior to the accident.  The accident shutdown the northbound lanes for eight hours.  The driver suffered only minor injuries.  The Courier Journal has the specifics, here.

Of course, the driver and other cars using the roadway were fortunate only the tractor trailer was involed.  The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) estimates that truck driver fatigue may be a factor in over 1/3 of large truck accidents.  If you are driving on the Interstates or large highways where tractor trailers are common there is a good chance you may be involved in an accident resulting from driver fatigue.  If you are involved in such an accident and need an attorney, make sure you retain one experienced in handling these types of cases and the companies who defend them.

Text injury411 to 50500 for Immediate Access to Kentucky Accident Attorney.

Txt injury411 to 50500

The Brutscher Law Office is now available from your mobile phone.  If you’ve been in an a car accident, truck accident, or motorcycle accident, or if you need quick access to a Kentucky accident attorney, simply text the words injury411 to 50500.  Information from the Brutscher Law Office will be sent directly to your phone.  Avoid the hassle of searching for a lawyer’s number to call. You can add our information directly into your contacts and call us if you have questions or need a Kentucky accident attorney.

The text is free, however, regular messaging rates may apply according to the contract with your mobile phone carrier.

Louisville Ranks Seventh Most Dangerous City for Pedestrians.

Pedestrians At Risk

The Louisville Courier Journal reports on the disturbing results reached in a report by the Transportation for America and Surface Transportation Policy Project.  The report ranked the 13 county Louisville and Southern Indiana area seventh most dangerous for walking.  The report concluded that the most dangerous areas are dominated by sprawling suburban developments that favor automobiles.

While many of the articles contributors considered the report concerning, there apparently wasn’t any agreement on what to do about it.  You can read the entire article discussing Louisville pedestrian injuries and deaths here.

Remember if you’ve been injured as a pedestrian as the result of a car, motorcycle, or truck accident you are entitled to the same rights of recovery as someone injured while driving a car.  Often, these injuries are more severe, since they lack the protection afforded by a car.  These injuries are often permanent and debilitating, requiring lengthy and expensive medical treatment.  You should seek the services of a qualified Kentucky accident attorney if you are a pedestrian struck by a car, motorcycle or truck to make sure your rights to recover for serious personal injury are protected.