As Congress held hearings and members angrily wagged fingers at Toyota executives, some critics were pointing at the federal government as a key part of the problems enveloping the Japanese auto giant. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident because of a defect in a Toyota vehicle or another vehicle brand, contact a personal injury lawyer at 619.677.1641.
As Congress held hearings and members angrily wagged fingers at Toyota executives, some critics were pointing at the federal government as a key part of the problems enveloping the Japanese auto giant.
Vista, Calif. Rep. Darrell Issa co-chaired a hearing of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform addressing the recent recalls, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s handling of consumer complaints and oversight of automakers.
Oversight lacking
As lawmakers probed Toyota’s internal efforts to quash U.S. government investigations and its efforts to fix reported problems with sudden acceleration and braking in its cars, they also cast an increasingly skeptical eye toward the NHTSA.
When the agency receives consumer complaints about defects in vehicles, it opens an investigation in which its engineers conduct evaluations of the reported flaws. One of the problems Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has acknowledged is that only two of the agency’s 125 engineers are electronics engineers.
Complaints about Toyota vehicles have ranged from problems with floor mats, gas pedals that stick and brakes that fail. As a result, there have been widely publicized reports of crashes, injuries and more than 30 deaths nationwide. The automaker has recalled over eight million vehicles so far.
New safety laws looming
Agitated by consumer outrage over the failure of the highly regarded corporate culture of Toyota and the federal government’s own consumer watchdogs, lawmakers are threatening new legislation to prevent future safety scandals of this scope.
One proposal would require automakers to install data recorders in every vehicle — black boxes similar to those in airplanes — containing accident and performance data downloadable by regulators.
Toyota says recent models contain such devices, but admitted there’s only a single machine in the entire country capable of reading the boxes, and that a company representative must be present while the machine is operated.
Another legislative proposal would require new cars to have brake override systems; software ensuring that an engine’s throttle goes to idle whenever the brakes are deployed.
Congress will also consider empowering NHTSA with the authority to levy criminal penalties on automakers that delay safety recalls. The agency can currently assess civil penalties of up to $16.4 million, but it hasn't used this power since 2004.
Have you been affected by Toyota’s failures?
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a San Diego car accident because of a defect in a Toyota vehicle or another vehicle brand, contact a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case and help you use the law to protect yourself and your family.
Toyota Not The First Automaker on Treacherous Terrain
Toyota’s recall of floor mats, instead of addressing what was most likely electrical issues, raised concerns that Toyota was valuing income over customer safety. However, Toyota was not the first car manufacturer who placed importance on the dollar. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an automotive defect, call a California product liability attorney from the McClellan Law Firm at 619.677.1641.
Threat of Litigation Helps Ensure Defective Vehicles Are Fixed
Automotive defects can be very dangerous and increase accident rates significantly. These defects, such a Ford’s unsafe gas tank location and poor SUV design leading to car fires and rollovers, were not given much thought by the auto company until the threat of litigation faced them. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an automotive defect, call a California product liability attorney from the McClellan Law Firm at 619.677.1641.
Teen Drivers at High Risk for Car Accidents
Across the nation, lawmakers are imposing a variety of restrictions on teen drivers in the hopes of stemming high crash rates. Teens are at a higher risk for car accidents, which is due to not only inexperience, but also distractions like passengers and cell phones. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a car accident, call a California car accident attorney from the McClellan Law Firm at 619.677.1641.
