A New Year’s Eve automobile crash in the area of Los Angeles, CA that killed five persons may have been caused by a faulty accelerator in a Toyota Yaris. The former editor and found of Consumer Affairs Magazine, in writing about the collision, noted that it was similar to an auto accident in 2012 when an off-duty CHP officer and his family died when their Lexus accelerated for no apparent reason.
The crash in L.A. occurred when a Toyota Yaris began to accelerate uncontrollably while traveling east on I-10. Unable to stop or slow the vehicle, the driver chose to exit at Vineyard Avenue. The Toyota struck another car that was traveling on Vineyard near the exit ramp. Four persons in the second vehicle died at the scene, and a seven-year-old boy who was riding in the out-of-control vehicle was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
One of the CHP officers investigating the crash told reporters that the driver of the Yaris, who survived the crash, did not appear to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Police also reported that the driver was cooperating fully with the investigation.
While no conclusions about the cause of this particular accident have been released by the police, the author of the article in Consumer News noted that Toyota is facing “hundreds of lawsuits” relating to accidents blamed on unintended acceleration. Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one in an automobile accident involving unintentional acceleration may wish to consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in such cases. A knowledgeable lawyer can provide an overview of the facts of the case, possible legal theories, and an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for medical expenses, lost income, loss of companionship and pain and suffering.
Source: Consumer Affairs, “‘Out-of-control’ Toyota acceleration blamed in California crash that killed five,” James R. Hood, Jan. 1, 2016
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