New Information Shows That Toyota Put Off Initial U.S. Recall
A series of emails between a former Toyota Vice President and another employee show that Toyota knew about the accelerator pedal problems long before a recall was issued in the U.S.
Last week, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, announced that the government was seeking to fine Toyota $16.4 million.
To read about the details of the $16.4 million dollar fine against Toyota please read our blog from last week.
The New York Times reported that Irving Miller sent an email to another Toyota employee stating that they needed to come clean about the accelerator problems and specifically noted the issues with the accelerator pedals.
There are over 70,000 pages of interviews and documents surrounding Toyota’s response to issuing recalls. Toyota issued the recall of floor mats in the fall, and did not issue a recall for the accelerator pedals until January.
James Lentz, the president of Toyota in the United States, stated that he was not aware of the accelerator issues until January. However, Toyota’s own documents show that the engineering department was aware of the problem as early as April 2009.
As this disaster continues to unfold, we have to ask why Toyota was willing to risk safety for all of its customers for almost 8 months before issuing a recall. What will it take for corporations to act ethically? The government will never be able to make laws around every loophole; it is the responsibility of companies, like Toyota, to make sure integrity and concern for their customers are the number one priority.
It is important to know how to protect your family and stay up to date on auto safety recalls. Being informed is the best way to prevent yourself from becoming the victim of a car accident due to an auto part defect.
This information and commentary is provided by Dallas/Fort Worth Personal Injury Lawyer Mark Anderson. The Anderson Law Firm can be reached in Dallas at 214-327-8000 or in Fort Worth at 817-294-1900. If you have questions about a car wreck that happened due to an auto part defect please fill out our contact form online for a free consultation.
