Toyota Recall Accident Lawyer News: Toyota President Blames Communication, Not Defective Vehicles, for Crisis

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 20, 2010

In a surprise statement to market analysts April 7, the chairperson of the Toyota Company, Mr. Akio Toyoda, indicated he feels “communications,” not defective vehicles, were to blame for the current situation in which Toyota finds itself. Toyota is experiencing a recall of over 8 million vehicles, many reports of sudden or unintended acceleration by Toyota drivers and intense scrutiny from government officials including congressional panels and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Toyoda’s statement seems to contradict what Toyota executives have been admitting for the last several months: that there is a problem with some Toyota vehicles. Otherwise, why recall vehicles at all? And why offer to fix them, as Toyota has, promising not only reinforced brake pedals, but a brake over-ride system on some vehicles? On the face of it, Toyoda’s statement, in which he thanked loyal customers for supporting the company through the current crisis, makes no sense. Toyoda claimed the company has been a victim of “negative reporting,” a claim widely resorted to by those who find themselves in the public spotlight for less than favorable reasons.

Recent sales numbers for Toyota do seem to bear out Toyoda’s assertion that the company will survive its current situation and make an economic comeback, but with Toyota stockholders building a class action suit against the company for the dramatic drop in its stock price, it seems likely that Toyota vehicle owners will want reimbursement as well.

In addition, the government is still exploring possible safety issues with Toyota’s electronic throttle systems. If the NASA scientists called in to inspect the vehicles find anything less than stellar safety engineering, there will be more for embattled Toyota executives to deal with. The U.S. Department of Transportation has fought claims that it gave Toyota too long of a leash on safety issues, and consumer groups are continuing to look at how Toyota responded to the safety issues that are now front and center in the auto industry and mainstream media.

Toyota Recall Injury Attorney News: Options for Drivers

Toyota vehicle owners are left with the problem of what to do with vehicles that have been recalled or otherwise stigmatized. In an auto market where much of a vehicle’s value is subjective, drivers may have a hard time divesting themselves of their Toyota cars and trucks. There’s also the risk to consider: dozens of fatalities have been reported related to the Toyota recall, and many more injuries happen on the roads when Toyota drivers experience unintended acceleration. If you have been injured due to a recalled or defective Toyota, call the law offices of Orlando Toyota recall accident lawyer James O. Cunningham. This Central Florida Toyota auto accident attorney team can help owners of these vehicles seek compensation if a safety problem involved in the massive recall ends in injury or fatality. Call 888-425-2004 or use the contact form for a speedy response on your Toyota recall auto accident injury claim.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.