With Toyota announcing the third of its growing list of recalls this week, stories of accidents that may be attributed to the defects leading up to the recalls continue to pour in. With over seven million vehicles impacted by the recalls at this point, we can only imagine how many accidents and injuries will ultimately be linked to one of the three recalls. While we all applaud efforts to repair the defective parts, the recalls and subsequent repairs are coming a little too late for some who have already suffered horrific injuries as a result of traumatic accidents that may have been caused by one of the defective parts.
Take the recent news story from Louisville, Kentucky. On January 30th of this year, a Louisville man, identified as Todd Allen, was pulling into a parking lot with three other passengers in his vehicle – a 2010 Toyota Camry. According to Mr. Allen and his passengers, the vehicle suddenly, and for no apparent reason, accelerated at a high rate of speed. Mr. Allen attempted to brake but was unable to and ultimately the vehicle crashed violently over an embankment sending all the occupants to the hospital. Emergency medical services crews transported all four of the vehicle’s occupants to the hospital with the driver, Mr. Allen, being was taken to the intensive care unit of the hospital allegedly lacking feeling in his legs. It was noted that he might have sustained a spinal cord injury in the wreck. Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse damage to the spinal cord. Medical professionals can only attempt to minimize the damage at the scene of an accident and immediately upon arriving at the emergency room. Long term treatment may include medications, immobilizations, surgery and possible new, experimental treatments.
What makes this accident even more heartbreaking is that the vehicle that Mr. Allen was driving – a 2010 Camry – had just been recalled as part of Toyota’s second recall the week before. Mr. Allen indicated that he was not aware that his vehicle can been recalled. Mr. Allen is hardly alone. Accidents have continued to be reported months after the initial recall announced by Toyota back in October of 2009 as owners simply weren’t made aware that their vehicle was the subject of a serious safety recall. Additionally, many owners suffered injuries as a result of an accident before the recall was announced as well.
If you believe that you have suffered injuries as a result of an accident involving any of the numerous vehicles that have been recalled by Toyota, contact an experienced California personal injury and product liability attorney right away. Only an experienced attorney can investigate and evaluate your specific set of facts to determine if you have a valid claim. If you have suffered injuries as a result of someone else’ negligence, then you may be entitled to be compensated for those injuries.
If you have been involved in a car accident and would like an experienced attorney to evaluate your case, contact the law offices of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit us at www.ledgerlaw.com.
