Toyota Motor Corporation has agreed to pay a $17.35 million fine after they failed to notify the federal government of a safety defect involving floor mat pedals early last year. Federal law requires manufacturers to notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of such defects within five business days of discovering it.
Prompt notification of any defect in a vehicle that could cause serious or fatal injuries is critical. It wasn’t until June 2012, that
This isn’t the first time Toyota has faced civil penalties, in 2010, they paid a $48.8 million fine stemming from:
- sticky pedals;
- steering relay rod recalls; and
- pedal entrapment.
Liability Stemming from a Vehicle Defect
Vehicle defects can impact parts that are potentially dangerous to occupants, such as tires, seatbelts, steering, and brakes. Depending on the circumstances of your case, various parties could be liable. In some situations there may be more than one party responsible for resulting injuries.
Examples of parties that could be liable in a claim stemming from a vehicle defect include:
- car dealerships;
- automakers;
- parts manufacturers;
- automotive repair shops;
- suppliers; and
- shippers.
Any part of the distribution chain, from the time the vehicle or parts was manufactured until it was sold, could potentially be liable for damages depending on the specific circumstances.
Contacting a Defective Products Attorney in
Defective vehicles or parts generally stem from design flaws or improper manufacturing. If you or a loved one has sustained serious or fatal injuries, a product liability claim may be filed. Contact an attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates in
