News for Milwaukee Toyota Drivers
Settlement negotiations begin for wrongful death and other issues
On behalf of Milwaukee personal injury attorney Ric Domnitz of Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. posted in Wrongful Death on Monday, December 23, 2013.
When anyone gets into a vehicle, they trust the vehicle will operate properly. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Vehicle malfunctions can lead to serious injury and even death. Milwaukee residents might be interested to learn that Toyota is entering into settlement talks after a four-year legal battle with consumers who allege unintended vehicle acceleration issues.
Millions of vehicles were recalled over the acceleration problems since 2009. Almost 400 state and federal lawsuits are still pending against the vehicle manufacturer. Next month, intense settlement talks are slated to start. Any case that isn’t resolved after a two-stage mediation will head to a jury trial.
Less than two months ago, a jury awarded a total of $3 million to an injured driver and the family of a passenger who suffered a fatal injury in an accident involving a 2005 Toyota Camry. This case was the first case that went to a jury that Toyota lost, so it is proving to be a significant case. Prior to this, Toyota won jury trials by blaming the driver of the vehicle. The auto manufacturer’s representation argued that the unintended acceleration was caused by gas pedals stuck under floor mats, among other reasons. In the recent case, the plaintiff’s representation argued that the vehicle’s software was faulty. Jurors found that likely, especially considering the skid marks that proved the driver was trying to brake.
When a vehicle malfunction results in injury or death, seeking compensation for injuries, pain, suffering or final expenses might be possible. Seeking advice from an experienced Milwaukee personal injury legal professional might help you to navigate through the lengthy and complex legal proceedings.
Source:
WXOW, “Toyota to enter settlement negotiations” Gillian Flaccus, Dec. 13, 2013
If you were injured in a car accident due to an auto defect, contact a Milwaukee personal injury attorney with Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C.