Case in point: Toyota sudden acceleration recalls. Chicago Toyota sudden acceleration lawyers have noted in recent weeks several news stories and press releases documenting Toyota’s culpability in failing to correct these lethal motor vehicle defects. As car companies ignore car owner complaints, and federal and state regulators turn a blind eye, the civil justice system — product liability litigation — remains as the last line of defense to deter manufacturers from cutting corners and endangering public safety.
This argument was recently made by Mark Robinson and Kevin Calcagnie in their Opinion article, “Why We Need Trial Lawyers.” The authors note recent “demonizing” of trial lawyers in calls for “tort reform” as part of the health care reform debate. However, they argue that “product-liability litigation has become an ever more important means of keeping consumers safe.”
Again, in keeping with the recent Toyota sudden acceleration defect recall, the LA Times reported that, based on its review of federal records pursuant to a Freedom of Information Request, there were 2,600 Toyota and Lexus car owner complaints of sudden acceleration from 2000 to 2010. Furthermore, CBS reported that Toyota was aware that its sudden acceleration defects were related to computer software, not to floor mats, as far back as 2005.
However, neither Toyota nor federal regulators did anything to prevent the problem until enough people started dying. Now, Toyota will be held accountable by product liability attorneys in a court of law.
Our Chicago injury attorneys will continue to fight on behalf of public health and safety. Those who are most severely injured or killed do not have as powerful a voice when compared to organized lobbyists of manufacturers, big business and the insurance industry. However, we strive to give those individuals and families a voice.
For a free consultation with a top-rated Chicago personal injury lawyer with Passen & Powell, call us at (312) 527-4500.