Toyota Orders Lexus Dealers to Inspect Floor Mats after Deadly Crash
Four family members were killed near San Diego, CA on August 28, 2009 when the accelerator of the Lexus they were traveling in became stuck causing a loss of control. A California Highway Patrol officer was driving the vehicle when the floor mat snagged the gas pedal resulting in a runaway that reached 120 mph. The Lexus crashed into an SUV and then rolled and caught on fire.
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation determined that a mismatched all-weather rubber floor mat was being used rather than the one that normally belonged in the vehicle. In response, Toyota has ordered all of its approximately 1400 dealers nationwide to inspect for mismatched floor mats and to determine if mats in use are properly secured. Toyota recalled all-weather mats from some vehicles in 2007 after complaints of slippage that could trap the accelerator, but the August 28 crash did not involved those mats.
Those wishing more information on product liability law can email Louisville, Kentucky attorney Will Nefzger by clicking on this link: e-mail Will.
